DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR DIES, AGED 70

Tributes have been paid to a Bradford Professor regarded as a world-wide pioneer in his field of microbiology.

Retired actinomycete biologist Emeritus Professor Tom Cross, aged 70, was known internationally for his work in isolating and characterising new actinomycete strains especially those that produce potentially useful drugs such as antibiotics, while working in the University's Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Professor Cross (pictured left), who had been suffering from cancer, died peacefully at Wheatfields Hospice, in Leeds, on October 3. The funeral service, led by Harry Gooch, was held at Rawdon Crematorium, on October 12, and was attended by family, friends and colleagues.

(picture credit Don Whitley)

Professor Cross, a native of Ulverston in Cumbria, joined the University in 1961. Previously, he had worked in the Distillers Company and then Boots, where he was responsible for the development of fermentation methods of antibiotic production. These methods now form the basis of many modern biotechnology processes used in pharmaceutical industry.

Although most of his publications are scientific papers in learned journals and presentations at international conferences, Professor Cross is also known for his authoritative articles on fly-fishing and fly-dressing, especially a small booklet entitled; 'Jim Wynn's Recommended Flies for the River Wharfe'.

Professor Cross was President of the Society for Applied Bacteriology from 1974 to 1976 and was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Biology in 1981.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Grace Alderson, paid tribute to Professor Cross's distinguished career when she said: "All of Tom's colleagues were delighted when, in August, American scientists in the Department of Agriculture honoured him by naming a group (genus) of bacteria after him. The new name, Crossiella, was chosen in recognition of his long-standing scientific contributions.

"Tom, always a modest man, nevertheless was quietly proud of the honour. The event captured the attention of the media and resulted in several stories appearing in newspapers, and on television and radio throughout August.

"As a fellow microbiologist who has worked with Tom over many years, I know that he was more than a great researcher - he was renowned for his kindness, scientific enthusiasm, integrity, and his support for staff and students. He was a superb teacher who helped create a new generation of actinomycete biologists. He will be missed by many people all around the globe."

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