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Dr TJ Higgins
Dr TJ Higgins: improving Australian crops.

Dr TJ Higgins: researching legume gene technology

Dr TJ Higgins is a leading researcher in plant gene technology particularly in improving nutritional value and resistance against pests and diseases.

Current activities

Dr TJ Higgins is currently researching the application of gene technology for plant improvement.

He is particularly interested in:

Dr Higgins is a strong advocate of science communication and regularly discusses gene technology in public forums.
  • improving the nutritive value of plants for feed and food uses
  • protecting plants from pests and disease.

Dr Higgins is a strong advocate of science communication and regularly discusses gene technology in public forums.

He is Convenor of Gene Technology for Decision Makers, a hands-on course to provide background on the science behind Genetic Modification (GM), especially as it applies to plants. See more information about the Gene Technology Course from the link in the 'Related Areas' section of this page.

Background

Dr TJ Higgins first came to Australia as a postdoctoral fellow with the Research School of Biological Sciences at the Australian National University, in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

He joined CSIRO Plant Industry shortly thereafter. 

Academic qualifications

Dr Higgins has been awarded a:

  • Bachelor of Agricultural Science, from the National University of Ireland, in 1966
  • Master of Agricultural Science, also from National University of Ireland, in 1967
  • Doctor of Philosophy from the University of California, USA, in 1971.

Achievements

Dr Higgins the recipient of a number honours and awards including:

  • Peter Goldacre Award from the Australian Society of Plant Physiologists
  • Pharmacia-LKB Biotechnology Medal from the Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering 
  • Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

See a list of scientific papers published by Dr Higgins in his publishing history.

 
 

Scientist Profile

Name: Dr TJ Higgins

Title: Honourary Research Fellow

Qualifications:

  • BAgSc
  • MAgSc
  • PhD

Expertise: 

  • gene technology for plant improvement
  • improving nutritive value of plants for feed and food uses
  • protecting plants from pests and disease
  • public communication of gene technology

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Dr TJ Higgins (BAgSc MSc PhD)
Honourary Research Fellow
Plant Industry
Phone: 61 2 6246 5001 
Fax: 61 2 6246 5000 

Location

CSIRO Plant Industry - Black Mountain
Black Mountain Laboratories
Clunies Ross Street
Black Mountain ACT 2601
Australia

GPO Box 1600
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia