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Paying tribute to an APC Microbiome Ireland founding member, Professor Kevin Collins
Paul Ross, Director, APC Microbiome Ireland - It is with a heavy heart that I write this note in tribute to Professor Kevin Collins, who sadly passed away on Friday. Kevin was a friend, colleague, and inspiration to many of us who passed through Microbiology over the years.
I remember him as one of the best lecturers I encountered as an undergraduate, thanks to his passion and enthusiasm. During my PhD, which was also mentored by Seamus Condon, I was privileged to be part of the Friday evening Virology sessions in Cissy Young’s with my fishing buddy Maurice, where Kevin would hold court late into the night.
His vision, passion, and healthy cynicism were undoubtedly part of the genesis of microbiome research and the founding of APC at UCC and Moorepark. Indeed, he played a huge role in developing the seamless relationship with Moorepark and always made time to collaborate with Catherine and myself.
He leaves behind a significant professional legacy, but just as important was his friendship, humour, and humanity.
Fergus Shanahan, Founding Director, APC Microbiome Ireland - With sadness we have learned of the death of Professor J. Kevin Collins. We pause in memory of his collegiality and to salute his contributions to science at University College Cork. Kevin had an important influence on the careers of a generation of young scientists.
He was a co-founder of the successful campus spin-out company, Alimentary Health Ltd. He had a critical role as a founding member of APC Microbiome Ireland and greatly assisted the earliest stages of its development.
