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Remembering Mike J. Dunn
Mike Dunn | 'The founding father of UK and International Proteomics'
1946 - 2024
It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Michael J. Dunn (Mike), a pioneering figure in the field of proteomics. Michael’s death marks the loss of not only a great scientist but also a compassionate mentor, a dedicated colleague, and a cherished friend to many. As one of the founding researchers in the field of proteomics his work laid the ground for many breakthroughs in the application of proteomics in biomedical science. Throughout his career, he collaborated with scientists from diverse fields, always seeking to bridge the gap between technology and biological research. His innovative approaches to protein analysis and his commitment to making complex science accessible were hallmarks of his work.
Mike was a dedicated mentor who shaped the careers of countless researchers. Known for his patience, generosity of spirit, and ability to encourage independent thought, he motivated all who worked with him. Many of his former students and colleagues have gone on to have significant careers of their own, continuing Mike’s legacy of scientific endeavour.
Mike’s passing leaves a void in the global proteomics community, but his contributions will continue to resonate. He will be deeply missed.
We invite you to use the space below to add any memories, photos, tributes or reflections of knowing Mike
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I first met Mike Dunn in the mid 1980’s at a meeting of the British Electrophoresis Society in Kensington Town Hall, which hosted leading speakers from all over the world. Thereafter, under his leadership, the Society went from strength to strength, eventually forming The British Society for Proteome Research. Alongside, he developed the journals Electrophoresis and Proteomics of which he was editor in chief. His intellectual capacity was amazing.
He was a quiet and unassuming man who soon became a good friend. He enabled me to apply his skills and knowledge to my own research, and which took me around the world.
Like me, he was a tennis enthusiast too. A friendly chat over a glass of Pimm’s at the end of a day's play at the All-England Club was always a moment to be savoured.
He will be sadly missed but long remembered.
As I had not heard from Mike for such a long time, I was shocked to read about his passing. Initially, I was deeply saddened, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Thinking about Mike and what he meant to me brings a smile to my face though. Mike was a genuinely good person in our field, who made people feel comfortable and valued in their work. I always saw him as thoughtful, fair, helpful, and funny at just the right moments.
I first came into contact with him when he was the editor of Electrophoresis, where I quickly learned that he valued fairness and practicality. In this role, he was an excellent role model and one of the reasons I asked him to be a reviewer for my PhD thesis. Later, he served as editor of other journals with the same efficiency and fairness.
His enthusiasm and professional approach really stood out. While Mike was a leading scientist in cardiovascular research, he also had a remarkable mind for proteomics technology.
Mike offered helpful advice when we established EuPA and played a positive role in its development. I have only good memories of Mike. Rest in peace, Mike.
Over two decades ago, Prof. Mike Dunn supervised me to the noble field of proteomics, gifting me his seminal book that became a cornerstone of my scientific journey. His mentorship and guidance had a profound impact on my career, and I hold fond memories of learning 2D gel techniques under his expert instruction and attending conferences together. As a founding member of the BSPR, Mike was a pioneer who played a pivotal role in bringing proteomics to the forefront of scientific research. From establishing the first dedicated proteomics journal to advancing key methodologies like 2D gel blotting and mass spectrometry, his contributions were transformative. The loss of Prof. Dunn is a great sorrow for the scientific community. He was a mentor, colleague, and visionary who shaped the future of proteomics, leaving behind an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come. Rest in peace
Mike introduced me to the noble art of proteomics, which then played a major part in my own research programme for the next 10 years. He was a generous and supportive collaborator and a fount of knowledge on all aspects of protein chemistry. One of the most respected and accomplished scientists I have known, and a lovely man. Rest in peace.
Very sad to hear of Mike’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing and collaborating with Mike for nearly 40 years, in many guises, as he and his team taught myself and fellow Celltech colleagues 2D gel electrophoresis, as we developed protein identification through 2D gel blotting and mass spectrometry, as guide and mentor in the management of BSPR and sharing an excellent meal (along with Steve Pennington) in La Jolla overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
I particularly remember providing a taxi-cum-tour guide service from Pisa airport, via the “leaning tower”, to the Siena Proteomics meeting, for Mike and two other colleagues. We were crammed into a small Fiat with all our luggage, and Mike in the back seat being very courteous as I navigated the Italian country roads. I will remember him with great fondness.
I was astonished to hear about the sad news. Prof Dunn was my PhD viva examiner and he was very nice to young people. I'll remember the kind help he had provided to me.
I was very sad to hear about Mike. I’ve been lucky enough to have known him as a friend and mentor for almost 30 years, after being invited to spend a week in his lab at Harefield being taught the “art” of 2D gels. A true gentleman of proteomics, he was pivotal in the development of the field from the early days onwards with his many activities and leadership roles, but he was still always very generous with his time and encouragement and providing opportunities to me and many others. I have lots of great memories of lunchtime or late night group discussions with him over a glass of wine at meetings in Siena or Hinxton. Exciting times to have been part of and thanks Mike for making a lot of it possible.
What a loss to the scientific community. As a founding member of BSPR Mike was mentor and colleague to many of us and a key scientist in getting proteomics on the research agenda. He was so instrumental to getting proteomics widely publicised, from the very first dedicated proteomics journal to being a lead actor in many of today's proteomics societies. He'll be missed greatly.
Some comments received on LinkedIn (as of 14th Jan 2025)
5,921 impressions
Dr. Pamela Hayden
Senior Director Global Laboratories (CPS) Coca-Cola
A real gentleman in every sense of the word. Mike had a profound impact on my early scientific career. I’ve thought of him often over the years. So very well said Stephen Pennington. He will be an immense loss to the Proteomics community. May he rest in peace.
Trevor Peace
Sad. A very nice man.
Julian F Burke
Chairperson and Executive Director
Great guy and will be missed.
Ian Pike
Chief Scientific Officer at Proteome Sciences plc
Sorry to hear this sad news Steve. I had the privilege of working with Mike when I joined Proteome Sciences in the early 2000's. His work on the human heart proteome and applications to early detection of transplant rejection was inspirational and whilst he always provided robust challenge to our research plans, he did so with the highest respect, integrity and positivity, empowering
Alison Hargreaves
Senior Manager, Bioinformatics, EMEA at Partek Inc.
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a wonderful, clever and patient man. I had the fortune to know him for many years in the proteomics field. He will be sadly missed but I’m sure we all appreciate how he touched our lives and careers
Will Dracup
CEO at Turbinia Ltd
Mike was the first person I demoed Nonlinear’s software to. I’ve never forgotten how he told me what I needed to hear (it had a long way to go to match what he already had) without making it feel like it was an impossible job, or that I should give up. Compassionate mentor is exactly the right words, and I’ll be forever grateful.
Wayne Patton
Citizen Scientist, Wayne Enterprises of Gotham City
My condolences. Attended many of his proteomics conferences back in the 1990’s and served as a reviewing editor for the Proteomics journal that he founded. Mike will be missed!
Mike was great force in Proteomics. I especially appreciate him allowing industry scientists, such as myself, to participate as guest editors for some special volumes of the journal that he founded, Proteomics.
William Gallagher
Cancer Biologist and Research-Oriented Entrepreneur
Sadly missed. A giant in the field and a great person to have encountered.
Michael Pisano
Contract Services Labs
RIP Mike! Great contributor to the field.
Gerry Skews
Business Strategist | Consultant | Director | Expertise in Analytics, Business Modeling, & Predictive Methodologies | Trustee & Charity Director
Personally very sorry indeed to hear of Mike's passing, he was an inspiration in many ways, detailed knowledge and commitment in the field of 2D electrophoresis. He sent me on many mind searches to improve analytical imaging and critical thinking. I still see spots before my eyes. God bless and thank you you Mike!
Paul Cutler
Vice President and Global Head of Precision Medicine at UCB
So sad to hear this news. Mike was all you said of him Steve and someone who I was proud to consider a colleague and a friend from the days at Harefield, down at Denmark Hill and later at Dublin.
Christopher Southan
Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh and owner of TW2Informatics Consulting
Sad to hear. I always enjoyed a good chinwag over a beer with Mike at protein chemistry meetings back in the day and seeing his presentations on progress in heart proteomics work
Mike was at the vanguard of the analysis of complexity in the protein world, and did so much to build the UK community.
My condolences to his family. Rob