members
Photograph by kind courtesy of Manchester University
In Memoriam: Professor Peter Gilbert
Peter Gilbert passed away on Monday the 18th August 2008. Peter was a larger than life character who was Professor of Microbial Physiology in the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Manchester University, where he had been a member of staff since 1978. He was a loving father, husband and caring member of the academic staff at Manchester where he cared passionately about his subject and university
education. As an academic, Peter was second to none. His name was synonymous with the fields of biocide mode of action and biofilms. Indeed, he was more often than not the first name on the list of potential speakers for any conference organiser. We will sorely miss his engaging, dynamic, sometimes provocative but always thought provoking talks. During his career he authored more than 170 research papers, 80 review articles and tutored over 70 PhD students. He also organised 10 national and international meetings himself and he served on the SfAM committee where he made a valuable contribution to the activities of the Society. Despite his outwardly gruff protestations, he always had students’ and colleagues best interests at heart. There has been many an occasion over the years when he went out of his way to guide a student through a crisis or provide invaluable fatherly advice, as no doubt many will testify. He had a wicked sense of humour and was a genuine character who will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues. Peter is survived by his wife, Diane, and three children, Jessica, Sarah and David, and two children from his first marriage, Andrew and Helena. We would like to thank David Allison and Andrew McBain for their assistance with this obituary
membership matters SfAM member appointed new Chief Executive of VLA We would like to extend our congratulations to Professor Peter Borriello who has been appointed Chief Executive of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA). He took up this position on 1 October 2008 following the retirement of Professor Steve Edwards at the end of September. Like many organisations operating in the animal health market, VLA faces a number of challenges in the coming years. Peter will bring with him a wealth of experience from the public health arena to help address these challenges.
10
December 2008