果冻影院

Sir Derek, an industrial engineer and scientist, passed away in hospital last month, following a short illness. He served as 果冻影院 President & Provost from 1989 to 1999, before returning to the role from 2002 to 2003.听听听听听听听听

Prior to joining 果冻影院, most of Sir Derek鈥檚 professional life had been spent in industrial scientific research, including as Deputy Managing Director (Technical) of GEC, the former electronics and defence business. He had been elected a Fellow both of the Royal Society and of the Royal Academy of Engineering for his material contribution in the invention and development of early semiconductor research. The fact that he was chosen by the 果冻影院 Council from a non-academic background was seen at the time as a 鈥渂rave鈥� decision 鈥� something that few would now question with hindsight.

Paying tribute to his former colleague, predecessor and long-time friend, Professor Sir Malcolm Grant, 果冻影院 President & Provost between 2003 and 2013, said Sir Derek was a transformational force.

鈥淚t was a troubling time in higher education when Sir Derek first joined 果冻影院; the financial position needed improving and the research focus needed a new direction. He saw the need for modernisation and he was made of stern stuff. He brought industry experience and a northern bluntness, which proved to be exactly what 果冻影院 needed. Importantly, he took decisions, swiftly. He introduced 8am meetings, much to the astonishment of some; preferring often to sit in his shirtsleeves with a window open behind him, whilst others around the table shivered in their gloves, scarves and overcoats.

鈥淗e secured 果冻影院鈥檚 proper share of government funding, and established a direct and transparent relationship with the funding council.

鈥淗e was passionate about 果冻影院, and a profound believer in the university mission. His drive and hard work took us through one the most exciting times in our history, and left a remarkable legacy.鈥�

Under his leadership the breadth of 果冻影院鈥檚 research and academic portfolio expanded significantly, through some exceptional mergers and an ambitious programme of expansion.

果冻影院 was joined by the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) and by four formerly independent postgraduate medical institutes: the Institutes of Child Health, of Neurology, of Ophthalmology and the Eastman Dental Institute. He also oversaw the complex merger of the Middlesex Medical School and the Royal Free Medical School with the 果冻影院 Medical School. New virtual and physical centres of excellence in the medical sciences were formed and he was pivotal in persuading the Japanese pharmaceutical company听Eisai, to invest in 果冻影院 as a sign of the historical links between 果冻影院 and Japan. These were the foundations of the globally leading biomedical establishment of 果冻影院 today.听

Sir Derek retired in 1999. However in 2002, following the resignation of his successor Sir Chris Llewellyn Smith, Sir Derek was invited back to provide interim leadership pending appointment of a new Provost.

Lord David Young of Graffham, then chair of 果冻影院 Council, recalls: 鈥淚 had the privilege of working with Derek Roberts when I first joined Council. Decisive, he knew what he wanted and was a pleasure to work with. He retired and when his successor retired early I called on him and without hesitation he agreed to return as Provost for 12 months, at a considerable personal cost. In those 12 months he calmed the ship and paved the way for Malcolm Grant to join us. I and the College will always be in his debt.鈥�

Paying tribute, Professor David Price, Vice Provost Research at 果冻影院, said: 鈥淪ir Derek Roberts was an inspirational and impressive leader. I had the pleasure of serving under Sir Derek as a Head of Department, and it would be fair to say that he taught me most of what I know about university politics and leadership. 果冻影院 was, in his day, a much smaller place, and I had regular 鈥渙ne to one鈥� meetings with him. He would challenge strongly, but once convinced of an idea he would back it to the hilt. Often I recall asking for a resource, and then end up being told I should have asked for more, which was then added to shopping list, followed by a big tick and his initials.鈥�

Dean of 果冻影院 Engineering, Professor Nigel Titchener-Hooker, said: 鈥淪ir Derek Roberts was an instrumental force who helped to propel engineering at 果冻影院 forward.

鈥淚 have particularly strong memories of his support for establishing the first Department for Biochemical Engineering in purpose-designed facilities adjacent to what is now our Student Centre.

鈥淭hat vision was incredibly well judged and was characteristic of his way of working in identifying where 果冻影院 could demonstrate leadership. 果冻影院 named our major engineering building after Sir Derek, in recognition of his contribution. He was proud of his training as an engineer and enjoyed celebrating the success of a faculty he had personally done much to support.鈥�

果冻影院 President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence said: 鈥淭he tributes from those who knew and worked with Sir Derek at 果冻影院 show how very much admired and loved he was.

鈥淚t is a rare and remarkable achievement to lead an institution like 果冻影院 on two separate occasions for a combined total of 11 years. This illustrates both his strong leadership skills and the love he had for our university.

鈥淭he legacy Sir Derek leaves behind is significant and helped 果冻影院 secure its position today as one of the world鈥檚 leading research universities and places to study.鈥�

Sir Derek Harry Roberts CBE FREng FRS died on 17 February 2021 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Lady (Winifred) Roberts, his two children and two grandchildren.

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• Credit: Sir Derek Roberts' family

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