Professor Matt Higgins appointed Professor of Physic at Gresham College

Merton Fellow Professor Matt Higgins has been appointed the 40th Professor of Physic at Gresham College.

Professor Higgins is the EP Abraham Chair of Structural Biology at the University of Oxford, where he leads a research group investigating the molecular basis of critical host–parasite interactions. His work uses these insights to inform the development of improved immunotherapeutics.

In 2006, he was awarded a Royal Society University Research Fellowship, enabling him to establish a research programme focused on the molecular basis of host–parasite interactions in malaria. He joined the University of Oxford in 2010 as a University Lecturer and was promoted to Professor of Molecular Parasitology in 2015.

His work has received significant international recognition. In May last year, Professor Higgins was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, followed in July by his election as a member of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO).

The post of Professor of Physic dates to Gresham College’s foundation and is one of seven original professorships established under the will of its founder, Sir Thomas Gresham. The first holder of the chair was Matthew Gwinne; more recent post holders have included Sir Chris Whitty and Professor Robin May.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Higgins said:

“I am very excited to have the chance to engage with the wonderful Gresham audiences and to tell some amazing stories about how modern medicine makes all of our lives so immeasurably better.”

Professor Higgins will continue Gresham College’s 430-year tradition of delivering free public lectures, both in the City of London and online. In 2024, Gresham College lectures attracted more than seven million views worldwide.

Welcoming the appointment, Professor Jane Shaw, Provost of Gresham College, said:

“I am delighted we have appointed Professor Higgins as Professor of Physic at Gresham College. This is one of our oldest and most prestigious Professorships, dating back to our foundation, and Professor Higgins will bring his learning, insights from his innovative research. enthusiasm and energy to the post.”

Richard Smith, CEO of Gresham College, added:

“I am thrilled to welcome such a talented communicator to the team at Gresham. Professor Higgins is a worthy successor to Professor Robin May and we look forward to his lecture series.”