His research focuses on the genomics of extremophiles, including those that live in environments with ultra-low pH, high temperatures and extreme salinity. Research questions include: i) what are the thermodynamic limits of life on Earth? ii) how can an understanding of the extraordinary metabolisms of extremophiles suggest models for the emergence of life on Earth? and iii) how can extreme environments on Earth be used as surrogates to search for potential life-supporting habitats on exoplanets and moons?

Dr David Holmes completed his PhD in Biochemistry at the California Institute of Technology, USA. After carrying out postdoctoral research, he was offered a position as Assistant Prof at the State University of NY at Albany, USA. He then took positions at several universities in the USA and Chile, rising to Full Professor. He is currently Head of the Laboratory for Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, University San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile. He has over 220 publications, one of which became a Scientific Citation Classic. He has numerous Awards and Honors including election to the American Academy of Microbiology (2015).

David Holmes has a PhD in Biochemistry and has taught doctoral and undergraduate classes in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genome Biology, Bioinformatics and Advanced English for Scientists.