Stylianos Antonarakis, MD

Doctor of Science
Director of the Division of Medical Genetics at the University of Geneva School of Medicine, Switzerland

Stylianos Antonarakis’ current work focuses on the genome, or the entire heredity of a human being. In particular, he is studying the molecular mechanism that causes Down syndrome and is considered an international expert on disorders of chromosome 21. He also studies the diagnostics and prevention of genetic disorders and the societal implications of genetics and genome research.

He is the originator of World Down Syndrome Day. Antonarakis and the University of Geneva, in collaboration with other institutions, plan to open the first “genome clinic” with the goal of sequencing the genome of 100,000 people in order to read their entire genetic code and trace gene variations.

Dr. Stylianos received his MD and DSc degrees from the University of Athens Medical School, specialized in pediatrics in Greece, then medical genetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine from 1983-1992. He moved to Geneva, Switzerland to chair genetic medicine at the University of Geneva and Hospital of Geneva. His laboratory participated in the Human Genome Project, with particular emphasis on chromosome 21.

“It is exciting that finally, there is an academic institute devoted to Down syndrome research and medical care.”

• About the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome
• In Memory of Dr. Linda Crnic
• Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Key Scientists
  • Huntington Potter, PhD
    • Alzheimer’s & Down syndrome research by Huntington Potter, PhD
  • Katheleen Gardiner, PhD
  • Tom Blumenthal, PhD
• Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Staff Members
• Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome: Mission, Vision and Values
• Scientific Advisory Board of the Linda Crnic Institute
  • Jeanne Lawrence, PhD
  • Kristi Anseth, PhD
  • Leslie Leinwand, PhD
  • Roger Reeves, PhD
  • Stylianos Antonarakis, MD
  • Thomas R. Cech, PhD