Educated at Royal Liberty School Romford. Matric 1954 (Scholar); PhD 1962, ScD 1995; Bye-Fellow, 1958–1960; Fellow, 1960 (Emeritus 2002); Tutor, 1963–1974; joint Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Biological), 1980–1996; President, 1991–1996 (Acting Master , Michaelmas Term 1994). University Lecturer in Botany, 1964-1992; Reader, 1992-2000; Professor of Investigative Plant Ecology, 2000 (Emeritus 2002). President of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, 1990-1991; Editor, Journal of Ecology, 1972-1977; President of the British Ecological Society, 1990-1991 (first Award for outstanding service to the Society, 2003).
Entry on the College website:
Professor Peter Grub is an Emeritus Fellow at Magdalene.
Professor Peter John Grubb is a British ecologist and Emeritus Professor of Botany at the University of Cambridge. He spent much of his academic career at Magdalene College, where he was a longstanding member of the Fellowship before retiring in 2001.
Professor Grubb’s early academic development was shaped by the guidance of E. J. H. Corner and, in particular, A. S. Watt, whose influence he credited in later reflections on his path to becoming a plant ecologist. His research spanned a wide range of botanical and ecological subjects, from plant physiology to global biomes, and from chalk grassland to tropical rainforest ecosystems.
He is especially known for developing the concept of the regeneration niche, which has had a lasting impact on plant ecology. His editorial and leadership contributions include serving as co-editor of the Journal of Ecology from 1972 to 1977 and as President of the British Ecological Society in 1992. He is now an Honorary Member of the Society.