IHGS News
IHGS Welcomes Three New Tutors to Its Team of Expert Course Tutors
Dr. Andrea Degl’Innocenti joins as DNA Lead and Tutor, while Chris Huning and John Norris add further depth to the Institute’s expert tutors.
June 1, 2026
The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies has expanded its expert tutors with the addition of three new tutors, strengthening its course support across genetic genealogy and heraldry.
Dr. Andrea Degl’Innocenti joins IHGS as DNA Lead and Tutor, bringing specialist expertise in molecular biology, genomics, and scientific education. Chris Huning and John Norris join as Course Tutors, adding further depth to the Institute’s expert tutors through their own IHGS study, Heraldry Society examination success, and long-standing interest in the subject.
Together, the appointments reflect IHGS’s continued commitment to combining rigorous subject knowledge with practical support for students studying family history, genealogy, and heraldry.
Dr. Andrea Degl’Innocenti, DNA Lead and Tutor
Dr. Andrea Degl’Innocenti brings a strong scientific background to the Institute’s growing work in genetic genealogy. A molecular biologist and genomics specialist, he is also the founder and principal investigator of Istituto Vinciano per le Scienze, The Vinci Institute of Sciences, in Vinci, Italy.
He graduated cum laude in molecular biology at the University of Pisa and completed his PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research. His research and teaching career has included roles in Italy and across Europe, with teaching experience in molecular biology, medical genetics, and environmental sciences.
His appointment as DNA Lead and Tutor adds a significant strand of scientific expertise to IHGS course provision at a time when DNA evidence is playing an increasingly important role in genealogical research.
Chris Huning, Course Tutor
Chris Huning joins IHGS with lifelong interests in history and heraldry, supported by a BA in History from San Jose State University and professional experience from a technology career in project and product management.
After completing the IHGS Heraldry Course, Chris passed the Heraldry Society Elementary and Intermediate examinations and is now studying for the Heraldry Diploma. As a tutor, he will help students build a sound understanding of heraldic principles, practice, and interpretation.
His mix of historical study, structured heraldic training, and professional communication experience gives students another knowledgeable guide through the discipline.
John Norris, Course Tutor
John Norris has been interested in heraldry since his teens. After a career as a Chartered Insurer and manager with a large commercial insurer, he deepened his study of the subject through the IHGS Heraldry Course, later passing the Heraldry Society Elementary and Intermediate examinations. He is currently studying for his Heraldry Society Diploma.
John is a member of the Heraldry Society and the City of Bath Heraldic Society. His professional background also included training colleagues, an experience he now brings to his role supporting students on the Heraldry Course.
He joins IHGS with a clear enthusiasm for helping students get the most out of their course experience and develop confidence in heraldic study.
A wider group of expert tutors for IHGS students
The new tutors join an established team supporting students across IHGS courses and services. Their appointments add both specialist scientific knowledge and expanded heraldry teaching capacity, giving learners access to tutors whose expertise reflects the range of modern genealogical and heraldic study.
For students, that means more opportunities to learn from people who have combined formal study, professional experience, and subject passion in their own work.
To learn more about the Institute and its expert tutors, visit the IHGS About page, or explore the courses available through IHGS.
The IHGS Difference
IHGS students are supported by more than course materials alone. The online Students’ Forum provides an opportunity to meet other students and discuss course content, while each student is allocated a Tutor who marks assignments and offers guidance as they move through the course. Although IHGS is based in the UK, its courses are suitable for overseas students, with adapted assignments where appropriate.