A world-renowned neuroscientist and University of Oxford professor have been honored with tributes.
Professor Sir Colin Blakemore FRS, who suffered from motor neuron disease, passed away on Monday at the age of 78, as reported by Magdalen College.
The scientist and university professors are specialized in vision and brain development.
Sir Colin was also renowned for defending animal medical research despite death threats.
“Extremely influential”
Once, he told: “There were times when I was shocked by what occurred to me – razor blades in envelopes, bomb threats, and threats against my children – but I never questioned the principle of public engagement.
“It is essential that science be present in the public sphere, including controversial topics such as animal research, climate change, and stem cells.”
In 2014, he was knighted for his research and for conveying the significance of frequently controversial science.
David Paterson, the head of the university’s Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, described him as “passionate” and “extremely influential.”
He stated that he “contributed significantly to our understanding of vision and how the brain develops and adapts.”
Professor Sir Colin Blakemore FRS from 1944 to 2022
1944 birth in Stratford-upon-Avon
Received a first-class honors degree and master’s degree in medical sciences from Cambridge and a doctorate from Berkeley.
The youngest individual appointed Waynflete 1979 Professor of Physiology at Oxford.
Fellowship for Professors at Magdalen 1979-2007.
McDonnell-Pew Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience Director of the Oxford Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience from 1990 to 1996 1996-2003.
1996-2003. 2003-2007
Professor of Neuroscience at Oxford and Senior Fellow at Magdalen College 2007-2012 Professorship of Neuroscience and Philosophy at the University of London’s School of Advanced Study Emeritus Fellow at Magdalen and the Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics since 2012.
Andrew King, Wellcome principal research fellow and director of the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, described Sir Colin’s lectures as “hypnotizing.”
“His remarkable ability to communicate science… and to publicly and courageously address issues such as the necessity of using animals in medical research also distinguished him,” he said.
Humanists UK, whose patron was Sir Colin, stated: “His career was not devoid of controversies, but he was always courageous in his pursuit of scientific advancement, even in the face of violent opposition.
“His near-death experience with a parcel bomb only strengthened his resolve to promote better communication between scientists and the general public…”
Prof. AC Grayling, who described him as a “brilliant scientist and a lovely, friendly man,” Prof. Richard Dawkins, who described him as a “brilliant communicator of science, highly articulate but never intimidating,” and Prof. Jim Al-Khalili, who described him as a “true giant of British science,” also paid tribute.
