Jim F Huggett

Profile A molecular biologist specialising in the application of molecular analytical methods to routine applied biomeasurement. Heads a team at one of the world’s leading national metrology institutions supporting the development of applied nucleic acid analysis in areas such as metagenomics, precision medicine and infectious disease diagnostics. Advises governments and international organisations on measurement accuracy and standardisation for routine application of molecular methodologies to clinical diagnostics; including PCR and massively paralleled sequencing. Work History 2009-present: multiple roles, currently Science Fellow, NML 2021-present: Visiting Professor, Department of Microbial Sciences, University of Surrey. 2016-2021: Senior Lecturer (0.2 FTE), Department of Microbial Sciences, University of Surrey. 2002-2009: Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Infectious Diseases and International Health, UCL. 2001-2002: Post-Doctoral Research, Connective Tissues Biology Laboratories, Cardiff University. Education PhD. “Mechanically Regulated Genes in Bone.” School of Biosciences. Cardiff University. Awarded 2001 BSc. (Hons) Genetics. The University of Liverpool. Awarded 1997 Scientific Excellence • Led multiple projects (, including large multi-centred international consortia (Appendix A). • Author of over 100 peer reviewed manuscripts including in the leading journals Nature Methods, Clinical Chemistry, The Lancet, Genome Medicine and Nucleic Acid Research (Appendix B). Current H-index of 51. • Expertise in the application and standardisation of advanced molecular methodology to diagnostics (including the drafting and application of regulatory guidelines). • Work with broad international network in academia, government, industry, health care providers and NGOs. Committee/Society/Group Memberships • Chair, Nucleic Acid Analysis Working Group under the BIPM’s Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance, • Committee member: o MHRA Pathogen Advisory Diagnostic Group (PDAG), formally COVID VOC assurance group. o Expert consultant, Molecular Diagnostic Committee of the International Federation of Clinical Chemists, o Standardisation of Genome Amplification Techniques and Serology (SoGATS) group. o ISO TC212 (Clinical laboratory testing and in vitro diagnostic test systems) WG3 (In vitro diagnostic products), WG4 (Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics) and JWG6 Quality practice for detection of SARS-CoV-2. o British Standards Institute ISO mirror group CH/212, • Member, European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) study group on genomic and molecular diagnostics (ESGMD), • Fellow, The Royal College of Physicians (Edin) & The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. • Member of scientific advisory board for LGC, inBiome, Qiagen (digital PCR group).