Professor Jack Gilbert leaves a lasting legacy of collaboration and global engagement at AMI

When Professor Jack Gilbert became President of Applied Microbiology International (AMI), he challenged members to become active participants in the organisation’s future.

“Active membership is critical to the success of any society; you must play a role in making the society work for you,” he said on taking office.

“That’s why I volunteered my time to become President of AMI. I believe that active participation is the best way to improve any organization. Just as voting is a privilege, so is being able to represent the needs of the many to achieve real and lasting change in the world.”

As he steps down as President, AMI Chief Executive Dr Lucy Harper has paid tribute to Jack’s legacy, saying: ”It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Jack as AMI President. I’ve lost count of the number of doors he’s opened for AMI and for this I will always be grateful as without him I’m convinced our global ambitions would have been much more difficult to achieve.

”On a more personal level I have learnt a lot about leadership from Jack and have been, and will continue to be, impressed by his ability to bring people with him whilst juggling a multitude of complex projects with such expertise, enthusiasm and decisiveness. A real inspiration! Thank you, Jack.”

Leading by example

Professor Jack Gilbert is a dual UK/USA citizen born in the UK, who did his BSc at King’s College London, and his PhD with Unilever in Colworth and Nottingham University.

In 2019 he moved to University of California San Diego, where he is a Professor in Pediatrics and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Associate Vice Chancellor for Marine Science, and Director of the Microbiome and Metagenomics Center. He uses molecular analysis to test fundamental hypotheses in microbial ecology.

Over the past two years, Jack has led by example. His presidency has been defined by collaboration, generosity and an unwavering commitment to strengthening AMI’s global community, using his extensive international network to connect the organisation with world-leading scientists, policymakers and research communities.

One of his earliest contributions came with the launch of AMI’s Global Ambassadors programme. Jack recommended numerous candidates from around the world, helping establish a network that has expanded AMI’s international reach and strengthened its connections with members across the globe.

He also played an instrumental role in developing AMI’s Advisory Groups, suggesting many members of the inaugural cohort, including internationally renowned microbiologists Professor Rita Colwell and Professor Janet Jansson. 

Jack’s influence extends across many of AMI’s research networks. He introduced Professor Sue Ishaq and the Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) community, which has since become one of the organisation’s research networks. His introduction to Professor Jennifer Martiny similarly led to the partnership with the Microbiome Centers Consortium (MCC) research network.

His passion for environmental microbiology also helped establish Soil Stars, where he was one of the founding members.

As Co-Chair of the IUCN’s new Microbial Conservation Specialist Group (MCSG), Jack has strengthened AMI’s links with the global microbial conservation community. He also introduced Professor Chris Greening, who led AMI’s first Microbial Climate Solutions Workshop, helping establish another important strand of the organisation’s work.

Climate change mitigation

Beyond scientific networks, Jack has helped raise AMI’s profile on the international stage. Through his leadership and connections, the organisation secured a place within the global coalition on climate change mitigation, ensuring that applied microbiology has a voice in international discussions on one of the defining challenges of our time.

He has also represented AMI at several events in the UK Parliament, championing the role of applied microbiology in tackling issues ranging from public health to environmental sustainability.

Recognising the importance of international collaboration, Jack introduced AMI to Professor Jo Handelsman, head of the US Coalition of Life Sciences. That relationship has enabled the organisation to remain connected with developments in US science policy during a period of significant change.

The power of members

Throughout his presidency, Jack has embodied the principle he shared when taking office: that organisations thrive when members actively contribute their time, expertise and enthusiasm. His leadership has strengthened AMI’s international partnerships, expanded its research networks and helped ensure the organisation is represented wherever important conversations about microbiology are taking place.

He says: “I am most proud of being able to support the community that supported my career and professional development, but I will continue to engage with the society as much as possible to ensure that it can support every member’s career development.”

Incoming president Professor Peixoto says: ”Jack was instrumental in bringing AMI and ISME together, alongside other scientific societies, to advocate collectively for the power of microbes and the importance of microbiology in addressing global challenges. One of the outcomes was our joint Call to Action, published simultaneously across several journals - something that required organizations to move beyond their traditional boundaries and speak with one voice.

”When I first approached Jack with the idea, he told me it was crazy - and that he loved it. That response captures Jack perfectly: his enthusiasm for ambitious ideas, his instinct for partnership, and his willingness to work together to achieve what may initially seem impossible are truly unique. I am deeply grateful for his leadership, his friendship, and everything he has done to make our microbial community more connected and more influential.”

As one chapter closes and another begins, Jack leaves behind an organisation that is more connected, more influential and better placed than ever to support microbiologists around the world.