Professor David Rowitch

David is a paediatrician (neonatology), developmental neuroscientist a Professor of Paediatrics and Visiting Director of Research at the University of Cambridge. He formerly was head of department of paediatrics (2016-2025) and co-founded Cambridge Children’s Hospital. 

He is Deputy Director for Research at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, Los Angeles. Originally from California, he obtained his MD from University of California Los Angeles and PhD (biochemistry) from the University of Cambridge. 

He trained in pediatrics and neonatology at Boston Children's Hospital and subsequently held faculty positions at Harvard Medical School and UCSF, where he co-founded the first Neuro-NICU. 

He was appointed to the National Advisory Council for Child Health and Development (USA) from 2020-2024. Rowitch has been elected to the Association of American Physicians (2012), the Academy of Medical Sciences (2018), the Royal Society (2021) and the National Academy of Medicine (2024).

Project/study information

David’s laboratory investigates genetics of brain development in animal models, and the basis of neurogenic conditions affecting children. His clinically facing research includes genomic diagnosis of paediatric rare diseases as well as advanced cell and gene therapy. 

David is PI of the Wellcome Trust funded, (BLOOMS), which will develop tools for early detection of infants at risk of special educational needs with a view towards early interventions that can promote each child’s potential.