Professor John Parkes FRS

John Parkes was a microbial ecologist who studied the activity of microorganisms in geological contexts, particularly within the deep subsurface of the Earth. His work helped to establish knowledge of the existence of enormous populations of bacteria in the deep biosphere, which are of interest due to their close proximity to oil reserves, deep disposal sites and geosphere energy sources.
His research highlighteds included the use of phospholipid fatty acids as biomarkers for the identification of sedimentary microbes. John also conducted wider studies of such prokaryotic communities using radioactive tracers and stable isotope probing, in addition to demonstrating the importance of anaerobic prokaryotic processes in estuarine sediments.
John received many accolades in recognition of his work. He was elected to the fellowships of the Society of Biology, the American Academy of Microbiology and the Learned Society of Wales

Professor John Parkes FRS died on 23 November 2024.