We will build BRIDGE, a new computer tool that learns how our genes influence simple traits-like eye or hair colour-and complex conditions such as schizophrenia. BRIDGE will take genetic information from UK Biobank volunteers and look for patterns that predict these traits.
To make sure our tool is both accurate and easy to understand, we will compare two ways of building it:
A “guided” version that follows known gene relationships and looks for small blocks of related variants.
A “brute-force” version that starts by examining every possible connection and then trims away the least important ones.
By testing both approaches side-by-side against an existing tool called GenNet, we will see which method gives the best predictions and the clearest insights into which genes and gene groups matter most.
Our work will:
Help researchers and doctors see exactly which genes drive each trait, rather than treating the computer model as a “black box.”
Offer new clues about how many different genetic factors combine to influence health and appearance.
Share our BRIDGE code and easy-to-read summaries with the wider community, so others can build on our findings.
This project uses UK Biobank data to advance transparent, trustworthy genetic research that benefits everyone.