In memory of Professor Sir John Ashworth

Sir John was Vice-Chancellor of The University of Salford from 1981 – 1990, a position which saw him move from The University of Essex.

Sir John had a distinguished scientific career, obtaining a PhD in Biochemistry at Leicester University before his move to the University of Essex. He joined the UK government's Cabinet Office in 1976, where he acted as the Chief Scientific Adviser, and then as an undersecretary in the Cabinet Office from 1979 to 1981. He was made an Honorary Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford in 1983.

Following his time at Salford, Sir John went on to be the Director of the London School of Economics, Chair of the British Library, Deputy Chair of the Institute of Cancer Research, Chair of Barts and the London NHS Trust, Vice-Chair of Colchester Hospital, and in later years, Chair of the Wivenhoe Community Pub Group.

Sir John was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Leicester in 2005. He retired in 2007 and was awarded a knighthood for public services in the Queen's New Year Honours list in 2008.

Sir John always had a real fondness for Salford and was happy to return to be photographed with the eponymous Ashworth Building in 1991.

When notifying us of the sad news, his daughter Emily shared the following:

“Dad had a huge fondness for Salford University, I just thought that you might like to know that Dad always talked about Salford with great affection.”

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.