The Council is the administrative body of the IBBS, responsible for the Society’s day to day affairs. It is elected at the Annual General Meeting in which all members are entitled to participate. Council members serve a four-year term of office with a quarter standing down each year. In addition, Council can co-opt members to help with specific tasks or projects.
To contact an individual Council member please do so via secretary @ ibbsonline.org
Clara Enza Urzì
President
Employer or Institute:
University of Messina, Italy
Title: Associate Professor of Microbiology
Main Areas of Work: Biofilm control strategies, microbial ecology applied to Cultural Heritage
Recent Publications:
Ben Chobba, M.; Weththimuni, M.L.; Messaoud, M.; Urzi, C.; Licchelli, M. 2024. Recent Advances in the Application of Metal Oxide Nanomaterials for the Conservation of Stone Artefacts, Ecotoxicological Impact and Preventive Measures. Coatings 2024, 14, 203. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14020203
Luci, M.; De Leo, F.; De Pascale, D.; Galasso, C.; La Russa, M.F.; Lo Schiavo, S.; Ricca, M.; Ruffolo, S.A.; Ruocco, N.; Urzì, C. 2023, Surface-Active Ionic-Liquid-Based Coatings as Anti-Biofilms for Stone: An Evaluation of Their Physical Properties. Coatings 13, 1669.https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13101669.
Sfameni, S., Rando, G., Marchetta, A., Scolaro, C., Cappello, S., Urzì, C., Visco, A., Plutino, M.R. 2022. Development of Eco-Friendly Hydrophobic and Fouling-Release Coatings for Blue-Growth Environmental Applications: Synthesis, Mechanical Characterization and Biological Activity. Gels, 8 (9), art. no. 528, .
De Leo, F., Marchetta, A., Urzì, C. 2022. Black Fungi on Stone‐Built Heritage: Current Knowledge and Future Outlook. Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 12 (8), art. no. 3969.
De Leo, F.; Marchetta, A.; Capillo, G.; Germanà, A.; Primerano, P.; Schiavo, S.L.; Urzì, C. Surface Active Ionic Liquids Based Coatings as Subaerial Anti-Biofilms for Stone Built Cultural Heritage. Coatings 2021, 11, 26. https:// org/10.3390/coatings11010026
Key words: Microbiology applied to Cultural heritage, biodeterioration. biofilm, multifunctional and antifouling coating to protect CH. Standardization of terminology to be used in the conservation of cultural heritage.
Frederick (Fred) J. Passman
Immediate Past President
Employer or Institute:
Biodeterioration Control Associates, Inc. (www.biodeterioration-control.com)
Title: President
Background: Fred holds an A.B. degree in microbiology from Indiana University and a PhD in marine microbiology from the University of New Hampshire. He is an ASTM International Fellow and an STLE Fellow, Vice-Chair of ASTM D02.14 Subcommittee on the Stability, Cleanliness and Compatibility of Liquid Fuels, Chair of ASTM D02.14 Fuel Microbiology Working Group, Chair ASTM Committee E34 on Occupational Health and Safety, and Chair of ASTM Subcommittee E34.50 on Health and Safety Standards for Metal Working Fluids. Fred has written numerous papers and several book chapters on fuel, lubricant, and metalworking fluid microbiology and biodeterioration.
Recent Publications:
Energy Institute, “Guidelines on detecting, controlling, and mitigating microbial growth in oils and fuels used at power generation facilities.” https://publishing.energyinst.org/topics/power-generation/guidelines-on-detecting,-controlling-and-mitigating-microbial-growth-in-oils-and-fuels-used-at-power-generation-facilities. Energy Institute, London. ISBN: 9781787251885.
Passman, F.J. and Küenzi, P., “Microbiology in Water-Miscible Metalworking Fluids.” Tribology Transactions. Received 17 Feb 2020, Accepted 29 Apr 2020, Accepted author version posted online: 12 May 2020 https://doi.org/10.1080/10402004.2020.1764684.
Passman, F. J. “Chapter 35 – Biodeterioration.” In: R. Shah and D. R. Forester, Eds. ASTM Manual 37 – Fuels and Lubricants Handbook: Technology, Properties, Performance, and Testing, 2nd Edition, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, pp:1231-1273 (2018). DOI: 10.1520/MNL3720150021.
Passman, F. J. “Chapter 8 – Sampling.” In: S. J. Rand and A. W. Verstuyft, Eds. ASTM Manual 1 – Significance of Tests for Petroleum Products–9th Edition, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, pp: 119-142 (2018). ISBN 978-0-8031-7108-4.
Passman, F. J. “Chapter 11 – Microbiology of Metalworking Fluids” In: J. Byers. Ed. Metalworking Fluids, 3rd Ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp: 241-284 (2018). ISBN: 9781498722223
Key words: biodeterioration, fuels, lubricants, metalworking fluids.
Christine Gaylarde
Secretary (Former President)
Employer or Institute:
Retired/Honorary position at Oklahoma University
Title: Hon. Researcher/Professor
Main Areas of Study/Work: Biodeterioration of cultural heritage buildings and paint films, microplastics pollution
Other Interests: Travelling, reading, eating good food, Liverpool Football Club
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Gaylarde, C.C., de Almeida, M.P., Neves, C.V., Neto, J.A.B. and da Fonseca, E.M., 2023. The Importance of Biofilms on Microplastic Particles in Their Sinking Behavior and the Transfer of Invasive Organisms between Ecosystems. Micro 3, 320-337
Shirakawa MA, Lima LN, Gaylarde CC, Silva JA, Loz PHF, John VJ. Effects of natural ageing on the properties of a cool surface exposed in different Brazilian environments. Energy and Buildings doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110031 2020.
Ortega-Morales O, Montero-Muñoz JL, Baptista Neto JA, Beech IB, Sunner J, Gaylarde C. Deterioration and cyanobacterial colonization of cultural heritage stone buildings in polluted and unpolluted tropical and subtropical climates: a meta-analysis. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 143: 104734. doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2019.104734 2019.
Gaylarde, C.C.; Ortega-Morales, B.O. Biodeterioration and Chemical Corrosion of Concrete in the Marine Environment: Too Complex for Prediction. Microorganisms 2023, 11, 2438. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102438
Email: secretary @ ibbsonline.org
Keywords: biofilms, cultural heritage, cyanobacteria
Scott Mitchell
Assistant Secretary
Employer or Institute:
Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA)
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Zaragoza
Title: Tenured Senior Scientist
Main Areas of Study/Work:
Synthesis of antimicrobial agents, studying biodeterioration, and developing water purification materials. Our experimental strategy emphasizes molecular design and chemical synthesis of responsive functional materials compatible with the unique demands of areas as diverse as Cultural Heritage, Water Purification, and Health. A key aspect of our research is the feedback loop between fundamental and applied science, where understanding the interactions between molecules or materials with different surfaces and biology, is crucial for modulating and refining the materials to their final application.
Other Interests: Scientific outreach, hill running, playing drums, and family adventures.
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
“Evaluating the durability and performance of polyoxometalate-ionic liquid coatings on calcareous stones: preventing biocolonisation in outdoor environments” S. Eyssautier-Chuine, I. Franco-Castillo, A. Misra, J. Hubert, N. Vaillant-Gaveau, C. Streb, S. G. Mitchell*, Science of the Total Environment., 2023, 884,163739.
“Polyoxometalate–peptide hybrid materials: from structure–property relationships to applications” H. Soria-Carrera, E. Atrián-Blasco, R. Martín-Rapún*, S. G. Mitchell* Chemical Science, 2023, 14, 10-28
“New protective coatings against lampenflora growing in the Pommery Champagne cellar”, I. Franco-Castillo, A. Misra,S. Laratte, M.,Gommeaux, , R. Perarnau, N. Vaillant-Gaveau, C. Pierlot, C. Streb, S. G. Mitchell*,,S. Eyssautier-Chuine*, Int. Biodeterior. Biodegradad. 2022, 173, 105459.
“Perspectives for antimicrobial nanomaterials in cultural heritage conservation” I. Franco-Castillo, J. M. de la Fuente, A. Seral-Ascaso, S. G. Mitchell* Chem 2021, 7, 629.
Keywords: antimicrobial materials, biodeterioration, nanomaterials, molecular metal-oxides, biocides, biofilms
Jonathan Butler
Treasurer
Employer or Institute:
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), UK (www.mmu.ac.uk)
Title: Lecturer in Microbiology
Main Areas of Study/Work: (1) Developing novel metal-based antimicrobial treatment strategies and identifying the molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial activity, (2) Understanding the molecular basis for antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and bacterial virulence factors, (3) Pathogenicity, detection and control of foodborne Campylobacter species.
Other Interests: Public engagement and science communication, badminton, walking in the Peak District.
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Rana, N., Jesse, H.E., Tinajero-Trejo, M., Butler, J.A., Tarlit, J.D., von und zur Mühlen, M.L., Nagel, C., Schatzschneider, U. and Poole R.K. (2017). A Manganese photoactivated carbon monoxide-releasing molecule [Mn(CO)3(tpa-κ3N)]Br enhances antibiotic effects on a multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli. Microbiology. 63(10), 1477-1489
Vaidya, M.Y., McBain, A.J., Butler, J.A., Banks, C.E., Whitehead, K.A. (2017). Antimicrobial Efficacy and Synergy of Metal Ions against Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii in Planktonic and Biofilm Phenotypes. Scientific Reports. 7(5911)
Southam, H.M., Butler, J.A., Chapman, J.A. and Poole, R.K. (2017) The microbiology of ruthenium complexes. Advances in Microbial Physiology. 71, 1-96.
Jervis, A.J., Butler, J.A., Wren, B.W. and Linton, D. (2015) Chromosomal integration vectors allowing flexible expression of foreign genes in Campylobacter jejuni. BMC Microbiology. 15(230), 1-9.
Jervis, A.J., Butler, J.A., Lawson, A., Langdon, R., Wren, B. and Linton, D. (2012). Characterization of the structurally diverse N-linked glycans of Campylobacter species. Journal of Bacteriology. 194(9), 2355-2362
Keywords: novel antimicrobials, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, Campylobacter, molecular microbiology, biocides, biofilms
Title: Lecturer in Microbiology
Main Areas of Study/Work:
My main research areas include antimicrobial development (including drug repurposing), antimicrobial resistance, polymicrobial biofilms (including in vitro model development to mimic clinically relevant conditions), host-pathogen interactions, biomedical device optimisation (e.g., anti-adhesive/antimicrobial surface(s)/coatings), and bioengineering.
Other Interests: Public engagement and science communication, football, running, Formula 1 and hiking.
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Slate, A. J., Clarke, O. E., Kerio, M., Nzakizwanayo, J., Patel, B. A., Jones, B. V. (2023). Infection Responsive coatings to reduce biofilm formation and encrustation of urinary catheters. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 134, 6.
Slate, A. J., Hickey, N. A., Butler, J. A., Wilson, D., Liauw, C. M., Banks, C. E. and Whitehead, K. A., (2021). Additive manufactured graphene-based electrodes exhibit beneficial performances in Pseudomonas aeruginosa microbial fuel cells. Journal of Power Sources. 499, 229938.
Butler, J. A., Slate, A. J., Todd, D. B., Airton, D., Hardman, M., Hickey, N. A., Scott, K. and Venkatraman, P. D. (2020). A traditional Ugandan Ficus natalensis bark cloth exhibits antimicrobial activity against Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 131(1), 2-10/
Slate, A. J., Whitehead, K. A., Brownson, D. A. C. and Banks, C. E. (2019). Microbial fuel cells: An overview of current technology. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 101, 60-81.
Slate, A. J., Shalamanova, L., Akhidime, I. D. and Whitehead, K. A. (2019). Rhenium and yttrium ions as antimicrobial agents against multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 69, 168-174.
Slate, A. J., Wickens, D. J., El Mohtadi, M., Dempsey-Hibbert, N., Banks, C. E. and Whitehead, K. A. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of Ti-ZrN/Ag coatings for use in biomaterial applications. Scientific Reports, 8, 1497.
Keywords: novel antimicrobials, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, drug repurposing, polymicrobial biofilms, antimicrobial biomedical device surfaces/coatings, bacterial-surface attachment, host-pathogen interactions.
Scott Wade
Newsletter Editing Manager
Employer or Institute:
Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
Title: Associate Professor
Main Areas of Study/Work: Microbial corrosion, accelerated low water corrosion, marine corrosion.
Other Interests: Running, playing guitar, surfing.
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
S.A. Wade, T.L. Skovhus, J.S. Lee; To What End? A Review of Recent Trends in Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion Research 1990 to 2023. CORROSION 1 July 2025; 81 (7): 637–645. https://doi.org/10.5006/4710
M.A. Javed, W. C. Neil, and S. A. Wade. “From defence to damage: the impact of seawater passivation on microbially influenced corrosion in CuNi 70/30 alloy.” Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology 10.11 (2024): 2929-2945. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EW00562G
Knisz, R. Eckert, Lisa M. Gieg, Andrea Koerdt, Jason S. Lee, Elizabeth R. Silva, Torben Lund Skovhus, Biwen Annie An Stepec, and S. A. Wade. “Microbiologically influenced corrosion—more than just microorganisms.” FEMS Microbiology Reviews 47, no. 5 (2023): fuad041. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuad041
B.J. Little, D.J. Blackwood, J. Hinks, F.M. Lauro, E. Marsili, A. Okamoto, S.A. Rice, S.A. Wade and H.-C. Flemming, “Microbially influenced corrosion—Any progress?”, Corrosion Science 170, 108641, 2020.
Keywords: microbial corrosion, metals, corrosion, sulfate reducing bacteria
Muhammad Awais Javed
Co-opted Council Member/Assistant Newsletter Editor
Employer or Institute:
Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
Title: Dr (Research Fellow)
Main Areas of Study/Work:
Microbial corrosion, accelerated low water corrosion, marine corrosion, materials characterisation.
Other Interests: Running, swimming, camping.
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
M.A. Javed, W.C. Neil, and S.A. Wade, “Effect of test media on the crevice corrosion of stainless steel by sulfate reducing bacteria”, npj Materials Degradation, 6(1), pp. 40, 2022.
M.A. Javed, N. Rieders, I. Beech, R. Avci, W.C. Neil, and S.A. Wade, “The influence of chemical cleaning methods on pitting morphology attributed to microbially influenced corrosion of stainless steels”, Corrosion 77(3), pp. 276-286, 2021.
N. Hutasoit, S.H. Topa, M.A. Javed, R.A.R. Rashid, E. Palombo, and Suresh Palanisamy, “Antibacterial efficacy of cold-sprayed copper coatings against gram-positive staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli”, Materials 14(22), pp. 6744, 2021.
M.A. Javed, W. C. Neil, G. McAdam, J. W. Moreau, and S. A. Wade, “Microbiologically influenced corrosion of stainless steel by sulfate reducing bacteria: A tale of caution”, Corrosion 76 (7),pp. 639-653, 2020.
Keywords: microbial corrosion, metals, corrosion, sulphate reducing bacteria, materials microstructures
John Gillatt
Webmaster (Former President and Secretary)
Employer or Institute:
Retired, Bolton, UK
Title: Gentleman of Leisure
Interests: Local politics and community activism, long distance walking, swimming
I retired in 2015 having spent more than 40 years working in the biocides industry, firstly for the long defunct ICI group and latterly (for 30 years!) for the Thor Group (www.thor.com). I am a former Hon. Secretary and President of IBBS and former President of the International Biodeterioration Research Group (IBRG – www.ibrg.org).
Keywords: Walking, hiking, back packing, hill climbing, politicking, community activism
Elsa Fuentes Alonso
Membership Secretary
Employer or Institute:
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela
Title: Postdoctoral Researcher
Main Areas of Study/Work: Climate change, Phottropic biofilm-forming organisms on structural materials, metagenomics of algae, cyanobacteria and fungi, use of biocides/biostats.
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Fuentes, E., Pérez-Velón, D., & Prieto, B. (2022). Effects of changes in UV-B radiation levels on biofilm-forming organisms commonly found in cultural heritage surfaces. Environmental Research, 214, 114061.
Fuentes, E., Carballeira, R., & Prieto, B. (2021). Role of exposure on the microbial consortiums on historical rural granite buildings. Applied Sciences, 11(9), 3786.
Fuentes, E., & Prieto, B. (2021). A laboratory approach on the combined effects of granite bioreceptivity and parameters modified by climate change on the development of subaerial biofilms on cultural heritage. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 164, 105295.
Keywords: biofilms, cultural heritage, biodeterioration, fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, stone, granite
Flavia Pinzari
FEMS Representative
Employer or Institute:
Council of National Research of Italy (CNR), Italy
Title: Researcher (CNR) – Scientific Associate (NHM)
Main Areas of Study/Work:
I obtained the PhD with a thesis in mycology and cellulose biodegradation. I worked at the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage between 2001 and 2012 as head of the Biology laboratory, working on biodeterioration of materials used in restoration, case studies and biocides testing. I have been a researcher between 2012 and 2020 at the “Council for Agricultural Research and Economics”, in Rome. I am currently a senior researcher at the Institute for Biological Systems (IBS) of the Council of National Research of Italy (CNR).
My main research topics are mycology, soil microbiology, bio-weathering and biomineralisation, electron microscopy, and microanalysis applied to natural and induced biodeterioration and biodegradation phenomena. I studied extensively paper and library materials biodeterioration (cultural heritage), and I keep on collaborating as a scientific associate with the Italian “Istituto centrale per la patologia del libro e degli archivi (ICPAL)”(Rome) and with the Natural History Museum (London).
Other Interests: trekking, reading science fiction, cooking for my kids
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Pinar G, Sclocchi MC, Pinzari F et al. (2020) The microbiome of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings: a bio-archive of their history. Front. Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.593401
Pinzari F, Cornish L, Jungblut A (2020) Skeleton bones in museum indoor environments offer niches for fungi and are affected by weathering and deposition of secondary minerals. Environmental microbiology 22 (1), 59-75 https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.14818
Cicero C, Pinzari F, Mercuri F (2018) 18th Century knowledge on microbial attacks on parchment: Analytical and historical evidence International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 134: 76-82 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2018.08.007
Keywords: fungi, soil, cultural heritage, microbiology, paper, parchment, biodeterioration, biodegradation, SEM-EDS
Andrea Koerdt
Outreach Secretary
Employer or Institute:
Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Berlin
Title: Principal Investigator and Project Coordinator
Main Areas of Study/Work:
Investigation of Microbiologically influenced corrosion (basic research and applied research) with focus on anaerobic microorganisms (e.g. sulfate-reducing microorganisms and methanogenic archaea) and metallic materials for different applications/topics in the 1.) field and 2.) areas of:
Further relevant aspects are:
Optimisation of laboratory conditions for realistic testing of MIC with pure cultures, precisely defined consortia or environmental samples, molecular microbiology, involvement in standardisation committees, customised testing, and contract research for industry.
Other Interests: Drawing, weaving, board games.
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Keywords: Microbiologically influenced corrosion, anaerobic conditions (methanogens and Sulfate reducing bacteria), environmental simulation, mitigation
Judit Knisz
EURO-MIC Representative
Employer or Institute:
Ludovika University of Public Service, Baja, Hungary
Title: Senior Research Scientist
Main Areas of Study/Work:
Investigating microbiologically influenced corrosion in cooling water systems, drinking water distribution systems and other industrial systems. Fate of contaminants of emerging concern in small, on-site wastewater treatment systems. |
Other Interests: Gardening, spending time with my family, reading, animals
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Knisz, J., R. Eckert, L. M. Gieg, Andrea Koerdt, J. S. Lee, E. R. Silva, T. L. Skovhus, B. A. An Stepec, and S. A. Wade. 2023. “Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion-More than just Microorganisms.” Volume 47, Issue 5, September 2023, fuad041, https://doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuad041 Gősi, Péter, Sándor Rátkai, Prateek Shetty, Roland Wirth, Gergely Maróti, Ferenc Oszvald, and Judit Knisz. 2022. “Prediction of long-term localized corrosion rates in a carbon steel cooling water system is enhanced by metagenome analysis.” Engineering Failure Analysis 144 (2022). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2022.106733. Knisz, J., P. Shetty, R. Wirth, G. Maróti, T. Karches, I. Dalkó, M. Bálint, E. Vadkerti, and T. Bíró. 2021. “Genome-level insights into the operation of an on-site biological wastewater treatment unit reveal the importance of storage time.” Science of The Total Environment 766:144425. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144425. |
Keywords: Microbiologically influenced corrosion, molecular microbiological methods, organic micropollutant biodegradation, on-site wastewater treatment systems
Ji-Dong Gu
International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Journal Representative
Employer or Institute:
Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
Title: Professor
Main Areas of Study/Work: Environmental Microbiology
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Ding, X., W. Lan, Y. Li, A. Yan, Y. Katayama, and J.-D. Gu (2022) Microbiome characteristics and the key biochemical pathways identified from world stone cultural heritage under different climate conditions. Journal of Environmental Management 302 (Part A): 114041. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114041
Yang, Y., Z. Lu, M. Ali, B. Kartal, H. Du, M. Cai, C.W. Herbold, X. Ding, M. Denecke, X. Li, M. Li, and J.-D. Gu (2022) Discovery of a new genus of anaerobic ammonium-oxidation bacteria in a full-scale biofilm system. Water Research 226: 119165. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119165
Liu, X., L Zou, B. Li, P.D. Martino, D. Rittschoff, J.-L. Yang, J. Maki, W. Liu, and J.-D. Gu (2024) Chemical signaling in biofilm-medicated biofouling. Nature Chemical Biology DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01740
Keywords: Cultural heritage, Biodegradation, Oilfield microbiology
Benjamin Otto Ortega-Morales
Co-opted Council Member Social Media Secretary
Employer or Institute:
Centro de Investigación en Microbiología Ambiental y Biotecnología. Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Mexico
Title: Tenured Professor, founder and former director of Centro de Investigación en Microbiología Ambiental y Biotecnología. Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Mexico
Main Areas of Study/Work: Biodeterioration of cultural heritage buildings, marine biofilms, microbial metabolites of biotechnological interest.
Other Interests: Science communication and public engagement, football, reading
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
May-Crespo, J., Ortega-Morales, B.O., Camacho-Chab, J.C., Quintana, P., Alvarado-Gil, J.J., Gonzalez-García, G., Reyes-Estebanez, M.M., Chan-Bacab, M.J. 2016. Photoacoustic monitoring of water transport processes in calcareous stone coated with biopolymers. Applied Physics A 120:1060.
Ortega-Morales O, Montero-Muñoz JL, Baptista Neto JA, Beech IB, Sunner J, Gaylarde C. Deterioration and cyanobacterial colonization of cultural heritage stone buildings in polluted and unpolluted tropical and subtropical climates: a meta-analysis. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 143: 104734. doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2019.104734 2019.
Reyes-Estebanez M., Sanmartín P., Camacho-Chab J.C., De la Rosa-García S.C.,Chan- Bacab M.J., Águila-Ramírez R.N., Carrillo-Villanueva F., De la Rosa-Escalante, E., Arteaga-Garma J.L., Serrano M., Ortega-Morales B.O. 2020. Characterization of a native Bacillus velezensis-like strain for the potential biocontrol of tropical fruit pathogens. Biological Control. 141: 104127.
Ortega-Morales, B.O., Gayarde, C.C. 2021. Bioconservation of Historic Stone Buildings – An Updated Review. Applied Science, 11(12): 5695.
Gaylarde, C.C.; Ortega-Morales, B.O. Biodeterioration and Chemical Corrosion of Concrete in the Marine Environment: Too Complex for Prediction. Microorganisms 2023, 11,2438. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102438
Camacho-Chab, J.C.; Camacho-Chab, P.A.; Pereañez-Sacarías, J.E.; Montero-Muñoz, J.L.; Almeyda-Cen, A.I.; Dzul-López, L.A.; Reyes-Estebanez, M.M.; Ortega-Morales, B.O. 2024. Short-Term Effect of Biopolymer-Based Coatings on Surface Hardness and Color of Limestone Exposed to Tropical Outdoor Conditions. Coatings, 14, 154. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14020154
Keywords: Biodeterioration, Biofilms, Microbial Biotechnology, Geomicrobiology, Public engagement with science
Joe Suflita
Council Member
Employer or Institute:
University of Oklahoma (OU), Oklahoma, USA
Title: George Lynn Cross Professor, Emeritus Director, OU Institute for Energy and the Environment, Emeritus Director, OU Biocorrosion Center
Main Areas of Study/Work: Environmental Microbiology/Microbial Ecology/Anaerobic Biodegradation/ Biotransformation of Energy Related Substances
Other Interests: Fishing
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Duncan, KE, Dominici, LE, Nanny, MA, Davidova, IA, Harriman, BH, and JM Suflita. 2024. Microbial Communities in Model Seawater-Compensated Fuel Ballast Tanks: Biodegradation and Biocorrosion Stimulated by Marine Sediments. Corros. Mater. Degrad. 5(1): 1-26. DOI: 10.3390/cmd5010001
Suflita, JM and BJ Little. 2024. The 50th anniversary of the International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation Society. Internat. Biodeter. Biodeg. J. 186 (105683) DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2023.105683
Liang, RX, Davidova, IA, Teske, A and Suflita, and JM 2023. Evidence for the anaerobic biodegradation of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons in the Guaymas Basin. . Internat. Biodeter. Biodeg. J. 181(105621) DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2023.105621
Keywords: oil, fuel, biodegradation, biocorrosion, sulfate reduction, methanogenesis
Brenda Little
Council Member (Former President)
Employer or Institute: Retired
Background: Brenda holds a B.S. degree in biology from Baylor University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Tulane University. She is a NACE- International Fellow and an Assistant Editor of Biofouling, the Journal of Bioadhesion, and Biofilm Research. She co-authored (with J.S. Lee) Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (2007: John Wiley & Sons). In addition, she has published more than 100 journal articles and 30 book chapters on metal:microorganism interactions.
Keywords: Chemistry, microbiology, corrosion, remote sensing
Thomas Warscheid
Council Member
Employer or Institute:
LBW-Bioconsult, Wiefelstede, Germany
Title: Dr. rer. nat.
Main Areas of Study/Work: Court-appointed expert and private consultant for indoor hygiene, microbial infestation of building materials and coatings as well as biodeterioration of cultural heritage Research in the eco-physiology of material-immanent microorganisms as well as treatments and prevention of biodeterioration Development of biotechnological applications for algae in air cleaning and waste water treatment
Other Interests: My family, books, golf, restoration of oldtimers, Borussia Mönchengladbach
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
Warscheid, Th. and Braams, J. (2000) Biodeterioration of Stones – a review. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 46, 343 – 368.
Warscheid, Th., Orial, G., von Plehwe-Leisen, E. and Tudorov V. (2006) The bioprotection project on the “Madara Horseman” (Bulgaria) – bioremedial techniques in the conservation of stone monuments. In: Proceedings of the 7th European Conference “Sauveur” Safeguarded Cultural Heritage Understanding & Viability for the Enlarged Europe (Ed. European Commission), 823.
Warscheid, Th. [2011] Mold remediation in West-European buildings. In: Fundamentals of mold growth in indoor environments and strategies for healthy living (Eds.: Adan, O.C.G. and Samson, R.A.), Wageningen Academic Publishers, 413 – 434.
Warscheid, Th., Orial, G., Bousta, F., Francois, A. and Pallot-Frossard, I. [2013] The prehistoric wallpaintings of Lascaux: managing conservation measures in respect to microbiological monitoring and research. In: Wandmalereien in Krypten, Grotten und Kata – Zur Konservierung gefasster Oberflächen in umweltgeschädigten Räumen (Hrsg.: Danzl, Th., Exner, M., Rüber-Schütte, E.), ICOMOS – Hefte des Deutschen Nationalkomitees LVI, 17 – 32.
Keywords: geomicrobiology, biodeterioration, fungi, bacteria, algae, indoor hygiene, building materials, coatings, cultural heritage, museums, archives, digital microscopy, forensic analysis, microbiocides, bioremediation.
Joanna Verran
Co-opted Council Member (Former President)
Employer or Institute:
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), UK (www.mmu.ac.uk)
Title: Professor of Microbiology (Emeritus)
Main Areas of Study/Work: Microbial attachment to inert surfaces across a range of applications; surface hygiene; developing standards for testing antimicrobial surfaces; microbiology education; science communication and public engagement with science.
Other Interests: Microbiology and art/archaeology, science communication and public engagement, music (husband’s band Lazlo Baby; son’s band: www.DutchUncles.co.uk), Stockport County football club, Cornwall history.
I set up the Bad Bugs Bookclub in 2009, to encourage scientists and non-scientists to read and discuss fiction in which microbiology forms part of the plot. More than 100 books have now been read. For information on setting up a Bad Bugs Bookclub – see here.
Three Main or Most Recent Publications:
I have published widely on my research in the laboratory, in education and in public engagement. Perhaps it is preferable to contact me for further information in a particular area of expertise.
Keywords: Biofilms, hygienic surfaces, surface topography, survival of microorganisms on surfaces, standard methods for antimicrobial surface testing, novel antimicrobial surfaces, microbiology education, science communication, public engagement with science.
