AN OXFORD professor has been announced as Gresham College's 40th Professor of Physic.
Professor Matt Higgins, who currently holds the EP Abraham chair of structural biology at the University of Oxford and is a professorial fellow at Merton College, was recently appointed to the historic role at London’s oldest higher education institution.
His research explores the molecular foundations of host–parasite interactions in diseases such as malaria, with the aim of developing improved immunotherapeutics.
Professor Higgins said: "I am very excited to have the chance to engage with the wonderful Gresham audiences and to tell some amazing stories about how modern medicine makes all of our lives so immeasurably better."
His appointment continues a 430-year tradition of public education, dating back to Gresham College’s founding in 1597.
The Professor of Physic is one of seven original professorships established by Sir Thomas Gresham, intended to deliver free public lectures in the City of London.
Past holders of the post include Sir Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, and Professor Robin May, chief scientific adviser to the UK Health Security Agency.
Last year, Gresham College lectures attracted more than seven million views, reflecting the enduring popularity and reach of its educational mission.
Professor Jane Shaw, Provost of Gresham College, said: "I am delighted we have appointed Professor Higgins as Professor of Physic at Gresham College.
"This is one of our oldest and most prestigious professorships, dating back to our foundation, and Professor Higgins will bring his learning and insights from his innovative research, and enthusiasm and energy to the post."
Professor Higgins began his academic career with a Royal Society University Research Fellowship in 2006, forming a team focused on malaria research.
He joined Oxford as a university lecturer in 2010, later becoming Professor of Molecular Parasitology and a tutorial fellow at Merton College.
In May 2025, Professor Higgins was elected a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and, in July, he was elected a member of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO).
Richard Smith, CEO of Gresham College, said: "I am thrilled to welcome such a talented communicator to the team at Gresham.
"Professor Higgins is a worthy successor to Professor Robin May, and we look forward to his lecture series."
Gresham College has offered free public lectures since the late 16th century and counts figures such as Robert Hooke and Sir Christopher Wren among its historical faculty.
It continues to promote intellectual curiosity and academic rigour in line with its founding vision.
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