University of Wisconsin–Madison bacteriology professor Timothy J. Donohue has been selected as the next Ira L. Baldwin Professor in Bacteriology, effective July 1. The five-year professorship provides $20,000 annually to support scholarly activities.

Donohue serves as the director of the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and interim director of the Wisconsin Energy Institute. Since joining the Department of Bacteriology in 1986, he has become a globally renowned expert on bio- and genome-based conversion of renewable resources into valuable products. Donohue was chosen for the Baldwin professorship on the basis of his accomplishments in teaching and research. 

Ira Baldwin was a celebrated professor of bacteriology and administrator at UW–Madison best known for discovering bacteria that improve crop yields and founding the Wisconsin Academy Foundation. 

"Professor Baldwin's contributions to campus, public service and microbial sciences are legendary," says Donohue. "As a junior faculty member, I was often invited to emeritus luncheons hosted by Professor Baldwin. I often draw on advice I remember getting from Ira at these events, so I am deeply honored to be awarded this Professorship."

The Ira Baldwin professorship is given to associate or full professors with at least a half-time appointment in the Department of Bacteriology with long-term exceptional contributions to departmental microbiology research. Cameron Currie held the professorship since 2015.