Toni Slabas obituary

My friend Toni Slabas, who has died aged 70, was an internationally renowned plant biochemist. He came from humble beginnings and quietly made a positive impact on the lives of many others.

At Durham University, where he was professor of plant sciences from 1990 to 2013, Toni established a world-leading group in plant biochemistry with a particular interest in seed oil production and cell wall biochemistry. He set up a spin-out company, Creative Gene Technology, developing new technologies to improve crop yields, and sat on various UK government advisory committees, as well as acting as scientific adviser to plant biotechnology companies globally. He was also a committed teacher of undergraduate and postgraduate students, many now eminent scientists in their own right.