As a Lecturer in Genomic Medicine, Leigh is experienced in both laboratory-based and social science work. His previous position at the South West NHS Genomic Medicine Centre was based around informed consent for genetic testing in research. His research is a natural extension of his time based in a research laboratory within Derby General Hospital, during which time he was responsible for obtaining informed consent to participate in genetic research from women undergoing clinical treatment.
Leigh progressed into social science research, helped enormously by his involvement in a number of pan-European, multi-disciplinary, multi-partner projects, where he worked alongside the preeminent clinical, ethical and social researchers in genetics. He spent time deployed in Sierra Leone as part of the UK Ebola response where he was responsible for diagnostic testing of samples for Ebola and malaria.
Working with human stem cells for many years provided Leigh with invaluable insight into the myriad ethical issues and concerns which closely mirror those surrounding the current debate on genome-wide technologies. Leigh has published numerous peer-reviewed publications and is a regular reviewer for a number of international ethics and scientific research journals.