Driven by curiosity. Driving changeOBITUARY
In memory of William Morton
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William ‘Bill’ Morton, who died in May 2024 at the age of 73.
Bill was a beloved member of the academic community, known for his sharp intellect, generous spirit, and unwavering positivity.
Born in 1951, Bill’s academic journey began at the University of Edinburgh, where he studied Mathematical Physics. His passion for mathematics led him to Cambridge, where he pursued Part III Mathematics, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in both theoretical and applied sciences. He was awarded the Mayhew Prize in 1974, alongside Bernard Silverman, by the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Cambridge. The prize is awarded to the student(s) showing the greatest distinction in applied mathematics.
Bill went on to join the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB) in 1978/9, where he made lasting contributions as a junior lecturer for 10 years. Transitioning from his early research on quarks at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) under the guidance of John Polkinghorne, Bill found his true calling in Chemical Engineering.
As a junior lecturer, he quickly gained recognition for his mastery of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of the field. His work spanned diverse areas, including combustion dynamics, computerised flow-sheeting, radiative heat transfer, and chaotic phenomena in heterogeneous catalysis.