Primary tabs
Professor Michael Fenech is recognised internationally for his research in nutritional genomics and genetic toxicology. The lymphocyte cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay he developed is endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency for in vivo radiation biodosimetry and by the OECD for in vitro testing of chemical genotoxicity. He further developed the lymphocyte CBMN assay into a 'cytome' assay of six biomarkers of DNA damage and cytotoxicity and, in collaboration, established a similar method for buccal epithelial cells; both published in Nature Protocols. In 2003 Dr Fenech proposed the Genome Health Clinic concept, a novel ageing/disease prevention strategy based on personalised diagnosis and prevention of DNA damage by nutrition/lifestyle intervention. His research also explores DNA damage effects of psychological stress and personalised nutrition for dementia prevention and cancer growth control. He co-founded the HUMN project on micronuclei in human populations in 1997 and the Asia-Pacific Nutrigenomics Nutrigenetics Organisation in 2014. In 2018 he established the Genome Health Foundation to promote education, research and translation of knowledge on environmental and life-style factors that cause or prevent DNA damage. Since 2010 he has been invited speaker at 55 international conferences (9 plenary lectures). His Google Scholar H-index is 84 based on 31,000 total career citations.