(fl 1997-2008), microbiologist

Professor of Microbiology at University College London, where he has worked since 1983. In recognition of his research achievements, Professor Wilson was awarded a DSc degree in 1999 by the National University of Ireland and in 2011 was appointed Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques by the French Minister of National Education. His main research interests are the indigenous microbiota of humans, biofilms, antibiotic resistance and the development of new antimicrobial strategies. He has a great interest in translational research and has applied for 13 patents for inventions in the fields of light-activated antimicrobial agents and water purification. In 1990 he received the National Westminster/British Petroleum Innovation Award and in 1991 the Toshiba "Invention of the Year" Award for inventing a low-technology method of sterilising water for use in developing countries. He has published 334 peer-reviewed papers and 11 books, one of which (“Bacteriology of Humans: an ecological perspective”) was awarded first prize in the Royal Society of Medicine and Society of Authors Medical Book Awards in 2008.