Dr Martin Higgs

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Martin’s current research focuses around identifying how cells respond to and resolve DNA damage, particularly that arising during DNA replication.

He is particularly interested in elucidating how protein Lysine methylation contributes to safeguarding genome stability, and in identifying novel factors involved in this response. He is also interested in elucidating how deficiencies in these pathways contribute to human disease.

He also maintains a long-standing interest in the impact of chronic viral infection on this process, and on the consequences of this on the DNA damage response during carcinogenesis.

For more details, please visit his lab page.

Current Projects

Assessing the impact of histone methylation on DNA repair and anti-cancer therapies.
Investigating the role of lysine methyltransferases in maintaining genome stability.
Uncovering new roles for non-histone methylation in DNA repair and replication.
Profiling mutations in the lysine methylation apparatus and the impact on genomic stability.
Investigating how genome instability contributes to rare diseases caused by mutations in lysine methyltransferases.

Research Groups

Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences

Lysine Methylation and DNA Damage Group

Centre for Neurogenetics

Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology

Centre for Rare Disease Studies (CRDS) Birmingham

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, organised, committed.

Provision of Training

Myself and my experienced post-docs/PhD students will provide your technical training at the beginning of your PhD, leading to more independence later. In the latter stages of your studies you will be expected to independently troubleshoot methodology when appropriate.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will be available for troubleshooting and guidance on a daily/weekly basis throughout your PhD but expect you to take full ownership of your project as your progress. During weekly meetings we will set goals and expectations together that will allow you to achieve your full potential.

Communication

My lab communicates by email and WhatsApp during the weeks and occasionally at weekends. I do not require an instant response and expect you to manage your work/life balance yourself. I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my expectations.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

The meetings will be face to face and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

Working Pattern

Work in my lab requires being present in the laboratory during the core hours of 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

Project Details

Dr Martin Higgs is supervising no projects this year.