Studying fungi may not seem a glamorous occupation but it has certainly proved a winner for the internationally-renowned Professor Gadd based at the University of Dundee.
Professor Geoff Gadd of the Division of Environmental and Applied Biology at the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, will become President of the British Mycological Society at a ceremony on Saturday 6 December in London. This prestigious post is considered the ultimate accolade in mycology (the study of fungi).
Professor Gadd is a microbiologist who has built up an international reputation through his work on the responses of fungi, and other microorganisms, towards toxic metals. He investigates the processes by which toxic metals are accumulated and detoxified, as well as the mechanisms involved. The environmental significance of this work is considerable and continues to influence research into polluted soil and water, and the effects of fungi on rocks and minerals.
The aim of the British Mycological Society is to promote mycology through the organization of a variety of conferences, meetings and workshops, publication of journals and other educational activities.
Professor Gadd said, "I am delighted to be honoured in this way by the British Mycological Society especially in view of the many eminent scientists who have held this post in the past.
It is perhaps little appreciated that fungi are our closest relatives in evolutionary terms meaning that they are important model organisms for research into problems affecting human health, while they have major environmental activities in organic matter decomposition, and plant and animal disease for example.
The other main applications of fungi are in bread-making and alcohol production because yeast is also a kind of fungus that enables these processes."
Professor 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.
For more information contact Professor Gadd on 01382 344765.
Editors' notes
The British Mycological Society (BMS) was founded in 1896 and has some 2000 members from countries around the world, and can boast Sir Paul Nurse, this year’s Nobel Prize winner for Medicine, among its Honorary members.
Professor Gadd's research has been recognised by a number of awards including the Berkeley Award of the British Mycological Society, a DSc from the University of Wales, and Fellowship of the Institute of Biology, the American Academy of Microbiology, and the Linnean Society. He has published over 160 scientific papers, over 30 invited book chapters, and has edited/co-edited 10 books relating to his research.
By Esther Black, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, e.z.black@dundee.ac.uk