Geoff Higgins

Geoff Higgins is a Professor of Clinical Oncology at the University of Oxford, where he leads the Higgins Group in the Department of Oncology. He is also the Malcolm & Margaret Howat Professor of Clinical Oncology and an Honorary Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. His research focuses on enhancing radiotherapy efficacy through laboratory and clinical investigations, including repurposing existing compounds and developing novel treatments.

• MBChB, MRCP, FRCR, DPhil
• Pharmacology & Medicine, University of Edinburgh (1997-2000)

Research Interests: Higgins' work addresses the tumor microenvironment, particularly hypoxia and genomic instability in cancer cells. His team explores combination therapies with radiotherapy, such as mitochondrial inhibitors and Polθ-targeting agents, aiming to translate discoveries into clinical trials with functional imaging and genomic monitoring.

Key Publications: Recent studies highlight his group's breakthroughs in radiosensitization mechanisms, including Polθ inhibition for BRCA-deficient cancers and Atovaquone's role in tumor oxygenation. These works span disciplines from molecular biology to clinical translation.

Honors:

• Clinician Scientist Fellowship (Cancer Research UK)
• Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship (Cancer Research UK)
• Royal College of Radiologists/CRUK Clinical Research Fellowship

Academic Leadership: Higgins supervises DPhil and MRes students while mentoring postdoctoral researchers. Former trainees now hold prestigious roles at institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Harvard University. His collaborative network includes the CRUK National Cancer Imaging Translational Accelerator, where he serves as joint-lead investigator.