Joseph J. Higgins

Joe is an executive leader, clinician and scientist dedicated to advancing gene therapies for children and adults with genetic disorders involving the cardiovascular, ophthalmological, neurological, and immunological systems. His background spans pediatrics, child neurology, medical genetics and molecular developmental neurobiology. Joe’s notable scientific achievements include, as part of his efforts on the Human Genome Project as the lead of the Human Genetic Initiative, identifying loci and genes for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor as well as conducting multiple first-in-human Phase 1/2 clinical trials in enzyme replacement and gene therapies in lysosomal and other disorders. As the Vice President of Clinical Development at uniQure, Joe led Phase 1/2 first-in-human gene therapy trials in Huntington’s disease. His academic background includes positions as an instructor at Harvard Medical School, an Assistant Professor at George Washington University, an Associate Professor at SUNY Albany, and a Professor at Cornell University. Joe has published more than 100 medical journal publications and book chapters as well as numerous gene therapy patents.

Joe received his medical degree from New York Univeristy and graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Biology from Marist College. He is double-board certified in Pediatrics and Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology and is licensed to practice medicine in New York and Massachusetts.