Deirdre Devine: a tribute

Deirdre was a passionate supporter of microbiology and was a member of the Society’s Council from 2019 until 2021.  She had previously acted both as a member of a number of Society committees and as an organiser of many Symposia between 1998 and 2004.

Deirdre was Professor of Oral Microbiology in the University of Leeds School of Dentistry from 2009 until her retirement in 2021. Her research focussed on oral biofilms, their role in periodontal disease and novel forms of therapy using antimicrobial peptides. She had moved to Leeds in 1995, having previously worked at the Universities of Bradford and Manchester. As an undergraduate she studied Microbiology at the University of Reading and obtained her PhD from the Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, University of London. 

Deirdre was a well-respected academic, popular with her colleagues and always engaged fully in leadership and management roles, including lead roles in REF submissions. She was passionate about career development and mentoring junior academics.

When she retired in 2021 Deirdre and her husband, Nick, moved to Cornwall. They both loved sailing and owned a boat, Meg, moored in Falmouth. A 700-mile round trip from Leeds was no longer needed in order to spend time on Meg.  As well as spending more time on the water, they enjoyed walks around the Cornish coastline with their beloved dog, Peggy.  Deirdre was also able to devote time to developing her artistic talents.  Inspired by the Cornish countryside and coastline she created wonderful paintings that truly captured the unique spirit of the environment near their new home. Deirdre also had a fine singing voice, carrying on her Irish heritage. She performed with a band ‘Cousin Caroline’ whilst in Leeds and continued to enjoy singing after moving to Cornwall. 

Former Council members who served with Deirdre paid tribute to her. Tadhg Ó Cróinín (UCD) said: "Those of us fortunate enough to be on Council with Deirdre have fond memories of an enthusiastic, dedicated and supportive colleague. She was always willing to represent the views of the membership of the Society and was a particularly strong advocate for clinical microbiology. Generous with her time, Deirdre combined professionalism with warmth and kindness and a wonderful sense of humour that made working with her not only a privilege but a pleasure."

And Judith Armitage (Oxford) who was President at the time, remembers Deirdre as someone with “a strong streak of common sense, which was really valuable when presenting, with great charm and clarity, difficult arguments such as the decision to cancel Annual Conference before lockdown was announced in 2020”.

Her friend and colleague at Leeds, Nicola Stonehouse, said: “As a colleague, I am so grateful to Deirdre for her kind but critical support during my application for a Chair. As a friend, my voice was always better with hers alongside me.” 

Deirdre will be sadly missed by all Society members who knew her.