Michael Goodfellow

Michael Goodfellow MBE (8 January 1941 – 8 March 2024) was a British professor in microbial systematics, specialising in Actinomycetota taxonomy. He earlier served as head of the School of Biology in University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He was also the chair of the Bergey's Manual Trust. Goodfellow died on 8 March 2024, at the age of 83.

Early life and education Goodfellow was born in Ecclefechan, Scotland to mother Mary (née Wilson), who died when he was 3, and father Edwin Goodfellow. He grew up in Carlisle, Cumbria.

Goodfellow in Newcastle University In Newcastle he established and developed courses in microbial systematics and biotechnology and managed the Microbial Resource Laboratory (MRC) for over 30 years. The MRC has and remains focussed on the development and application of state-of-the-art procedures designed to advance the systematics, ecology and commercialisation of actinobacteria. and invitations to present keynote lectures at international symposia.

Owing to his contribution to microbial systematics, a bacterial genus of Actinomycetota was named after him as Goodfellowia.

Educationist Apart from his research activities he was involved in development of education in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He was appointed a governor for Gosforth High School in 1974 and later elected the chair of governors in 1979, a post he still held. For his service in education he was named Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 New Year Honours list.

Personal life Goodfellow married Punita Tanna in 1983. The couple have two daughters Lena (born 1984) and Maya (born 1988).

Politics Goodfellow was a socialist and internationalist. He joined the Labour Party at age 18 and helped set up the affiliated Socialist Environment and Resources Association (SERA). Goodfellow resigned from Labour shortly before his death in 2024 "in protest of the party's direction of travel" under Keir Starmer's leadership.