Gregor Reid is a distinguished microbiologist who served as Distinguished Professor at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and held an Endowed Chair position at Lawson Health Research Institute. After completing his BSc at Glasgow University and PhD at Massey University in New Zealand, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Calgary and University of Toronto before establishing himself as a global authority in microbial science. His three-decade academic career culminated in Western University's highest honor of Distinguished Professor before his formal retirement in July 2020. Despite retiring from his primary position, Reid continues to influence the scientific community through writing, speaking engagements, and advisory roles while maintaining Emeritus status.
Dr. Reid pioneered the scientific framework for probiotic applications when the field was in its earliest stages, beginning his work in 1982 when only 12 papers had been published on 'probiotics'. His groundbreaking research generated 32 patents and over 600 publications with more than 58,000 citations, achieving a Google Scholar H-index of 122. Most significantly, in 2001-2002, he chaired the United Nations-World Health Organization Expert Panel that defined the modern scientific term 'probiotics' and established global standards for the field, catalyzing its growth into a $60 billion annual industry. His development of novel probiotic therapies, particularly for women's urogenital health, has directly benefited millions of people across more than 35 countries worldwide.
Beyond laboratory research, Dr. Reid co-founded the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), providing essential scientific stewardship to a field vulnerable to commercial exaggeration. His visionary Western Heads East initiative launched community-based probiotic yogurt production in rural Tanzanian communities in 2004, addressing malnutrition and HIV/AIDS crises through sustainable 'kitchen' systems that continue operating across Africa. This humanitarian application of microbial science earned international recognition including the AUCC Scotiabank Prize for Internationalization in 2010. In 2024, ISAPP established The Gregor Reid Award for Outstanding Scholars in Developing Nations, cementing his legacy of empowering researchers to translate probiotic science into tangible community health solutions globally.
