Our history
We are the oldest microbiology society in the UK and with more than half of our membership outside the UK, we are truly global, serving microbiologists based in universities, private industry and research institutes around the world.
As a professional membership organisation we support those studying and working in the field of applied microbiology, from undergraduate and PhD students, to those entering the field of work and seasoned professionals in academia or industry, flourishing at the height of their careers. We’re also privileged to have members recognised internationally for their work in applied microbiology, acting as our global ambassadors.
Past presidents
- 1931 R. Stenhouse Williams
- 1932–36 A.T.R. Mattick
- 1936–39 A. Cunningham
- 1939–43 C.H. Chalmers
- 1943–46 L.A. Allen
- 1946–49 H.J. Bunker
- 1949–52 L.J. Meanwell
- 1952–54 J.G. Davis
- 1954–56 S.B. Thomas
- 1956–58 M. Ingram
- 1958–60 D.A. McKenzie
- 1960–62 G. Sykes
- 1962–64 T. Gibson
- 1964–67 J. Taylor
- 1967–69 J.G. Murray
- 1969–71 J.M. Shewan
- 1971–73 L.A. Mabbitt
- 1973–75 E.G. Morris
- 1975–77 G.W. Gould
- 1977–79 E.M. Barnes
- 1979–81 T. Cross
- 1981–83 J.G. Carr
- 1983–85 P.D. Walker
- 1985–87 A. Paton
- 1987–89 B. Jarvis
- 1989–91 D. Jones
- 1991–93 F.A. Skinner
- 1993–94 W.M. Waites
- 1994–95 M. Sussman (Acting)
- 1995–97 M. Sussman
- 1997–99 R.A. Herbert
- 1999–2002 A. Gilmour
- 2002–05 P. Silley
- 2005–08 M. Patterson
- 2008-11 G. Hanlon
- 2011-14 M. Adams
- 2014-17 C. Dodd
- 2017-20 M. Fielder
- 2020-23 B. Gilmore