Sociogenomics research pioneer to speak at Purdue on Oct. 29

Melinda Mills, known globally for groundbreaking research that combines social science with molecular genetics to explain demographics, will speak at Purdue on “Sociogenomics: Promises and Challenges of Studying Molecular Genetics and Complex Traits,” on Oct. 29. Her talk is the first lecture of the academic year in the Discovery Park Distinguished Lecture Series.

Mills, director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science and professor of demography and population health at the University of Oxford, is recognized for her work in sociogenomics, the study of human behaviors and demographic outcomes. Integrating genetics with the study of social behavior, Mills examines shifts in global aging, longevity and disparities in population growth and decline worldwide. She also studies significant flows of migrants and refugees, and population-related environmental threats.

Mills’ work helps uncover the genetic basis of fertility-related traits and behaviors, providing new insights into how genes and social environments combine to influence reproductive choices and outcomes. She led the first genome-wide association studies that identified genetic loci linked to the timing of first childbirth and the number of children, which established a new direction in the field of social genomics. Her research also explores genetic influences on self-control, sleep patterns and externalizing behaviors such as risk-taking.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mills served on the Advisory Group for Data Science for the United Kingdom prime minister. Her team made significant contributions to understanding public compliance with vaccines and other health care. She developed models and strategies to predict and improve public health behaviors, including the impact of COVID-19 certificates on vaccination rates and the role of misinformation in vaccine hesitancy.

Mills also received the European Trailblazer Award for outstanding achievements in mathematical and biodemography and the U.S. Population Association’s Clifford Clogg Award for mid-career achievement. In 2018, she was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire medal on the queen’s honor list for her scientific contributions and was elected to the British Academy.

Mills’ work is unique in its ability to bridge the gap between genetics and social sciences, making her a leading figure in both demographic research and genetic sociology. This innovative approach provides a deeper understanding of human behaviors and their genetic underpinnings, transforming the field of demographic science.

Mills has a PhD in demography from the University of Groningen, where she also holds a part-time position as professor of data science with both the Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance and the Department of Genetics. 

Mills’ talk — sponsored by the administration of the Institutes and Centers at Discovery Park District, the College of Liberal Arts’ Department of Sociology, Purdue GenOMICS and the Lilly Endowment Inc. — is at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 29 in Room 121 of the Burton Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship, 1201 Mitch Daniels Blvd. Following her lecture, Purdue GenOMICS is hosting a “Building Collaborations” interactive event, also at Burton Morgan.

Online registration, available here, is requested.