It is with great sadness that we share the news that Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas passed away on Friday 13th November 2020.

Sir John was a distinguished chemist, renowned for his work in the science of catalysts and solid state chemistry. As well as serving as Master of Peterhouse 1993-2002, he held positions as Head of the Department of Physical Chemistry in Cambridge, Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain and of the Davy Faraday Research Laboratories London. He was the recipient of numerous prizes and honours for his work, and received a knighthood in 1991.

Sir John was a regular presence in the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy.  He could often be found in the tea room engaging in lively discussions with students, post-docs and academics alike.   He remained active right up until very recently, despite his failing health.  As recently as a month ago Sir John was lecturing at a online black tie event at the Science Museum in London, speaking about his recent book 'Architects of Structural Biology'.  He will be greatly missed by his family, his college, the University and the wider scientific community.

There are plans for a memorial event to celebrate his life and achievements when conditions allow it.

Photo credit: Peterhouse, Cambridge, UK.