Sir Richard Southwood, an eminent
zoologist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University, died on 26 October
2005. A lifelong naturalist, Sir Richard founded and chaired the division of
Life Sciences at Imperial College, London before
moving to Oxford
in 1979. In Oxford
he was appointed Linacre Professor of Zoology and head of department, a position
he held until 1993. A fellow of Merton
College and Emeritus Professor
in the department of Zoology, he made major contributions to both college and
University life. Sir Richard’s interest in natural
history, based on the observation of plants and creatures around his childhood
home, began at a very young age. His early entomological work was on the
morphology and taxonomy of Hemiptera-Heteroptera. This lifelong fascination
with insects led to the production of several influential books, including Life
of the Wayside and Woodland and Land and Water
Bugs of the British Isles.The Story of Life, his most
recent book, was published in 2003. It surveys the evolution of life in all its forms, from the earliest
single-celled bacteria, via the evolution and extinction of animals such as the dinosaurs, to the variety of life today. As head of department, Sir Richard encouraged
communication between various groups within the Zoology department. The
integration of research from disciplines such as molecular biology, animal
behaviour and ecology allowed exciting hybrid work to flourish, including that
of Richard Dawkins, who moved from animal behaviour to evolution.Shortly after he became Vice-Chancellor
in 1989, Sir Richard took over the Presidency of Campaign for Oxford, the University’s first major fundraising
campaign. The campaign proved to be incredibly successful, raising £340m by the
time of its completion in 1994.In addition to his contributions
to academia, Sir Richard’s public service has been extensive and important. During his four years as Chairman of the Royal
Commission on Environmental Pollution, three major reports were published and
several research projects launched – his 1983 report was influential in the phasing
out of lead-based petrol in Britain. While serving as Chairman of the National
Radiological Protection Board, he established an EnvironmentalIssues Panel with a wider membership
of ‘green’ organisations. He also chaired the Working Party on Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy. The Working Party’s recommendations in 1988 and 1989
guided the government’s policy on dealing
with BSE.In 1994 Sir Richard became Co-Chairman
of the Round Table on Sustainable development, an initiative set up by the
Conservative Government to advise on environmental matters. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, Dr John Hood, said, “Sir Richard
Southwood had a reputation for sharp political intelligence and rapid
decision-making, characteristics which served him well during his time as
Vice-Chancellor.”He continued, “His enthusiasm and
keen interest in interdisciplinary work inspired many scientists to look beyond
the confines of their own field. He will be remembered as an eminent scientist
and a dynamic leader.”Professor Paul Harvey, Head of the
department of Zoology, said, “Sir Richard Southwood was an outstanding servant
of our University to the very end. For many years after his formal retirement,
he presented a marvellous,
annually-updated series of lectures to our undergraduates. His strategic advice
to the department at open meetings or in personal consultation was invaluable
and, like him, will be sorely missed.”ARCHIVE: 3rd week MT 2005
Former Vice-Chancellor dies at 74
