Head of Science Communication and Public Engagement Jo Verran retires

Farewell speech for Jo Verran

Jo Verran joined the University in 1980 as a lecturer in Microbiology. For some time she was the youngest member of permanent academic staff in this (and probably many other) Higher Education institution. Jo’s research career progressed successfully and was recognised in 2008 by her appointment as Professor in Microbiology. As a very successful research professor she supervised and mentored a large number of research students and early career researchers, brought in substantial research funding (over £3 million), and published her work in high quality journals. Her expertise has been recognised externally including through roles in national and international professional bodies and as a member of the 2014 REF Panel. 

On its own, this would have been an impressive academic career. However, Jo has also excelled in learning and teaching. Her enthusiasm and innovation in teaching has captivated generations of students. As a reflective teacher, she has researched and published widely in pedagogy, and has been recognised externally as a Principal Fellow of the HEA and a National Teaching Fellow.

Again, this combination of research and education is impressive on its own, but these have not been the only strings to Jo’s bow. For many years, Jo has been a strong advocate and leader in public engagement and indeed was Public Engagement Champion for a number of years. Innovations include hosting the ‘Bad Bugs Book Club’ (launched 2009) and film screenings associated with microbes and disease. Her media career includes being interviewed by Lorraine Kelly (how clean is your handbag?). She led on the Manchester Met contribution to the Manchester Science Festival for many years, developed a very successful year of activities for the 50th celebration of the John Dalton site, and was important in leading the University’s contribution to the European City of Science celebrations.

Jo has also had several major leadership roles from Head of Faculty Graduate School to Head of the School of Research, Enterprise and Innovation. Jo’s success is in part because of her enthusiasm, innovation and expertise. However, an important aspect is because of her collegiality and ability to work across subject boundaries. Amongst other discipline experts, Jo has worked with food technologists (Menus Made by Microbes), social scientists (Institute of Gothic Studies), computer scientists (apps including SimZombie and SimFection), and artists (knit a microbe and conservation of the Northern Film Archive).

As Jo retires to be Professor Emeritus, we hope she will continue to work with and inspire colleagues across Manchester Met, spend a little more time with her family and in her beloved Cornwall, and that she finds time to complete her MA in Creative Writing by finishing her novel (we would not be surprised to see her celebrated a successful author of fiction in the future).

You can find pictures from Monday's event below: