Robert Plomin is a prominent psychologist and geneticist known for his work in behavioural genetics and twin studies. He is the MRC Research Professor of Behavioural Genetics at the Institute of Psychiatry in London and serves as the deputy director of the Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre.
Plomin earned his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974. He began his career at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics at the University of Colorado Boulder, collaborating on longitudinal twin and adoption studies of behavioural development.
He has conducted significant twin studies, including the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), which has tracked over 10,000 twin pairs since 1994. This research examines developmental delays in early childhood and their links to behavioural issues and educational outcomes. Plomin has also advanced the understanding of the relationship between genetics and normal variation in human behaviour, utilising molecular biology techniques to assess the impact of genetic and environmental factors on cognitive ability.
Plomin has published over 800 scientific papers and 10 books, including a key textbook in behavioural genetics. He has received numerous lifetime achievement awards from various scientific associations, including the Behaviour Genetics Association and the American Psychological Society. He has held leadership positions, such as past president of the Behaviour Genetics Association and has been a Fellow of the British Academy since 2005.
His recent book, "Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are," published in 2018, discusses the influence of genetic factors on human behaviour and development. In recognition of his contributions, he received the William James Fellow Award in 2004 and the APA Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions in 2017. In 2023, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to scientific research. Plomin's work has greatly enhanced the understanding of how genetics and environment shape human behaviour and cognitive abilities.
Join Robert Plomin, a Professor in Behavioural Genetics at KCL and the 2020 Grawemeyer Award in Psychology recipient, as he delves into the intricate ways DNA shapes our identity. Drawing insights from his best-selling book, 'Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are'.
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