It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Emeritus Professor John Allen on 17 April 2025.
John obtained his BSc and PhD from the University of Edinburgh where he acquired his life-long interest in ecology and evolution. He began his academic career at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, before returning to the UK and joining the University of 天发娱乐棋牌_天发娱乐APP-官网|下载 in 1976, first as Lecturer, and then as Senior Lecturer, before becoming a full Professor in 1996. During this time, his research contributed to the our understanding of predator/prey interactions and the role they play in maintaining genetic diversity.
Following his retirement, Professor Allen continued his research and continued to publish his fieldwork that sought to unravel the genetic, ecological and behavioural reasons as to why unrelated species of land snails often have similar diversity in the coloration of their shells. Beyond the University, John was the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Biological Journal of the Linnean Society where he served for over 25 years, overseeing the publication of a number of authoritative publications in the field, and a revolution in the field of publishing.
He will be remembered fondly by generations of students whose passion for Biology was stimulated by John’s witty and engaging approach to lecturing, and his desire to share his passion for fieldwork. This saw him travel widely with undergraduates where, with his support and encouragement, he taught them of the importance of fieldwork as they embarked on their own careers researching the natural world.
Professor Allen contributed widely to the programmes of research and education within the School of Biological Sciences, leading the Biodiversity and Ecology group from 2000 to 2003, before taking on the role of Deputy Head of School for Education from 2003 to 2008. The friendly, supportive and inclusive leadership that he brought to these roles will be remembered fondly by those who worked with him.
A funeral service will be held on Monday 12 May 2025 at 13:00 at Test Valley Crematorium, Ridge Lane, Romsey, SO51 6AB.