Professor Alan Percival

The British Society for Microbiology (BSMT) was founded in 1985. The purpose of the society is to promote an exchange of information on laboratory practices in clinical microbiology, with an emphasis on providing a forum for ‘hands-on’ scientists working at the laboratory bench. Initially the main thrust of the BSMT concerned the lack of control of testing methods for antimicrobial agents in a world where new infectious agents and therapies were changing rapidly. This was an area in which Alan Percival excelled.

Professor Alan Percival was Honorary President of the BSMT from 1990 to 1997. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the society from our early days. Most years he attended our May scientific meetings at Colindale as a guest lecturer or session chairman, a task he revelled in as those who knew him will testify. He was a very good chairman. As well as keeping control of proceedings, his knowledge and experience was always apparent and he was able to ask a speaker the pertinent question that should be asked though few of us had the wisdom to think of it at the time. He was also unforgettable company at dinner and in and around meetings.

Those of us who were fortunate to have known or worked with Alan will remember him, not only as a unique character, but also as a teacher and loyal colleague. His primary interest was always the care of patients and to this aim he strived to improve the understanding and education of laboratory staff of all grades and he was committed to sharing his knowledge with the ward nurses and other medical staff. Alan Percival was an example of a consummate Clinical Microbiologist. He will be sadly missed by the organising committee, all who support the BSMT and all who were fortunate to work with him.

http://www.bsac.org.uk/News/Memorial+book+for+Professor+Alan+Percival