Martin Wood 1, President of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, died suddenly and totally unexpectedly at his home on December 15th 2002. He was 57 years old.
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The treatment of herpes virus infections was Martins principal research interest, and he had performed seminal studies on the use of antiviral agents in the treatment of herpes zoster. These had received international recognition and he was frequently invited to present the results of his research at overseas meetings. He was the author of numerous publications on various aspects of infectious diseases.
Martin joined the BSAC in 1982. In 1984 he became an Assistant Editor of JAC under the then-Editor, Ian Phillips, and went on to serve as an Assistant Editor and Editor under David Speller and Roger Finch. In late 1995 he succeeded Roger Finch as Editor-in-Chief. During Martins stewardship the journal made successful changes of publisher, format and editorial procedures. The Journal experienced a 40% rise in the number of submissions, and the Impact Factor increased from 2.10 to 2.96. After handing over to David Reeves in late 2000, Martin again served as an Editor, this time with special responsibilities for antiviral articles. One of his long-term aims had been to stimulate the submission of more antiviral work to the JAC, an effort which is now showing signs of bearing fruit.
In 1989 Martin was elected to BSAC Council and from 19911994 he was Honorary General Secretary. In 2000 he succeeded Richard Wise as President of the Society. In the role of President he undertook and oversaw important structural changes including the recent Incorporation of the BSAC. At the time of his death he was completing a review of the Societys constitution, bringing it up to the high standards required by the Charity Commissioners.
Many of those outside the UK who knew Martin would have met him first at an international meeting, which he attended tirelessly on behalf of both the Society and Journal, perhaps most notably as a host at BSAC/JAC receptions. At these events, Martins good humour, wit and unaffected charm were admirably displayed and helped to make them so successful and convivial. The BSAC and Journal staff, past and present, have fond memories of attending meetings abroad with Martin. He was always excellent company and, once the work had been done, made sure that neophytes had the opportunity to sample any distinctive local cuisine or beverages, and obtain an impression of the culture and surroundings. The latter was sometimes achieved on one of his famed whistle-stop walking tours, for which sensible footwear and plenty of stamina were required.
During his twenty year association with the BSAC and the JAC, Martin made extensive and lasting contributions to both. From the messages of sympathy and shock received after his death, it is clear that he was liked and respected throughout the antimicrobial community worldwide.
Martins colleagues and friends in the Society and around the world offer their deepest sympathy to Martins wife Stephanie and to their two sons, Jonathan and Christopher. He will be greatly missed.
Alasdair Geddes and Colin Drummond