The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica – Wednesday, September 18, 2024: Professor Paul Brown, a distinguished microbiologist and academic leader from Jamaica, has been recognized by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for his outstanding contributions to the field. He was awarded the ASM Moselio Schaechter Award in Recognition of a Developing-Country Microbiologist.Professor Brown, a distinguished microbiologist and academic leader, has made significant contributions to the field through his research on leptospirosis and antimicrobial resistance. His dedication to mentorship and training future generations of microbiologists has also been instrumental in shaping the field.

He expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in fostering a strong identity among younger faculty members and students. He stated that the award will motivate him to continue his work and make a greater impact on the field. “I feel honoured that my 20 years of hard work has been recognized,” he said “This will give me the extra push to do more.” Professor Brown has held a number of leadership positions in the scientific community including serving as Country Ambassador to Jamaica for the American Society for Microbiology and Vice-Chair of the Council on Microbial Sciences. He has also been honoured for his outstanding efforts through numerous awards and appointments. In addition to his teaching interest, Professor Brown is currently the President of the West Indies Group for University Teachers (WIGUT). This position demonstrates his commitment to advocating for the rights and interests of educators and contributing to the overall improvement of higher education.

The ASM Moselio Schaechter Award is a prestigious honour that recognizes individuals worldwide, who have made exceptional contributions to microbiology in developing countries. One of the objectives of such an award is to inspire future generations of microbiologists, demonstrating the importance of pursuing excellence in the field. This award can provide similar ‘think tankers’ with the visibility and opportunities for collaboration and by extension The UWI, enabling further advancement and partnership with relevant stakeholder.

His family ties have played a significant role in his life and career; he is happily married to his wife Audrey with three (3) children. His family's support and encouragement have been instrumental in his success. He is jointly involve in the daily chores of the home and indicates that he ensures that everything in his kitchen is sanitary and free from food poison. “My wife complains that I am making the kitchen into a lab,” jokingly he said.
Dr. Donovan Stanberry, Campus Registrar of the Mona Campus, is extremely elated and proud of Professor Brown’s achievement of being awarded the Moselio Schaechter Award. “This prestigious award validates the work of Professor Brown and highlights the robustness and excellence of The UWI’s scholarship and research.”
Prof. Brown is among nineteen other recipients who will be presented with their awards at the ASM Microbe Annual meeting in Los Angeles, California in June 2025. Recipients will also be awarded an honorarium and are invited to present and be recognized at the ASM Microbe meeting.

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