DNA Repair Interest Group

DNA repair is essential for maintaining the stability and integrity of the genome of all living things. Cells are constantly exposed to DNA damage from both internal processes and environmental factors, making efficient repair systems critical for survival and health. Failures in these pathways can lead to mutations, genomic instability, and diseases such as cancer and many different neurodegenerative disorders. 

The NIH DNA Repair Interest Group aims to bring together researchers, clinicians, and trainees interested in understanding the many sources of DNA damage and the different ways that cells detect and repair this damage. We are interested in how these processes influence genome structure and stability, as well as their broader implications for human health. Research interests of our members include the molecular events associated with DNA mutagenesis and repair, the regulation of associated genetic pathways and the human diseases that arise when the regulation of these processes fails. We are also interested in how these processes can be leveraged for disease treatment.

The Interest Group was founded in 1985 by Kenneth Kraemer, MD, and Vilhelm Bohr, MD, PhD, together with colleagues from NCI, NIH, Oregon Health & Science University, the Universities of Pittsburgh, Michigan, Kentucky and South Alabama along with SUNY Stony Brook. Since its founding, the Interest Group has grown into an international network connecting researchers worldwide.

As part of our commitment to fostering collaboration and scientific progress, we publish a monthly newsletter that reaches more than 1,500 researchers globally. We also host monthly videoconferences featuring academic seminars by world-renowned scholars and organize annual events that spotlight emerging leaders—including late-stage PhD candidates and early-career investigators. All seminar content is curated and made accessible internationally via the NIH VideoCast website.

We invite you to join this dynamic and welcoming community!

Sign up for the DNA Repair Interest Group listserv to receive our monthly newsletter, which keeps you informed about upcoming videoconferences, scientific meetings, career opportunities, and exciting developments in the DNA repair field from around the world. Together, let's advance the frontiers of DNA repair research and make a meaningful impact on human health.

Current co-chairs

  • Karen Usdin, PhD, NIDDK
  • Chunzhang Yang, PhD, NCI/CCR

Scientific Advisors

  • Kenneth Kraemer, MD, NCI/CCR (retired)
  • Vilhelm Bohr, MD, PhD, University of Copenhagen
  • Roger Woodgate, PhD, NICHD
  • Sumita Bhaduri-McIntosh, MD, PhD, University of Florida
  • Patricia L. Opresko, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
  • Robert Sobol, PhD, Brown University
  • Bruce Demple, PhD, Stony Brook University

Mailing List

To join the DNA Repair Interest Group mailing list, please visit the DNA Repair Interest Group Listserv home page, then click the “Subscribe or Unsubscribe” link in the right sidebar.

Chairs

Scientific Focus Areas

This page was last updated on Thursday, May 28, 2026