Joelle Mbatchou

Large biobanks with medical health records from millions of patients offer a view into how genetic variation can influence people’s health. To take advantage of this, Joelle Mbatchou, 32, has developed a machine-learning model called Regenie that makes analyzing the data quicker and cheaper while reducing the amount of computing power required. The method could allow researchers to more easily identify genetic variants associated with specific diseases. “With the increasing number of collaborations being established across large biobanks, many of them involving individuals from diverse populations, Regenie makes it possible to leverage those data and … potentially make discoveries which can lead to improved clinical care,” she says.