About Renovatio Genomics

Who we are

Renovatio Genomics LLC is a US-based genomics consultancy specializing in independent, scientifically rigorous analysis at the intersection of toxic tort litigation, environmental exposure, and medical genetics. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, we accept engagements from defense counsel, plaintiff counsel, and neutral parties (courts, arbitrators, and special masters), and we serve litigation consultants, trial support firms, and corporate legal teams across the United States, with select international engagements where the matter is appropriate.

Our genomics-first approach pairs next-generation sequencing through CLIA-certified partner laboratories with in-house bioinformatics, statistical modeling, and causal interpretation. Reports are written to support a Daubert/Frye admissibility argument: methodology, pipeline versions, error rates, and the limitations of the inference are stated as plainly as the findings themselves.

Independent genomic science for complex toxic tort and exposure litigation.

Independence and engagement balance

Renovatio Genomics is structured as an independent scientific consultancy. We do not adjust opinions to fit a retaining party’s litigation theory. If the underlying data do not support the proposed inference at the level of scientific certainty required, the report will say so with the same clarity that it would state a positive finding. Engagements are accepted from defense counsel, plaintiff counsel, and neutral parties. Conflict checks are completed before any matter-specific information is exchanged.

Expert Bio

Our Lead Expert
Leonel M. van Zyl, Ph.D.

Dr. Len van Zyl

Our Lead Expert

Dr. Leonel M. van Zyl is a geneticist and genomicist with over 30 years of research and consulting experience in genomics, integrated systems biology, and the molecular mechanisms of disease. His work spans human, animal, plant, and microbial systems, with a recurring focus on the genetic and epigenetic basis of disease initiation and progression, and the integration of multi-omics data with epidemiological and toxicological evidence.

He is the founder and lead scientific expert of Renovatio Genomics LLC. In 2003, he founded ArrayXpress, Inc., a genomics services company in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he served as Chief Scientific Officer and, from 2007, as Chief Executive Officer. ArrayXpress, Inc. has since concluded its operations.

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Genetics, and Biochemistry, University of the Orange Free State, South Africa (1999). A UNESCO Center of Excellence.
  • M.Sc. in Microbiology, Genetics, and Biochemistry, University of the Orange Free State (1995).
  • B.Sc. Honors in Microbiology, University of the Orange Free State (1992).
  • B.Sc. in Biology, University of the Orange Free State (1991).
  • Postdoctoral fellow in Biotechnology, North Carolina State University, USA (1999-2001), under Professor Ron Sederoff, member of the National Academy of Sciences and 2017 recipient of the Marcus Wallenberg Prize, the leading international award in forestry science.

  • Founder and lead expert, Renovatio Genomics LLC, Raleigh, NC.
  • Founder and Chief Executive Officer, ArrayXpress, Inc., Raleigh, NC (2007-2026; operations concluded).
  • Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, ArrayXpress, Inc. (2003-2026; operations concluded).
  • Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University (2009-2015).
  • Research Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Resources, North Carolina State University (2001-2007).
  • Visiting Research Scientist, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden (2000-2001).

  • Genomics and integrated systems biology, including whole genome, whole exome, transcriptome (RNA-seq), and epigenetic analyses.
  • Bioinformatics, statistical genomics, and the integration of multi-omics data (genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, proteomic).
  • Mutational signature analysis and the molecular characterization of exposure.
  • Cell-cycle and metabolic pathway regulation, including DNA damage response, G2M and G1/S checkpoints, senescence signaling, and the metabolic pathways implicated in carcinogenesis.
  • Application of genomic methods to toxic tort, environmental, occupational, and pharmaceutical litigation.
Selected research and methodology contributions
  • Author or co-author of 29 peer-reviewed scientific publications, including the 2025 Scientific Reports paper, ‘Bayesian analysis of the rate of spontaneous malignant mesothelioma among BAP1 mutant mice in the absence of asbestos exposure’ (Nielsen et al., 2025).
  • Co-developed the Integrated Cellular Omics Platform (iCOP), a systems-biology approach to integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and bioprocess data, in active use at major pharmaceutical companies.
  • Worked with Corning Inc. to develop specialized chemically coated microarray slides that became a research-application standard in plant, animal, and human transcriptomic and proteomic work.
  • Contributed datasets and methodological input to SAS Institute in the development of statistical methods for high-throughput genomics analyses.
  • Named inventor on a US provisional patent application for a robust method of labeling and hybridizing cDNA probes for microarray analysis (filed 2003).
  • Author of the chapter ‘The Application of Genomic Sciences to Reveal the Invisible Agents of Harm,’ in the Toxic Torts and Environmental Law Compendium, 2017.
Honors and service
  • Top 50 Entrepreneurs, Business Leader Magazine (2010).
  • Keystone Corporation Entrepreneurship Cup, North Carolina State University (2003).
  • Prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, South African Research Foundation (1999-2001).
  • Reviewer for competitive grants, US National Science Foundation (2002 to present).
  • Reviewer for competitive grants, South African National Research Foundation (2002 to present).
  • Provided input on applications of next-generation genomics in precision medicine to a research council to the Vatican.

Dr. van Zyl has provided genomic analysis and scientific testimony in toxic tort and exposure matters across multiple US jurisdictions. A current list of depositions is published on the Engagements & Testimony page.

He has presented on the role of genomic evidence in causation analysis at industry forums including academic genetics symposia and litigation continuing-education conferences.