Obituary: Eric Lucey, an innovative biologist who championed time-lapse mircophotography has died aged 87

Among other techniques, Eric Lucey used the technique to capture footage of minuscule biological experiments and practises ranging from cells dividing in tissue culture to the courtship behaviour of fruit flies.

He spent a career attached to the then Genetics Department of Edinburgh University and died on August 26 following a battle with lymphoma.

Mr Lucey was born and raised in south-west England where his father was a clergyman and, as a teenager, he was at a small boarding school for the sons of clergy near Cheltenham. There he developed a zeal for experimenting in the laboratory and honed his ability to work independently.

His talents were further sharpened during war service in India, where his duties required him to become intensely occupied with photography.

After being demobbed he spent a year in Cornwall before electing to read science at Edinburgh University.

While studying he became fascinated with student politics, charities' week and other social engagements. He later helped to organise the inaugural torchlight procession from Edinburgh Castle to Carlton Hill where he met his future wife Elspeth. The couple remained strong for nearly 60 years before his death.

After graduating, a chance meeting with Conrad Wad, chair of genetics at Edinburgh University, led to his taking up a position at the university in the genetics department.

For the most part he was the sole occupant of what was effectively a large hut and quickly networked with other biological colleagues and scientists suggesting how film could aid research.

In 1956, films of living cells were just emerging using polarised light to see the movement of chromosomes with a cell. Mr Lucey was expertly placed to grasp the potential for film to manipulate time - processes could be viewed slowed down or speeded up.

"There can be no doubt that much of Eric's film work during the 50s and 60s was quite remarkable and we may regret that he is not better known as a true pioneer.

"He was utterly unselfish with his time and not one to push himself forward," said colleague Aubrey Manning.

One project which has been recognised as outstanding was a BBC film he made about fleas. In it they wanted to capture the flea's jump, and as Mr Lucie had the only 'Fastax' camera in the country at the time, he was approached to assist. Mr Lucey is survived by his wife Elspeth - who hailed her husband a "special man" - and their three children.