About the study

VIKING Genes is the overall name for four research studies looking at the genes of volunteers who have at least two grandparents from the Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland. The studies include

• The Orkney Complex Disease Study (ORCADES)
• Viking Health Study - Shetland
• Viking II
• Viking III

We recruited over 4,000 people into Viking II and over 3,000 people into Viking III, in addition to our previous successful recruitment of 4,000 people.

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Our Studies

Understanding the effect of genes could lead to better ways of preventing and treating diseases. In many populations, it can be difficult to investigate the part genes play, due to the variety of occupations, lifestyles and ethnic backgrounds.

The aim of Viking Genes is to better understand what might cause health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and eye disease. These conditions really influence quality of life and this study has the potential to help many people in the future.

Viking Genes is led by Prof Jim Flett Wilson of the University of Edinburgh. The study wouldn't be possible without the funding received from the Medical Research Council. The funding was given to the MRC Human Genetics Unit in April 2018. Viking Genes received part of this funding, so that we may continue developing our understanding of common, complex diseases.

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Meet the Team