Overview

Lorna Ann Casselton CBE CBE FRS was a British academic academic and biologist biologist (18 July 1938 – 14 February 2014). She served as Professor Emeritus of Fungal Genetics in the Department of Plant Science Department of Plant Science at the University of Oxford University of Oxford. Later in her career she took on prominent administrative and representational roles for UK science.

Career and research

Casselton built a long academic career studying the genetics and biology of fungi. Her work concentrated on the genetic controls of fungal reproduction, cellular communication and the mechanisms that allow fungal cells to recognize compatible partners for mating. She combined laboratory research with teaching and supervision, contributing to the development of fungal genetics as a distinctive field within plant and microbial sciences.

Leadership and honours

From 2006 until 2011 she held the post of Foreign Secretary for The Royal Society Royal Society, a role that involved promoting international scientific cooperation and representing UK science abroad. Over her career she received national recognition and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. Key roles and distinctions included:

  • Senior academic appointment at Oxford and emeritus status thereafter.
  • Service in scientific governance and international outreach.
  • National honours and fellowship of learned societies.

Personal life

Casselton was born in Rochford Rochford, in the county of Essex Essex. She was married first to Peter Casselton Peter Casselton (the marriage ended in divorce) and in 1981 she married William Joseph Dennis Tollett. Her personal life complemented a professional record of teaching, mentorship and public engagement in science.

Legacy

She died on 14 February 2014 at the age of 75. Casselton is remembered for advancing understanding of fungal biology, for leadership in science policy and international relations, and for fostering the next generation of researchers. Her career illustrates the impact a laboratory scientist can have both in research and in shaping institutions that support scientific endeavour.