Theoretical and Applied Genetics - In Memoriam

Ian Mackay , September 7, 1957 – June 16 , 2023

With great sadness we announce the passing of our longstanding editorial board member Ian Mackay. Ian joined Theoretical and Applied Genetics as a subject editor in 2009 and quickly became one of TAG's key experts for quantitative genetics, population genetics and applied breeding of various crops. Despite his illness, he served with admirable dedication on the board until two months ago. 

Uniquely experienced in both plant breeding and human genetics, Ian was a highly respected Professor at NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany) in Cambridge, UK, from 2005 until 2017. Subsequently, he held a position as Professor in Plant Breeding at SRUC in Edinburgh, alongside becoming an independent consultant in quantitative genetics to the plant breeding industry, but nevertheless continued his academic collaborations and his editorial contribution to TAG. Ian published many key papers on experimental design and statistical analysis of breeding experiments, including numerous highly-cited contributions in  TAG. Among his inspiring ideas, Ian was co-inventor of the multiparental-intercrossed MAGIC design, which is today used for QTL mapping in numerous crop species. In recognition of his impact and the legacy of his contributions to science and mentoring of peers, Ian became an Honorary Fellow of NIAB in 2022.

 We greatly appreciate Ian’s dedicated service to TAG over a long time period, during which he dealt with a large number of manuscripts with utmost professionalism, patience and integrity. He played an active role in our efforts to continually improve the journal and its content. We and our colleagues will certainly miss Ian’s British humor and noble manner in scientific discussions. We deeply regret his loss for his family, friends and peers worldwide.

Albrecht E. Melchinger, Rod Snowdon, Tobias Würschum

Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editors