Dr. Michael Welch, a leading scientist and professor of Radiology, Chemistry, Biomedical engineering, and Developmental Biology at University of Washington in St. Louis passed away on May 6th, 2012.

" We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, associates, and colleagues of Dr. Welch." said Kim Pierce, Executive Director of WMIS.

" This is a very sad day for the molecular imaging community. We have lost a great scientist, educator, and friend. His contributions to the field are enormous." said Juri Gelovani, President of WMIS.

Dr. Michael Welch received his B.A. Degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, England, 1961, his M.A. Degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, England, 1964, and his Ph.D. Degree Chemistry – University of London, England, 1965. Dr. Welch’s worked at Washington University School of Medicine since 1967.

He pioneered several innovations including techniques for production of different radionuclides utilizing biomedical cyclotrons as well as the development and evaluation of novel radiolabeled agents for positron emission tomography.

Dr. Welch won several prestigious academic and industry awards, including the Gold Medal Achievement Award from WMIS (formerly, Society of Molecular Imaging) in 2007.

Commenting on this great loss for the molecular imaging field, Dr. Zaver Bhujwalla, upcoming President of WMIS said " A visionary with an awe-inspiring intellect, he leaves behind a great legacy. "

" He made so many contributions to our field. We stand together in sadness to commemorate and recognize this great scholar, teacher and researcher. He was an inspiration to generations of successful trainees, many of whom are thought leaders in molecular imaging, and through them his legacy will live on." said Dr. Robert Gillies, former President of WMIS.