William Kay is one of our ’40 Faces of Plant Pathology’
BSPP members can be found in 51 different countries, with 30% of members based in countries outside of the UK. As part of the BSPPs 40th anniversary, we asked our membership to describe some things about themselves, what plant pathology challenges they would most like to see solved, and what could improve the world of plant pathology in terms of inclusivity.
William Kay
Institution and country of residence
University of Oxford, United Kingdom
Position title
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Area of expertise/study
I am a lab biologist where I spend my time studying fungal pathogens of crops, particularly Panama disease of banana, and Septoria leaf blotch of wheat. I am particularly interested in studying the life cycle of these pathogens – areas such as how they enter the plant tissues, and what happens once they are inside. I am also interested in how these fungal organisms can survive without their plant-host and how this affects disease outbreaks. My hope, is that all of this information will lead to better methods of control, leading to improved yields, cheaper and more available food for all, while using less land – thus giving more back to nature.
About your early experiences in education
I was a mature student starting my undergrad at the grand age of 29 – it’s never too late to make a change! To do so, I studied my A-Levels from books at home and put my mind to learning all about the natural world where I like to spend my time. I went on to do a MSc in food security to gain a big picture view of food and farming, before specialising in plant path for my PhD and beyond…
If you could solve one problem in plant pathology, what would it be?
I would aim to limit the (over) use of broad-spectrum pesticides in agriculture. I believe that with enough knowledge of the pathogens we are trying to control, we will be able to target these organisms alone, without also affecting the beneficial fungi found in the same ecosystems.
If you could solve one issue relating to inclusivity and diversity within the field of plant pathology what would it be?
I would create and fully fund more plant pathology related courses – particularly MSc courses. This would allow for students from all levels of wealth from all countries to become educated in plant pathology without the fear of debt. It would also allow students to spend a year switching specialties to plant pathology if their previous education was on a different topic. BSPP membership would also be free to all students.
If you weren’t a plant pathologist, what would you be?
I would own a mushroom farm and grow lots of weird and wonderful fungi. Or, if someone would fund me lots of money, I would travel the world in a camper van making cooking programs for TV! Any takers?
