Kieran Dunicanocaire air a anam. made an enormous contribution to science in Ireland, in particular to microbiology teaching and research. He will be remembered as one of the most influential scientists at University College, Galway in the past 35 years. Born in Ardcath, Co Meath, he was educated in St Finian's College, Mullingar and at UCD, where he obtained bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural science. His career in microbiology began when he moved to Cornell University, Ithica, New York, where he was later awarded master's and doctorate degrees.
In 1963, he returned to Ireland and was responsible for setting up the country's first microbiology department in Ireland at University College Galway. Under his professorship it grew from very humble beginnings to one of the biggest biological science departments in UCG. His talents as professor and head of department created an environment that nurtured outstanding research and teaching.
Prof Dunican taught microbiology courses with enthusiasm and distinction to agricultural science and civil engineering students, and general microbiology and molecular genetics courses to science and medical students. As the number of postgraduate students grew, his department soon became a leading microbiology department in a range of research areas.
He was a pioneer researcher in anaerobic microbiology and soil microbiology, In particular, he contributed to the understanding of the genetics and ecology of the soil nitrogen fixing bacterium, Rhizobium. His research group gained an international reputation for its work in this area. In recent years, he concentrated his research efforts on the genetic basis for amino acid production by bacteria of the Corynebacterium genus and he developed numerous international collaborations in this field, attracting substantial EU support for his research work. Few microbiologists can claim such diversity of expertise. He was internationally respected for his many contributions to these varied areas of microbiology.
He was the author of several book chapters in addition to numerous research papers in scientific journals. He was a member of the first Recombinant DNA Committee set up in 1981 by the National Board for Science and Technology (NBST) to advise the Government on genetic engineering. He was also a former chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Genetically Modified Organisms set up in 1996 to advise the Environmental Protection Agency on GMO issues.
He promoted the teaching of microbiology and greater public awareness of microbiology-related issues through his contribution to several organisations. He was instrumental in establishing the Irish branch of the Society of General Microbiology and was a member of the Royal Irish Academy, the American Society of Microbiology and the Federation of University Teachers. He served on several scientific committees and expert groups and review panels, both in Ireland and in Europe.
All of us who knew him remember him for his great knowledge of the discipline of microbiology and his keen interest in the many aspects of its application. We will also remember him for the kindness he showed towards his students and colleagues alike, his great enthusiasm for life and his fairness and good humour. His mind remained tirelessly enquiring and inquisitive right up to his death.
The research supervisor of numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students, he helped students choose and design research projects and advised and gave inspiration with great enthusiasm and vigor. He never told students what to do but let them be innovative in their findings. The results of his approach are shown in the achievements of his students. His graduates became his colleagues and now occupy key positions in academia and industry throughout Ireland and abroad.
Prof Duncan died peacefully on April 18th last at his home in Galway after a long illness. He will be missed deeply, as a dedicated and loving husband and father, by his wife Rita, sons Dara and Donncha, and daughter Eleanor. We offer to them, and to his brothers and sisters, our deepest sympathy.
"Prof" was a warm and wonderful friend and colleague and we shall all miss the gentle giant of the UCG microbiology department. His untimely death has left us all with a deep sense of loss and has prematurely robbed us of his knowledge, wisdom and good advice and camaraderie. However, he leaves behind a rich legacy, alive which will bud and thrive forever in the hearts and minds of all that knew him. Bhi se go deas, cinealta, greannmhar agus bhi clu agus cail air. Ni bheidh a leitheid aris ann; ar dheis De go raibh a anam.