Taxonomy isn’t sexy science, but it deserves wider appreciation | Taxonomy

My late husband, Niall Logan, Professor of Bacterial Systematics at Glasgow Caledonian University, would have been amazed that his lifelong academic field of study, taxonomy, in his case genus, Bacillusdeserves an entire article in the Guardian (“I like midges because I know what their hearts look like”: is the passion for taxonomy in danger of dying out?, March 2). It’s certainly not a sexy science, and seeking funding for research projects has always been tedious.

But how about mentioning some of the fallout from his research, which many would have considered extremely dry? He spent time in Antarctica researching Bacillus species found in geothermal soils, his expertise was sought when old tanneries needed to be redeveloped to exclude the presence of anthrax, and the food industry needed his expertise to investigate food spoilage. His knowledge was valued and his guest lectures were welcomed around the world.

Taxonomy has been made infinitely easier with the advent of computers, but they cannot replace the legwork required to find the samples in the first place, nor can they predict the usefulness of having a database of species worldwide. I hope there are many taxonomists of the future among the current cohort of science graduates. Niall’s enthusiasm for his subject has certainly piqued the interest of some of his students.
Jeanne Logan
Balmore, East Dunbartonshire