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Professor Mike Wren |
MBE salutes pioneering Prof
Microbiology expert’s latest project helps detect hospital ‘superbug’ quicker
CONSULTANT microbiologist Professor Mike Wren only found out he had been awarded an MBE when he opened The Times on New Year’s Day.
Professor Wren, 58, was included in the Queen’s New Year Honours list in recognition of his services to biomedicine, having spent more than 30 years in the field.
The father-of-four became consultant microbiologist at University College London Hospital (UCLH) in Euston in September 2004. His was one of the first appointments of its kind in the UK.
Professor Wren has devoted years to training doctors and scientists, research and finding ways of diagnosing new diseases.
He said: “I specialise in anaerobic bacteria, which only survive in the absence of air, so they cause quite complicated diseases such as brain abscesses. Some of these have been fairly groundbreaking.”
His latest project involves evaluating a rapid diagnostic test for the MRSA hospital “super-bug”, which will bring down test turnaround times from 48 hours to two hours. UCLH will be the first hospital trust in the country to employ such techniques.
Speaking of his MBE, Professor Wren said: “I’m very honoured. I was very surprised. I received a letter from 10 Downing Street at the end of November, which said I was being considered but that it wasn’t official.
“They said they wouldn’t be contacting me further until after it was announced. I had to buy The Times to find out.” He added: “I’ve got to go to Buckingham Palace. That’ll be quite an experience.
“In science, there’s quite a lot of people who achieve good things and not a lot of them get honours.”
UCLH microbiology service manager David Baker said: “Throughout his career in the NHS, Mike has been an outstanding biomedical scientist and has contributed significantly in his commitment to teaching and training a new generation of biomedical scientists and junior medical staff and has inspired all of those who have worked with him.
“His opinions are widely sought and his contributions to the wider scientific community are significant.
“He is a modest man by nature and this award will be seen by many as recognition of his outstanding service to biomedical sciences over many years.”
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