We have lost a valued colleague and wise advisor, John Mumford, Professor of Natural Resource Management in the Centre for Environmental Policy. John first joined Imperial College as a PhD student in 1975. Much of his subsequent career was based within the different iterations of the College’s environmental programme. He served as Head of Department from 2006 to 2011.

Drawing on this and his undergraduate studies at Purdue University, John produced field operational, economic and ecological frameworks for quarantine and eradication management which have been implemented by governments and private sector on six continents. He has made a fundamental contribution to developing the risk analysis components for area-wide and genetic controls of disease vectors and agricultural pests, transforming the lives of hundreds of thousands in terms of income or health.

John’s passion for teaching and for supporting those he taught at all levels of their future career was unparalleled. Many of his students have gone on to assume highly influential roles in governments and international bodies throughout the world.  Through his advice, research and teaching, John’s quietly modest but impactful work leaves a substantial legacy.  Through him and the team he has shaped and led, policy has been supported by science and many natural resources are genuinely better managed.

To collate all of your kind thoughts and memories, there is an online ‘Book of Remembrance’. The photograph is one that John’s widow and close colleague, Megan Quinlan, has provided. Please add messages to this book so that John’s family can share in your memories.