18 August 2004

International Award for Dundee Microbe Scientist

Professor Geoffrey Gadd of the Division of Environmental and Applied Biology at the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee has been awarded the prestigious Charles Thom Award from the Society for Industrial Microbiology. This award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding research contribution to the applied microbiological sciences.

Professor Gadd's award is for his work in understanding how microbes like fungi and bacteria cope with toxic metal pollutants and convert them into harmless forms. The environmental significance of the work is considerable and influences research into polluted soil and water. Professor Gadd presented the Charles Thom Award lecture on Metals, Minerals and Microbes in Anaheim, California at this year's Annual Meeting of the Society for Industrial Microbiology and received a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

Geoff Gadd said "I am particularly honoured by this award as it reflects increasing recognition of our work on an international stage and the importance of the research that we do here. To be recognised abroad is especially pleasing."

He explained: "Microbes that can make and break rocks and minerals and cope with toxic metal pollutants may not have a very high public profile but are important to all of us since they increase soil fertility by releasing nutrients for plants, and destroy or make pollutants harmless."

Geoff Gadd is currently Head of the Division of Environmental and Applied Biology and Deputy Research Director of the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee. His research has also been recognised by a number of other awards including Fellowship of the American Academy of Microbiology, the Linnean Society and the Institute of Biology. In 2003, Professor Gadd became President of the British Mycological Society, a post considered to be the ultimate accolade in mycology - the study of fungi. He has published over 170 scientific papers, as well as several books.

Notes to Editors

The Society for Industrial Microbiology (SIM) was established in the USA in 1949 and is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of microbiological sciences, specifically as applied to industrial materials, processes, products and their associated problems.

The aim of the SIM is to promote the exchange of scientific information through workshops, meetings and publications, in such areas as fermentation processes, bioremediation, biodeterioration, the environment and food.

By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk