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Prof David Axon

An academic conference and a memorial service this week will honour Professor David Axon, former Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, who died suddenly in April 2012 during a trip to America.

Professor Axon had been Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at Sussex since its creation in September 2009. He had previously held a postdoctoral position in the University’s Astronomy Centre from 1976-79.

Professor Axon’s main research was in the field of active galaxies and the evolution and structure of galactic nuclei.

A year after his death, on Thursday (18 April) almost 50 astrophysicists from around the world will gather on the Sussex campus for a conference – organized in conjunction with the Royal Astronomical Society - on Massive Black Holes in Galaxies.

After the conclusion of the conference on Friday (19 April), everybody is welcome to a memorial service at 2.30pm in the Meeting House chapel, followed by a reception with light refreshments. Please register your attendance online. A book of condolences will be available before and after the service.

At the time of Professor Axon’s death, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, said: “David was a giant in every sense of the word. He brought to Sussex his outstanding leadership skills, bringing together two departments to create one of the strongest schools of its kind in the country.”

Professor Philip Harris, head of the Physics and Astronomy department, added: “David achieved a huge amount for us over the short period that he was with us. He left us much stronger as a department than we could ever have imagined we would be at the time when he arrived.”

Seb Oliver, Professor of Astrophysics, said: “David’s enthusiasm for astrophysics was boundless. He led the school at Sussex with great success and was a friendly and much admired face.”

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