Dr Stuart G. Higgins
UKRI Future Leaders Fellow / Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
Stuart is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering in the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, at the University of York. His research focuses on developing bioelectronics and biomaterials for interfacing with biological systems. He also explores research culture and its role in science and academia.
Stuart leads the Complex Interface Team, an interdisciplinary research group investigating the interface between cells, biomolecules and engineered materials, using a combination of bioelectronic and biomaterial tools.
With an interdisciplinary background, Stuart previously working on large-scale particle beamline experiments, developing flexible organic electronics and organic energy harvesting circuits, before moving into bioengineering cell-biomaterial interfaces during his postdoctoral work.
Stuart incorporates improving research culture within his practice, including producing the podcast Scientists not the Science, which features interviews with 70+ people in science-related professions, exploring fundamental themes and challenges within academia. He also has an interest in evidence-based public engagement for reaching underserved audiences.
Employment
Years | Role |
---|---|
2024-present | UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, University of York |
2023–present | Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering, University of York |
2018–2023 | Assistant Supervisor / Research Associate, Imperial College London |
2016–2018 | Reseach Associate, Imperial College London |
2015–2016 | Research Associate, University of Cambridge |
2014–2014 | Research Assistant, Imperial College London |
2009–2009 | Beamline Technician, Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics |
Teaching
Years | Role |
---|---|
2023–2024 | Module Leader, Emerging Trends in Microengineering (ELE00137M) |
2020-2023 | Lecturer, Tailoring Cell-Biomaterial Interfaces as part of Advanced Tissue Engineering (MATE97026/70016) |
Citizenship
Years | Roles |
---|---|
2023-present | Member, York Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team |
2023-present | Member, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, School of Physics, Engineering and Technology |
2024-present | Member Representative, Steering Committee, York Biomedical Research Institute |
Education
Years | Role |
---|---|
2023–present | Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), University of York |
2010-2014 | PhD, Imperial College London |
2006-2010 | MSci, Imperial College London |
Public engagement
Projects
Read more about Stuart's previous engagement projects
Talks/lectures
-
Enhancing Research Culture - Why Every Lab Needs a Handbook, 23/04/2024
Exploring the role lab handbooks, and more broadly how defining ways of working, can positively impact research teams. -
Postdocs Assemble! - Why Creating Communities is Important, 10/11/2023
Talking about creating communities within academia at different scales, as part of the York Researcher Festival 2023.
-
Science Communication and Public Engagement during a Global Pandemic, 17/11/2020 Talk to Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (iit) alumni community about the challenges and opportunities delivering public engagement during a global pandemic.
-
Daphne Oram Award Lecturer, British Science Festival, 13/09/2019
Award Lecturer at the British Science Festival 2019.
Diversity and inclusion
-
Cavendish inspiring Womxn
Produced a series of scientist audio profiles for Cavendish inspiring Womxn, a University of Cambridge-based society promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in physics. -
Success: is it all in the mind?, Cavendish Inspiring Womxn
Chaired an expert panel on the impact on biases and success on women in science, and produced the live recording of the event.
Working with schools
- I’m a Scientist Get Me Out of Here!
Spent two weeks answering questions and completing online chats with school pupils across the UK and voted winner of Dubnium Zone, by the participating pupils.
Podcasts
- Research Culture Uncovered, 09/10/2024
Interviewed to discussing how early career researchers can shape research culture.
- Bibliometría o Barbarie (BoB), 22/07/2024
Interviewed to discuss research culture and learnings from Scientists not the Science.
Broadcast media
-
BBC News - Click, 03/10/2022
Interviewed for BBC News' technology programme 'Click' to discuss latest developments in flexible display technology. -
The Naked Scientists
Answered physics questions sent in by the public as part of a live radio panel, plus provided answers for the Question of the Week segment, broadcast on BBC Radio in the UK and syndicated internationally. -
Cambridge Science Festival: Battle of the Brains, BBC Radio
Guest for The Naked Scientists special radio recording in front of a live audience for Cambridge Science Festival, discussing flexible electronics 2015. -
Peggy Smedley Show, wsRadio.com
Invited to provide expert commentary on a US-based technology radio show, discussing flexible electronics.
Print media
-
Three Ways Organic Electronics is Changing Technology as We Know It, The Conversation
Produced article for the Conversation, exploring how organic electronics enable flexible displays, lighting and solar panels. This article was republished in The Independent. -
Why are Flexible Displays Taking so Long to Develop, The Conversation
Article considering how computer displays work and the associated challenges with making them flexible. -
Interview for article, "Supporting student supervision", Chemistry World, 31/10/2023 Provided comment for a Chemistry World article looking at how postdoctoral researchers who provide doctoral supervision can be supported in their careers.