A PROPOSAL FOR A PROGRAM IN HUMAN GENETICS
University of “Laconsin
Merch 6, 1956

Although the University of Wiseonein is resogrised as a center ef genetic
resoareh, the focus of interest in this subject has been in the College of Agrisul~
ture with ite Department of Genetics, and medical anpects of genatics have not been
esphasiaed, Several developments in reeent years have pointed to the growing ime
portance of zenstics in aedical edueation and research -— the problem of hasards
frem radiation and other mutagens; the etiological role of genetic factors in psy~
chiatric disowiers ant related diseases; forensic and clinical applications of bleed
groups; new understanding of metabolic diseases, especially bload dyscrasias; the
basis of histocompatibility in surcical transplantation and in cancer research; the
contribation of mierchial genetics to the understanding of drug resistance and the
evolution of infectious disease agents; these are only a fe: of the cevelopments,

In medical edugation, above all, we are stressing the inoortanse of human individual-
ity but its genetic bases have neal beon as well taucht as the concepts of anatomteal,
biochemicnl or nsyechosccial man. .

Because of the strong place which genetics already holds at this University
and because of the way in which the asdica). and other colleges are closely kit to~
gether in space, as well as in a tradition of cooreration, “isconsin should afford
a rare oppertunity for the vigorous development of medical genetics. Fer the past
six months, we have been studying possible ways of implementing this opportunity,
looking towards the establishment ef a chair in medical genetics. From several al~
ternative proposals, we recamend that the program be luunched with the appointment,
of an assistant professor to be attached to the Department of Anatomy, which has
been allocated quarters in a new wing wer construction. “e would be less confident
of the success of this modest approach except for 1) the support and interest of
~ 2a

several menbers of the Department of Genetics in the College of Agriculture and
2) the outstanding qualifications ef the appointee, Dr. Newton Morton,

Dr. Merten is a recent graduate of the Department of Genetics where he
studied with Professor J. F. Crow on natural selection in Drosophila, and on mathe-
matical methods in human genetics, in which he has alveady mde solid contributions |
to the analysis of linkage. In addition to his academic experience. he was on the
ataff of the Atomic Bomb Casualty Comission in Japan. In the Genetics Department
he was early recognized as one of the most brilliant students in the eminent history
of that grew, and he conducted his studies with a minimum of interference from the
staff. He has found that a regime of purely theoretical work is not to his taste
and plans to spend a year or so in collaboration with Professor Lederberg for experi-
genmtel orientation in microbial genetics before fixing on a definite field of labor=-
- atory wort tio supolonent his theoretical interests.

Dr. Morton will participate in the teaching program by offering a courve in
Human Geneties fer Sophomore students according to the attached outline developed for
consideration by the Curriculwn Committes, |

A second arve of teaching activity will be through integrated efforts with
existing Cepartments, aiming toward an emphasis on genetic aspects of medical, surgical,
pediatric and other problems.

Thisd, we are developing a thesis program under which all students will be
required to participate in a research project through the period of their medical
education, “e will. steer an interested student cach year to work with Dr. Morton,

As will be noted from a review of Dr. Horton's bibliography, his najor re~
search activity has been in the field of statistical human genetics, At present, he
is acquiring the skills necessary for research relating to biochemical aspects of
microbial gemetics. ith these diverse akille, we are confident that Dr. Merton will
develop a broad and vigorous research progran which at this time it is impossible to
detail,
a

Medical genetics is often narrowly construed as hanan genetics, and ite
esoteric statistical aspects at that, but this is not our conception, A compre-
hensive program in medical genstics ideally would include experimental studies on
micreves and mits, as well as nan, With his broad background, and the support
of his colleagues in other departments Dr. Morton should be remarkably well qualie
fied to set the program in motion, to help give us the perspective for possible
future development, and to be a focus for the interest of the medical faculty in
his field.
| To Anfitiate this venture, ve request a grant of $25,000 for a three-year
period, July 1, 1956 to June 30, 1959. the larver part of this gum ~ould be for
the principal's salary und for a technician according to University standarda (ap-
proximately $6000.00 as a beginning annual salary with inereuents as indicated, )
The University of !'ieconsin Medical School will take over bhe salary by gradual in-
crements throigh the three yerr period, The remainder, ebout *5000.90, is intended
for major equipment installaticn., lis office ccd revearch facilities will be fure
nished by the Anatomy Department and new laboratery space is being designed to meet
his specific needa, Ad@itional costs of aseiatance and supplies will be met from
intremiral sources and from applications alsewhere on Dr. Jorton's om initiative,
when he in ready to make them, Puring this three year intervel, the Medieal School
will study the suecess of the program and if its performance meets our confident
expestations will endeavor to find the seans for its long-tera support.

Youre sincerely,

Committee on Hedical Genetics

J. Z. Bowers, Professor of Medicine
and Dean

J. Lederberg, Professor of Genetics

0, A. Mortenson, Professor of Anatony