Statements

UEA is deeply saddened to hear of the death of  Dr Ian Gibson, who had a profound and lasting influence on the University. 

Ian joined Biological Sciences UEA in 1965, just two years after the School and University opened in 1963. He became Dean of BIO in 1991 before being elected MP in 1997. As an MP he was a member of the science and technology select committee and served as its chairman between 2001 and 2005. He was chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cancer. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor David Richardson said: “Ian became Dean of School in 1991 shortly after I joined the School and so he was my head of School from then until he was elected MP in 1997. I was able to see first-hand a leader that could inspire those that worked with him – I learnt a great deal from him.  

“Under his leadership he steered BIO to achieving a grade 5 rating in the 1996 Research assessment Exercise, up from a grade 4 in the previous exercise. Ian had huge energy and passion for BIO and UEA.  

“He was the head of a research team investigating cancer, and was a major driving force for developing cancer research at UEA, which continues to thrive today, and he was awarded a 'Champion' award by Macmillan Cancer Relief for his work in support of people with cancer.  

“He inspired students and colleagues alike and was a great ambassador the University. On a personal note he was a friend and actually, gave an impromptu speech at my wedding reception in 1992, we enjoyed many a social evening together and also played football together, his passion.”