Sarah Elizabeth Smith 1941–2019

Abstract

Sally Smith (1941–2019) was a world leader in the study of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbioses between plants and soil fungi that allow a wide range of plants to grow in soils low in nutrients, especially phosphate (Fig. 1). Her work has been relevant to both plant ecology and agricultural productivity. Sally obtained a tenurable position at the University of Adelaide after many years’ employment on short-term contracts. She rapidly developed a large and active group that researched at scales ranging from advanced microscopy through molecular biology and physiology to plant ecology. Sally established long-standing international collaborations and was awarded many honours. She was a keen cook and gardener, and became an avid birdwatcher, travelling the world with her husband Andrew in pursuit of their hobby. Fig. 1.Sally on her election to the Australian Academy of Science, 2001. Photographer unknown. Reproduced with the permission of the Australian Academy of Science.