What’s new?
This page gives notices and pointers to what’s new at the Quekett Microscopical Club, being (roughly) the last six months’ events of the Club, some important forthcoming events, and any other items of interest we can’t find a place for elsewhere…
The L.V Martin Lecture 2026
Posted 29th June 2026
‘Prototaxites: using microscopy to reveal an extinct branch of complex life’
Given by Dr Laura Cooper, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh
Dr. Laura Cooper is a research scientist at the University of Edinburgh who led a groundbreaking study on prototaxites, an ancient organism that has puzzled scientists for nearly 170 years. Her research, published in the journal Science, reveals that well-preserved fossils from Aberdeenshire represent a distinct extinct lineage that doesn’t fit into any existing biological kingdom. She recently completed her PhD, with this discovery forming a central part of her doctoral thesis.
Dr Cooper recently did a podcast with Ross Patterson in which she explains some of her work.
WMD videos
Updated 2nd May 2026.
Following a successful World Microscope Day event, the presentation videos are now available to view.
Bryan Tabor
Posted 25th March 2026.
We are sorry to have to announce that Bryan Tabor, an accomplished microscopist and long-standing member of the Quekett, passed away on March 7th. He was 96.
Bryan’s funeral will take place at 13.00 on Wednesday 8th April at Breakspear Crematorium, Breakspear Rd, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 7SJ.
Dr David Linstead
Posted 23rd March 2026
It is with much sadness that we announce the death earlier today of David Linstead. David had been a member of the Quekett for many years, serving on the committee and supporting our Annual Exhibition. He received numerous certificates for his photomicrography skills and at Quekex 2023 he was our celebrated member; the presentation can be found in the meetings archive of the members’ area. A full obituary will appear in the Journal in due course.