Prof. Joanna Verran is an Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). She studied Bacteriology and Virology at the University of Manchester and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1977. She then earned a Master of Science (MSc) degree in 1978 and a PhD in 1981, as well as an MA in Creative Writing in 2019. She was awarded the 2019 AAAS Award for Public Engagement with Science and the 2023 FEMS Science Communication Award. She Has held positions on councils of several microbiology societies. Prof. Joanna Verran was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2011 and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA).
Prof. Norman S. Allen obtained his BSc in Chemistry and Polymer Technology in 1972 from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and his Ph.D. from the University of Salford in 1976. In 1983, Prof. Norman S. Allen was awarded a DSc degree from the University of Salford in recognition of his contribution to advancements in polymer photochemistry. In his early years, he was a Chemist at Dow Corning from 1965 to 1969, working on new silicone polymers. He joined Manchester Metropolitan University in 1979 as a Senior Lecturer. In June 1990, he was appointed to a Chair in Applied Chemistry in the Materials and Chemistry Department, where he has maintained a highly active research school in aspects of polymer degradation, stabilization, polymer analysis, spectroscopy of polymers and polymer photochemistry, photocatalysis, and radiation curing science. He is the founder and a member of the editorial board of the journal Dyes and Pigments. He is also the founder of the journal Polymer Photochemistry and is on the editorial board of the Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology and Polymer Degradation and Stability. Professor Allen is also Editor-in-Chief of the Open Materials Science Journal. From 1978 to 2007, he was the Specialist Reporter for the section on "Polymer Photochemistry" in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Photochemistry series.
