ISTR was made aware of the sad passing of Dr Arthur Mitchell on 6th of June 2026.  Thank you to Paul Jackett FISTR for the following tribute.

Arthur was born in 1947, but it was not my pleasure to meet him until the early 1990s. I was visiting the MRC Human Genetics Unit (HGU), Edinburgh as a member of the MRC Corporate Health and Safety Team and Arthur, then sporting a fine ponytail hairstyle, had just been appointed HGU Safety Officer. We got on well from the start and after initial doubts, he embraced the role with enthusiasm. It was no surprise when Mike Stephens recruited him to the team in the late 1990s, looking after MRC interests in Scotland and the North of England. 

Our work and personal friendship really developed through the courses on biosafety. At the time, no courses existed other than the excellent internal training given by larger institutes and major pharmaceutical companies. We, together with Clive Parkinson, were charged with writing one and our journey together began, from a one day pilot in Dundee in 1998 right through to the BSP1 course. Throughout this time I enjoyed his company and envied his mastery of GM. 

I had the enormous pleasure of attending his wedding to Paola in Edinburgh in late 2010. It was a very happy occasion. Arthur was devoted to his family and was very proud of Riccardo and Guilio.

After retirement, we continued travelling and training together and had a particularly good relationship with many institutes in the private and public sectors in Ireland, developing a better understanding of Irish Law and the difference between Guinness and Murphys!

Arthur was a good friend and great company and he was taken from us far too soon. Rest in peace Arthur.

Many other tributes have been received, and a selection are shared below:

"I always remember Arthur as a kind and brilliant man, who did a huge amount to improve standards of safety in our sector. Rest in Peace, Arthur."

"I worked with Arthur on the ISTR exec and other projects.  Arthur was also a co founder of the UK Nanotechnology Group and was a great help in setting up the initiative.  He was an absolute gentleman and I have very fond memories of his kind manner and the joy his family brought him.  I was privileged to know him."

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Arthur Mitchell, long time Corporate Health and Safety Officer at Medical Research Council working from Edinburgh University. He was a good friend and top of the class in health and safety in complex environments including biosafety/biorisk. A sad loss to the safety community and condolences to his family and friends. I knew Arthur since 1984 when I joined the Institute of safety in technology and research ISTR, of which he was secretary for many years, he remained a steady hand and welcomed developments and promotion of safe practice. Our paths crossed so many times, including both having a great love for the Scottish highlands where we had holiday home very close by. Arthur was highly respected and was one of the founders of the UK biosafety professional development. RIP"

"Arthur was my mentor for my first health & safety job at MRC Edinburgh in 2002.  He, along with Paul and Mike from MRC Head Office, developed the first liquid nitrogen storage safety standard following the tragic Edinburgh incident in 1999.  I was also privileged to attend one of the very first BSO training courses in 2002 (at the then MRC Head Office by Regent’s Park), that Arthur, Paul and Mike developed.

As my mentor, Arthur was not only very knowledgeable and capable, he was also always extremely kind and supportive. My condolences to his family."

"Arthur was one of my trainers on the BSP1 course held at Imperial [...] way back at the start of my safety career. I was really nervous in that environment, but you were all so kind and encouraging to me. Following that, Arthur would always seek me out at conferences for a chat to see how I was getting on and was always on the end of the phone or email to give advice when I asked. He was part of the ISTR Exec that recruited me, and one of the members to put me forward originally for Membership Secretary and then later as Chair. He was instrumental in shaping me into the biosafety leader that I have become."

"I was very sad, and somewhat knocked sideways, to hear this news.  We heard this news just as we were starting an ISTR Biosafety Practitioner Training course yesterday and we hope we are up to the legacy he leaves.  When I first joined the biosafety fold, Arthur was a Biosafety giant to me. He chaired the session for my first ISTR talk and I remember having a lot of fun with him. I was privileged to get to know him as part of the ISTR Exec in later years."

If you would like to attend Arthurs funeral, please contact the Secretary for further details.

ISTR has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) at the IIRSM President's Reception 2025.  The MoU recognises the expertise and leadership of ISTR within the UK and internationally as the UK Biosafety Association (UKBSA).

ISTR Chair Elect Adam Stevenson said: “This represents a great opportunity for ISTR to collaborate with IIRSM to enhance safety standards related to technology and research through shared expertise, joint initiatives, and the promotion of best practices in risk management and health and safety.”

IIRSM President Rosie Russell said: “This MoU strengthens both organisations by bringing the strategic risk thinking of IIRSM together with ISTR’s understanding of research, development and emerging risks. I am looking forward to evolving this relationship and furthering the management of cutting-edge risks that affect our organisations and communities.”

ISTR, incorporating the UK Biosafety Association (UKBSA), is proud to announce its approval as a member of IFBA – the International Federation of Biosafety Associations. This milestone brings international recognition to ISTR's long-standing commitment to biosafety leadership and sharing best practices.

Membership of IFBA will enable ISTR to collaborate with global partners, share best practices, and contribute to international biosafety initiatives, furthering its mission to drive continuous improvements in technology and research health and safety.