24 February 2026
Reading gut microbiologists are continuing the groundbreaking work of its Gut Microbiology Lab, after paying a fond farewell to its founder Professor Glenn Gibson, who retired in September 2025.
Professor Gibson’s work at Reading over two decades helped to establish the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences as a global centre for gut microbiome research.
Professor Gibson joined the University in 1999 as Professor of Food Microbiology and Head of the Food Microbial Sciences Unit. His influence on the field of gut microbiology has been transformative, including as joint co-instigator of the term ‘prebiotic’ – a term he helped define in a landmark 1995 publication, which remains the most-cited paper in Agricultural Sciences.
His extraordinary research output includes eight books, 520 research papers with more than 84,000 citations, and coverage in Nature, New Scientist and The Lancet. Recognised as a Highly Cited Researcher for 25 consecutive years, Glenn has secured more than £20 million in research funding across 146 projects and supervised 86 PhD students.
Professor Gibson has worked extensively to share the findings of his research. He was co-founder of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), serving as President from 2009-2012. In 2019, he helped establish the All-Party Parliamentary Group on gut microbiome, to discuss evidence with MPs and Lords and inform health policy in the UK. He advised athletes for Team GB, ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, on how to use prebiotics and probiotics to avoid illnesses and hence boost their performance.
Professor Gibson pioneered the use of in vitro gut model systems, validated through human studies, applying the prebiotic concept across multiple health conditions and inspiring scientists worldwide. The model has replaced research using animals for many types of studies, part of the University’s commitment to find innovative ways to reduce the numbers and severity of animals used in research studies.
Dr Gemma Walton, who worked alongside Professor Gibson and is now taking the lead for the lab, said: “Glenn's outstanding contribution to gut microbiology has been truly remarkable. His vision and scientific rigour have shaped our understanding of how gut microbes influence health.
"As we continue this vital research, we're building on the exceptional foundations he established at Reading to tackle new frontiers in microbiome science.”
Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, said: “Glenn has been an exceptional colleague whose pioneering work has positioned Reading at the forefront of global gut microbiome research.
“His legacy extends far beyond the lab and his many research publications. He has mentored generations of researchers, influenced health policy, and made complex science accessible to millions. We are immensely grateful for his contributions and wish him a very happy retirement.”
Professor Gibson’s retirement was marked with a series of sporting events including football, bowling and tennis, culminating in a farewell barbecue attended by current and former colleagues and students.
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