We are delighted to announce that James Brown has been awarded Honorary Membership of the British Society for Plant Pathology in 2025, recognising an outstanding career dedicated to understanding crop diseases, agricultural ecosystems and durable resistance.
From early work applying DNA fingerprinting to study pathogen evolution, to leading influential research on wheat diseases such as Septoria and yellow rust, James Brown has consistently focused on plant health challenges that matter in real-world agriculture. More recently, he has applied lessons from crop breeding to develop resistance to ash dieback and Dutch elm disease, helping protect iconic UK tree species.
Alongside his research, James has made major contributions through teaching, mentoring, supporting the AHDB Recommended List, and serving the BSPP as Board member, Newsletter Editor and President.
We are proud to welcome him as an Honorary Member, especially fitting as several of his mentors were previous recipients.
