Arthur Callaghan obituary

Arthur Callaghan, a 93-year-old biology lecturer at Staffordshire University, has died. He was renowned for his 'blue sky' research, particularly his study of fungi and their interactions with microscopic organisms. In 1989, he co-discovered and named a new species, Conidiobolus iuxtagenitus, with Steve Waters. Born in Harrow, he pursued a career in science education, earning a PhD in mycology from Birkbeck, University of London. He was married to Pat McArdle, who died in 2018, and is survived by two children and three grandchildren.

1. 1 Born in Harrow, Middlesex.
2. 2 Attended Blackburn Technical College.
3. 3 1954: Graduated from Durham University.
4. 4 Served national service in the RAF.
5. 5 Worked as a science teacher in London.
6. 6 Met Pat McArdle while teaching botany at night school in Chiswick.
7. 7 1961: Married Pat McArdle.
8. 8 Pursued a PhD in mycology at Birkbeck, University of London.
9. 9 1968: Completed his doctorate.
10. 10 Settled in Madeley, Staffordshire, and trained teachers at the education college.
11. 11 1980s: Madeley College of Education closed; Arthur returned to study.
12. 12 Gained a master’s degree in ecology at Bangor University.
13. 13 Took a lecturing position in the biology department at Staffordshire Polytechnic (later Staffordshire University).
14. 14 1989: Co-discovered and named Conidiobolus iuxtagenitus with Steve Waters.
15. 15 1992: Staffordshire Polytechnic gained university status.
16. 16 1995: Retired but continued research as an honorary visiting fellow.
17. 17 2018: His wife, Pat, died.
18. 18 Died aged 93.

• His passing marks the end of a long career in science and education
• Leaves a legacy in mycology, including the co-discovery of a new species