Prof Robert (Bobby) McFarland trained in paediatrics, specialising in paediatric neurology, in London and Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

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He began his research career studying the molecular consequences and clinical problems associated with mutations of mitochondrial DNA. His research now embraces gene discovery, determinants of pathogenicity in mitochondrial disease, longitudinal modelling to assess mitochondrial disease progression and clinical research projects including the development of clinical assessment tools, outcome measures and drug trials.

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As Director of the NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders Prof McFarland leads a team of clinicians, nurses and allied health professionals dedicated to the diagnosis and management of mitochondrial disease. The close association of his research and clinical work pays dividends for both in facilitating recruitment to the extremely successful national mitochondrial disease patient cohort study (n=2100) and allows rapid translation of research breakthroughs into clinical practice.

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Prof McFarland has made significant contributions to mitochondrial research with over 200 peer-reviewed publications, many in high impact journals such as Lancet and NEJM. He has been at the forefront of the introduction of mitochondrial donation, a pioneering technique to prevent transmission of mitochondrial disease, to the UK and leads the neurodevelopmental outcome study to assess the safety and efficacy of this technique. Prof McFarland has championed public and policy engagement to improve public understanding of decision-making in life-limiting diseases affecting children, including the introduction of mitochondrial donation as a reproductive option.