Trefor Jenkins


Trefor Jenkins is a human geneticist from South Africa, noted for his work on DNA. He is the former dean of the medical school at the University of Witwatersrand.

Early life

Jenkins qualified in medicine at King's College and Westminster Hospital in London. He came to Africa as a mine medical officer in Southern Rhodesia in 1960 where he first encountered sickle cell anaemia which started his interest in genetics.

Work

He contributed significantly to the knowledge of gene markers in different populations through his work on the genetics of blood groups and DNA polymorphisms, which helped to clarify the origins of indigenous groups in Africa. He also studied sickle cell anaemia and albinism at the molecular level. He has published and collaborated in over 300 papers and two books.

Medical ethics

Jenkins also pioneered an undergraduate teaching project in Medical Ethics at the University of the Witwatersrand and made considerable contributions in this field, notably in the ethical ramifications of molecular biology.
Jenkins was also a human rights activist, and was one of six doctors, who questioned the ethics of the medical establishment and the previous South African government after the death, in custody, of Steve Biko, the Black Consciousness leader, in September 1977.

Retirement

He retired from full-time professorial duties in 1997, but continues to teach at Witwatersrand University and work at the Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service. Jenkins headed the Department of Human Genetics, School of Pathology, at the former South African Institute for Medical Research and at the University of the Witwatersrand, between June 1975 and September 1998. He is now emeritus professor and an honorary professorial research fellow as well as honorary lecturer in bioethics.

Publications