Remembering Professor John Lever, Head of the Department of Bioengineering

Colleagues and students pay tribute to a dedicated teacher and researcher - <em>News</em>

Tuesday 26 September
By Abigail Smith

With great sadness, the College learnt last week of the death of Professor John Lever, Head of the Department of Bioengineering and a member of the College community since 1973.

He is remembered by colleagues as an outstanding researcher and teacher, dedicated to the welfare of his students and meticulous about every aspect of running his department. "You could never do anything other than admire John for his integrity," comments Professor Colin Caro, a former head of Bioengineering, who worked closely with him for over 30 years. "He will be missed enormously."

Although he was a chemistry graduate, Professor Lever's research focused on the cardiovascular system and lung physiology. He first joined Imperial as a member of the Physiological Flow Studies Unit and went on to become the teaching coordinator of the Centre for Biological Medical Systems. He was a founder member of the newly-created Department of Bioengineering in 1998, and was instrumental in establishing the undergraduate Biomedical Engineering degree launched in 2002. Professor Caro adds:

"One of John's outstanding features was his interest in teaching. He really pushed the idea that the department should be teaching undergraduates, and the fact that we now have this successful and popular course is very much due to him."

Professor Lever's commitment to teaching continued even when he took on the extra responsibilities of leading the department in 2003. Professor Dick Kitney, his colleague for 25 years and the previous head of department, says:

"He was a dedicated teacher and hugely liked by his students, to whom he was always available. He would always bear any load no matter how big and leaves a hole in the department that won't easily be filled."

As well as promoting undergraduate teaching, Professor Lever was an enthusiastic proponent of graduate entry to Imperial's Medical School, a scheme that the College now hopes to launch in 2008. Professor Kitney adds:

"The fact that in years to come a significant number of people entering the Medical School may be graduates will be an ongoing memorial to John."

Professor Lever is survived by his wife Gill and their three children. Members of the College wishing to pass on their condolences to the family can send any messages via the Communications Division at Level 4, Faculty Building, South Kensington Campus or email press.office@imperial.ac.uk.

The funeral will take place on Wednesday 27 September at 12.45pm at the Breakspear Crematorium, Ruislip. Directions are available at http://www.ruislip.co.uk/crematorium/.

Instead of flowers, the family have asked that donations be made to:

The John Lever Fund
The Old Centralians' Trust
City and Guilds College Association
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