John Edward Maurice Midgley

For the sound engineer, see John Midgley. For the educator and management consultant, see John J. Midgley.
John Edward Maurice Midgley
Born22 February 1935
Burley in Wharfedale
Died9 December 2023 (aged 88)
OccupationScientist
Years active1961–2023

John Edward Maurice Midgley (22 February 1935 – 9 December 2023[1]) was a British scientist, biochemist and researcher in endocrinology. His main scientific focus was on molecular genetics, microbiology, the development of hormone assays and endocrine research. Midgley pioneered modern diagnostic methods for thyroid function.[2]

Early life and education

Midgley was born in Burley, West Yorkshire, being the only child of Edna (née Clarke) and Maurice Midgley. He received his primary education at Ilkley Grammar School and studied biochemistry at Leeds University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1958.

Subsequently, he received a doctorate in physical chemistry at Exeter College, Oxford. His supervisor was the Nobel laureate Cyril Hinshelwood.[2]

Academic and professional career

From 1961 to 1962, Midgley was a fellow in molecular biology at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, D. C. After having returned to Great Britain, he held a lectureship in biochemistry at Leeds University from 1962 to 1967. Subsequently, he took up the position of a lecturer and research fellow in biochemistry and molecular biology at Newcastle University, which he held from 1967 to 1975.[2]

In 1975, he joined Amersham International, a manufacturer of medical products, in Buckinghamshire. There, he developed innovative one-step assay systems for the detection of free thyroid hormones in collaboration with Terry Wilkins. He gained multiple patents and, together with Terry Wilkins, received the Prince of Wales award for industrial innovation and production in 1985.[2]

From 1988 to 1998, he worked as a consultant for diagnostic methodologies, before he joined the Cochrane Collaboration as a Trials Abstractor (1999–2005).[2]

In his later life, he worked in an international study group on the physiology and pathophysiology of thyroid diseases and homeostatic and allostatic mechanisms controlling the function of endocrine organs. Additionally, he devoted himself to advocacy for patients’ rights.[3]

Contributions to science and medicine

Midgley's research significantly contributed to medical decision-making and the understanding of thyroid physiology. He authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and had multiple patents. In 2018, he co-authored the book Homeostasis and Allostasis of Thyroid Function, which explores physiological and clinical aspects of the dynamic regulation of thyroid hormones. His numerous scientific articles addressed the interaction between thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), challenging conventional diagnostic approaches and advocating for more personalised patient care.

Death

Midgley died at the age of 88 on December 9, 2023. His wife, Joan, died shortly after him.[2]

Publications

Books
  • Hörmann, Rudolf; Midgley, John Edward M.; Dietrich, Johannes Wolfgang Christian (2018). Homeostasis and Allostasis of Thyroid Function. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. ISBN 9782889455706.
Selected articles
Selected Patents
  • AU patent AU6262780A, John Edward Midgley & Terence Arthur Wilkins, "Free ligand assay", published 1981-04-09, assigned to Amerlite Diagnostics Ltd 
  • EP patent EP0089806A1, John Cecil Charlton; John Edward Midgley & Terence Arthur Wilkins, "Assay for the free portion of substances in biological fluids", published 1983-09-28, assigned to Amersham International PLC 
  • ZA patent ZA886068B, Martin Francis Finlan; John Edward Maurice Midgley & Stephen Alexander Charles et al., "Biological sensors", published 1989-04-26, assigned to Amersham Int Plc 
  • CA patent CA1340536C, John Edward Maurice Midgley; Christopher Peter Sheehan & Nicos Demetriou Christofides, "Method for measuring the free fraction of ligands in biological fluids", published 1999-05-11, assigned to Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Ltd 

References

  1. ^ "Funeral notice for Dr John Edward Maurice Midgley". www.dignityfunerals.co.uk. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Hoermann, Rudolf (2 April 2024). "John Midgley obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  3. ^ Public Petitions Committee / Comataidh nan Athchuingean Poblach. "Report on petition PE1463: Effective thyroid and adrenal testing, diagnosis and treatment (revised on 20 July 2018 to update glossary)" (PDF). The Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
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