Please find below an obituary written by Krishna Rao, David Hall's long time
friend and colleague:
David Hall, who died on the 22nd August 1999 after an outstanding career as
Professor of Biology at King's College London, was an enthusiastic proponent
of Algal Biotechnology throughout the world. David started at King's in
1964 teaching and researching on photosynthesis and energy metabolism. With
the advent of the 'oil crisis' in the early 1970's, he focused his attention
on the potential of Solar Energy Conversion Technologies in the development
of renewable and sustainable non-fossil based fuels; an interest he pursued
rigorously until his untimely death.
David's group at King's, together with the Inst. of Soil Sciences and
Photosynthesis, Puschino, Russia, supported by RITE, Japan, has pioneered
the research on cyanobacterial hydrogen photoproduction in closed
bioreactors. His dedication to Biomass as an energy resource is
world-renowned. He founded and edited the 'Biomass' journal and later he
started the 'Biomass & Bioenergy' journal. In 1972, together with his
colleague Krishna Rao, he authored the book "Photosynthesis." This book
which is now in its 6th edition and translated into various languages, has
initiated many young school and college students to photosynthesis.
David was a founder and organising member of our triennial Algal
Biotechnology Conferences. He was ever ready to help in the organisation of
the Programmes, editing the abstracts, chairing session and most importantly
advising the committee on fund raising to support young scientists
especially from developing nations. He had a keen interest in all the
emerging disciplines of algal biotechnology; algae as fuel and renewable
energy source, as a CO2 sequestrator, algae in agricultural and industrial
wastewater depollution, as a biofertiliser (Anabaena- Azolla symbiosis) and
in the production of nutraceuticals.
Thirteen students (some of whom now occupy eminent academic positions) have
received PhDs under David's supervision and another five have their thesis
almost completed. Over the years his laboratory at King's College has
hosted and trained a number of international young scientists in
photosynthesis and bioenergy related topics.
Apart from his scientific eminence, David Hall will be best remembered for
his endeavours to foster international scientific co-operation and
friendship and his untiring efforts to improve the lot of the poor,
especially from Africa. David's vibrant charm and readiness to pay
attention to the novice and pro alike on matters of science, sports, social
awareness or culture, etc, will be sadly missed.
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Prof. Avigad Vonshak
Micro-algal Biotechnology
J. Blaustein Institute for Desert Research
Ben Gurion University
Sede Boqer campus 84990
Israel
Telephone: 972-7-6596799; Facsimile: 972-7-6596802;
E-Mail address: avigad at bgumail.bgu.ac.il
URL: http://www.bgu.ac.il/BIDR/research/biotech/algal/avigad.htm
