Ewan asked me to say some words at Dens’ memorial service at St Georges but unfortunately I was in France at the time and so wrote this, for Matin to read out on my behalf.  I later used this same piece at the memorial event we held for Dens at IOP Publishing.

 

Dens and I worked together since 1996 when I joined IOPP and later that year, Dens moved to the Magazines department from Journals Production. In those days, that was quite an unusual move as the Journals department was fairly serious and somewhat highbrow whereas the Magazines department, despite producing world renowned and highly specialised magazines, were very much the naughty children of the IOPP family. I remember hearing, “Dens from Journals is moving to Magazines. She’ll whip us into shape!”

 

And she did! Dens was passionate about so many important things – physics of course but also accuracy, quality, accessibility, equality, fairness and doing the best job possible. She brought all of this and more to Physics World and was instrumental in setting and driving exacting standards, high production values and fantastic reader and user experience. Dens was passionate about so many important things – physics of course but also accuracy, quality, accessibility, equality, fairness and doing the best job possible.

 

She also fitted right in with the naughty children! Dens was such fun, with a dry wit and a brilliant sense of humour. The delivery of a cutting

and hilarious one-liner in her wonderful Scottish burr was something special.

 

I had the pleasure and privilege of working very closely with Dens from 2018 when we formed the Media Group. I became her manager and she became a key member of the Media Management Group. I’d discuss plans and ideas with her and always get balanced and thoughtful input. What Dens was brilliant at though, was helping form a really loose thought into something valuable. She was the best facilitator and sounding board, having the ability to step back from her own role and even her own views. She would tease out new strategies or development ideas with her very natural questioning, challenging and coaching skills.

 

Dens was also incredibly caring. I saw this on so many occasions with colleagues as well as having benefitted from her kindness myself. She and I talked a lot about the difficulties of ageing parents, Dens having lost both her mum and dad. She was so compassionate and I found myself able to talk to her about many things that I hadn’t felt able to voice with others.

 

I’d often say to Dens that I didn’t know what we’d do without her. I still don’t. We will miss her enormously.

 

Jo Allen – Head of Media