Our history

The Microbiology Society, previously named the Society for General Microbiology, was formally established in February 1945, with Sir Alexander Fleming elected as its first President. Find out more about our history using the timeline below, reading Fifty Years On by John Postgate or viewing the profiles on current and previous Presidents of the Society.

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  Past Presidents

  Find out about the many eminent presidents throughout the Society's history.

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  Timeline

  The history of the Microbiology Society from 1945 onwards.

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  Fifty Years On

  Find out more about the history of the Microbiology Society from Fifty Years On, by John Postgate.

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  Honorary Archivist

  Read about the role of Honorary Archivist, and who currently holds the position.

The obituary of the first joint secretary of the Society, Leslie Alfred Allen, is also available for download below.

Leslie Alfred Allen Obituary Notice (PDF)