Birmingham Professor elected as prestigious Fellow of the European Academy of Microbiology

Professor Lindsay Hall, Professor and Chair of Microbiome Research at the University of Birmingham, has been elected as a Fellow of the European Academy of Microbiology (EAM), in recognition of her outstanding contributions to microbiology and international leadership in the field.

Founded by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS), the European Academy of Microbiology is a prestigious leadership academy comprising of eminent experts from across the diverse branches of microbiology.

Fellowship is awarded through nomination and election by peers, recognising scientific excellence, integrity, and leadership, and highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing microbiology.

Professor Hall is one of just over 200 Fellows from more than 30 countries and is only the second academic from the University of Birmingham to be elected to the Academy, reflecting both her individual achievements and the University’s strength in microbiome research. The first academic to be elected as Fellow from the University of Birmingham was Professor Steve Busby, Professor of Biochemistry, whose work is focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression in bacteria.

Professor Hall’s research focuses on understanding the role of the microbiome in human health and disease, particularly during early life. Her work has advanced understanding of how beneficial microbes influence infant development and health outcomes, helping to inform new approaches to disease prevention and treatment.

Speaking about the Fellowship, Professor Hall said: “It’s a great honour - and very much a team honour - to be elected a Fellow of the European Academy of Microbiology. This recognition reflects the brilliant work of my team and our collaborators. I look forward to supporting the Academy’s activities, especially mentoring the next generation of microbiologists, and advancing microbiome research that benefits human health, particularly in early life”.

Professor Alan McNally, Professor in Microbial Evolutionary Genomics and Head of the School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology at the University of Birmingham commented: "Professor Hall’s election to the European Academy of Microbiology is a richly deserved recognition of her international leadership in microbiome research. Her work has made important contributions to our understanding of how the microbiome influences human health, and this honour reflects both her scientific excellence and her impact on the field."

Professor Hall’s election to the Fellowship will enable her to contribute to the Academy’s activities, including providing expert scientific insight, supporting early-career researchers through mentorship, and contributing to publications and initiatives that help shape the future of microbiology. Her appointment further strengthens the University of Birmingham’s role in advancing microbiome research and contributing to the global microbiology community.