Professor Sir John Burn obtained a first class honours degree in human genetics and an MD with distinction from Newcastle University, where he has been Professor of Clinical Genetics since 1991. He was appointed as a consultant specialist in Newcastle in 1984 and led the regional NHS Genetics Service for 20 years.
He helped to create the Centre for Life, which houses an education, and science centre alongside the Institute of Genetic Medicine. He was chair of Newcastle based DNA device company QuantuMDx Ltd for 10 years. In 2020 he stepped back to vice chair. Other former roles include President of the European Society of Human Genetics (2006-2007), Chair of the British Society for Genetic Medicine (2011-2013), Lead Clinician, Northern Strategic Health Authority (2010-2014) and Non-executive Director NHS England (2014-2018)
He was knighted in 2010 and chosen as one of the first 20 'local heroes' to have a brass plaque on Newcastle Quayside in 2014. He received the Living North award in 2015 for services to the North East 2000 - 2015. Sir John has been Chairman of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust since December 2017.
