John H. Maddocks

John H. Maddocks is an Honorary Professor at EPFL's School of Basic Sciences (SB), Department of Mathematics. His research focuses on nonlinear mechanics, computational analysis, and the structural dynamics of DNA. He holds a BSc from the University of Glasgow (1978) and a PhD from the University of Oxford (1981). Prior to his honorary role, he served as Full Professor of Applied Analysis at EPFL (since 1997) and previously held positions at the University of Maryland (Full Professor, 1993–1997) and Stanford University. His work spans interdisciplinary fields including robotics, satellite dynamics, and biophysical systems. Maddocks has developed computational tools like the cgDNA+ model for DNA structural analysis and pioneered multiscale simulations of biomolecules. He has advised 12 PhD students at EPFL and contributed to over 100 publications, emphasizing sequence-dependent DNA mechanics and elastic systems.

• Education:
  • BSc in Mathematics, University of Glasgow (1978)
  • PhD in Mathematics, University of Oxford (1981)
• Research Interests:
  • Nonlinear mechanics and stability theory
  • Computational modeling of DNA and biomolecules
  • Hamiltonian systems and bifurcation phenomena
  • Scientific computing and visualization tools
• Award Highlights: Extensive contributions to DNA biophysics and computational mechanics, though no specific named awards are cited.
• Labs/Teams: Active within EPFL's Laboratory of Computational Vision and Medical Imaging (LCVM).

His recent work explores nucleosome energetics, knot mechanics in elastic systems, and multiscale DNA simulations. Collaborations include projects on continuum robotics and single-cell protein dynamics.