معرفی
Dr. Martin Hirst is a Professor and Director of the Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He holds cross appointments in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre. His research focuses on epigenetic dysfunction in cancer and muscle disorders, translating findings into therapies. He leads collaborations with institutions like King’s College London and organizations such as SOLVE FSHD. Dr. Hirst has been recognized with the 2018 UBC Killam Research Prize and was listed as a Highly Cited Researcher in 2019. His lab develops computational and molecular tools, including epigenomic assays and barcode clonal tracking methods, with applications in leukemia, glioblastoma, and FSHD. He actively advises graduate students and oversees initiatives in STEM education equity and diversity. The Hirst Lab also pioneers environmental testing protocols for SARS-CoV-2 in educational spaces, leveraging partnerships with LuminUltra and BuiltSpace.
- Affiliations: MSL, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Genome Sciences and Technology Graduate Program
- Leadership Roles: Director of MSL (since 2022), Head of Epigenomics at BC Cancer Research Institute
His research interests emphasize epigenetic regulation in cancer initiation/progression and rare diseases like FSHD. The lab employs advanced techniques such as nucleosome density ChIP-Seq and single-cell DNA methylation analysis. Recent work explores vitamin C’s role in epigenetic therapy for AML, clonal dynamics in CML, and functional pathways in malignant tumors. Dr. Hirst’s team collaborates nationally via the Canadian Epigenetics and Environment Health Research Consortium (CEEHRC) and internationally through the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC).
Scientific Awards:
- 2018 UBC Killam Research Prize
- 2019 Highly Cited Researcher in Molecular Biology and Genetics
Grants & Advising: Secured funding from Terry Fox New Frontiers Program and CIHR. Advises graduate students in experimental and computational biology. Collaborates with industry partners like LuminUltra to pilot environmental virus detection systems.
Labs & Teams: The Hirst Lab is part of UBC’s MSL and houses the Canadian Centre for Epigenome Mapping Technologies. It integrates molecular and computational approaches to study epigenetic mechanisms in health and disease, with a focus on translational research.
