Dr. Gilles Hickson

Professor

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Biography

Gilles Hickson studied biology at the University of Manchester, UK, with an additional year of ERASMUS exchange as a research intern in a lab in Toulouse, France. This sparked his interest in cell signaling and intracellular membrane trafficking, leading him to undertake a PhD with Gwyn Gould at the University of Glasgow where he discovered Arfophilin-2/Rab11-FIP4 as a novel potential regulator of cell division. Wanting to learn how to harness genetics to understand cell biology, he pursued a postdoc with Pat O'Farrell at UCSF, studying mitosis and cytokinesis using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. There, they performed an innovative RNAi screening to define all genes necessary for cytokinesis. Since establishing his independent lab in Montreal, Gilles Hickson continues to leverage RNAi as a powerful pseudo-genetic approach, coupled with high-resolution microscopy, to dissect the internal molecular workings of the cytokinesis machinery. Cytokinesis remains poorly understood but is fundamentally important for health and disease.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2013-01-01 — Present

Université de Montréal • Montreal, QC, Canada

Conducting research and teaching in the field of cell biology, with a focus on cytokinesis and cell division mechanisms.

Awards

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Postdoctoral Fellowship of the Komen Cure Foundation

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Special Fellow of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

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Genetics Society America, DeLill Nasser Travel Award

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FRQS Researcher Salary Award, Junior 1

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FRQS Researcher Salary Award, Junior 2

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FRQS Researcher Salary Award, Senior

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Finalist, Maud Menten New Investigator Prize

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Cole Foundation Transition Award

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CIHR Operating Grant

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NSERC Operating Grant

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Canadian Foundation for Innovation Infrastructure Grant

Requirements for Université de Montréal

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
Prerequisites
MSc in Pharmacology or equivalent Research supervisor confirmation
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Birth certificate
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Proof of French proficiency (B2/C1)
Specialization Notes

Department of Pharmacology and Physiology - Research intensive with options in Neuropharmacology and Pharmacogenomics.