Physicist Adept in Microscopical Invention Receives New RMS Accolade

Professor Gail McConnell has been announced as the first recipient of the Royal Microscopical Society’s newly-established Mid-Career Scientific Achievement Award.

Professor of Physics and Director of the Centre for Biophotonics at the University of Strathclyde, Gail also chairs the RMS Light Microscopy Committee.

World-renowned for her application of physics to biology, Gail’s many achievements are the recent ‘TartanSW’ method for the indexing of multiple antinodal layers of excitation in standing wave microscopy, widefield 2-photon microscopy and the ground-breaking development and use of the Mesolens for laser scanning confocal and camera operation.

RMS President Grace Burke said: “As a young Professor, the impact Gail has made on both the science of microscopy and its many applications cannot be overstated.

"Her impressive achievements and impact on biological imaging and research have enabled new perspectives and visualisation opportunities that are critical for advanced research.  Gail is undoubtedly an exemplary role model for our scientific community and a most-deserving award recipient.”

Gail will be presented with the RMS Mid-Career Scientific Achievement Award later this year.

In addition to her prolific output as a Professor, Gail’s nomination cited her dedication to outreach, teaching and helping to perpetuate her knowledge and enthusiasm for microscopy throughout the research community.

Among these activities, Gail was the key organiser for the Plymouth Optical Microscopy Workshop from 2014-2018, inviting and welcoming new lecturers and raising industrial funding so that all students could have the opportunity to attend – not just those from well-funded labs.