Paul Higgs

Paul Higgs is a Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at McMaster University, Canada. His research focuses on the origin of life, RNA structure, molecular evolution, protocells, viruses, and computational biophysics. He holds a PhD in Polymer Physics from the University of Cambridge (1986–1989) and has held academic positions at the University of Sheffield (1992–1995), University of Manchester (1995–2002), and McMaster University since 2002. His work integrates theoretical modeling, computational simulations, and experimental insights to explore prebiotic chemistry, viral evolution, and the emergence of life.

Education:

• PhD in Polymer Physics, University of Cambridge, UK (1986–1989)
• Postdoctoral Research: Strasbourg and Saclay (1989–1992)
• Royal Society Research Fellow, University of Sheffield (1992–1995)

Research Interests:

• Protocell dynamics and self-organization
• RNA replication mechanisms and the RNA world hypothesis
• Evolutionary pathways of viruses and genetic codes
• Non-enzymatic chemical processes in prebiotic systems
• Computational modeling of autocatalytic networks and metabolic systems

Research Trends in Articles: Recent work emphasizes computational simulations of RNA replication, non-enzymatic templating in protocells, and the evolutionary origins of viral replication strategies. Key themes include autocatalytic networks, chiral symmetry breaking, and the interplay between replication and metabolism in early life systems.

Advising & Grants: No specific grants or advisee names listed. His research is supported through academic appointments and institutional resources.

Labs/Teams: Engages in theoretical and computational biology projects within the Physics and Astronomy Department at McMaster University.