UAlbany Biology Department mourns the passing of Dr. Colin S. Izzard

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Albany mourns the passing of Dr. Colin S. Izzard who died on March 4, 2026 at his residence with his family by his side. A scientist, educator, colleague, and friend, Colin contributed to the study of cell motility and to the development of imaging methods that changed how scientists observe living cells at the microscopic level.

 

Born in Crowborough, Sussex, England, Colin studied Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge where he earned his Ph.D. In 1967, he joined a core of scientists studying cell motility at the University at Albany. Over the course of his career, Colin rose through the ranks to become a full professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and remained an active member of the University’s research and academic community until his retirement in 2004.

 

Over the years, Colin’s research focused on the mechanisms of cell adhesion, contractility, and movement. He studied how cells attach to and move across surfaces by employing various advanced light microscopy techniques including photomicrography, cinematography, and video microscopy. He was credited for his development and the use of Interference Reflection Microscopy (IRM) to study cell adhesion in living cells. By using IRM, Colin was able to reveal how cells form and regulate focal contacts with their environment. His research was supported by a number of external grants which included a National Science Foundation award titled “Molecular Basis of Cell-Substrate Adhesion” (1987–1991). This award supported investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying focal contacts between cells and their substrates. 

 

During his tenure at UAlbany, Colin authored over 20 publications with much of his research being published in leading journals such as Journal of Cell Science, The Journal of Cell Biology, Experimental Cell Research, Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton, Journal of Morphology, Cell Biology International Reports, and European Journal of Cell Biology.

 

In addition to his research at UAlbany, Colin took part in training students and scientists in microscopy and imaging technologies. He served as Director from 1993 to 2012 of the internationally recognized short course Optical Microscopy and Imaging in the Biomedical Sciences which was held annually at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Through this program, he helped educate and train generations of researchers in cutting-edge imaging techniques used across the biological sciences.

 

Colin also served for more than 20 years as Co-Director of the Optical Microscopy and Imaging Facility in UAlbany’s Department of Biological Sciences where he helped develop and maintain shared imaging resources that supported a wide range of research across campus and within the Albany scientific community. One example of this work was Colin serving as co–principal investigator on a $433,891 grant from the National Science Foundation to purchase a confocal laser-scanning microscope for UAlbany’s Optical Microscopy and Imaging Facility. This instrument allowed researchers to study biological specimens such as neurons and other cells and tissue with far greater clarity and resolution. The resulting Confocal Laser Scanning Facility officially opened in 2000 and further advanced the imaging capabilities at UAlbany while supporting researchers from other colleges, research institutions, and industry throughout the Capital Region. Since then, the Department has continued to build upon Colin’s legacy of excellence in imaging by expanding the facility with instrumentation that includes a Zeiss LSM980 Confocal Microscope with analysis software and just recently an Evident VS200 Slide-Scanner and Loader System.

 

Colin’s expertise in scientific imaging was recognized internationally. In 1998, he served as a judge for the prestigious Nikon Small World competition that annually celebrates excellence in photomicrography and the beauty of images captured through the microscope.

 

Beyond his scientific achievements, Colin had a deep appreciation for music and family. He loved classical music and enjoyed attending performances at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The greatest joys of his life were his wife Sally of 56 years, their son Colin, daughter-in-law Elann, and his grandchildren Teah and Ewan Colin Izzard.

 

We extend our condolences to Colin’s family and friends. The University at Albany, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Biological Sciences recognize and honor his lasting contributions to the scientific community and to the University. Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, Colin inspired generations of students and helped advance a better understanding of cell adhesion and motility in living cells.