Professor Harry Thomason

Professor Thomason was a member of staff at the University for 26 years. He was a distinguished Human Biologist and Physiologist, specialising in human performance under extreme conditions such as deep-sea diving or athletics, and joined º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ from Salford University in 1978 to lead the new Department of Physical Education and Sports Science.

After ten years within the Department Professor Thomason went on to hold a succession of senior posts in the University: he was a Pro Vice-Chancellor (1985-1987), Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor, now called Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (1987-1991), and then he became Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Relations. This role was created especially for him by the then Vice-Chancellor Sir David Davies to capitalise on Professor Thomason’s social skills to interface with industry and government.

Professor Thomason possessed a remarkable talent for persuading people to do business with the University. Responsible for forging strong relationships with governments and industry, he worked with the governments of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Jamaica, Egypt, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as well as the UK.

Through Professor Thomason the University built links at board level within companies and out of this have grown full partnerships. He was trusted by the companies, who felt they could do business with him and the University, and he was trusted by his colleagues here as he encouraged º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ into new exciting relationships with industry.

Professor Thomason retired from º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ in 2003 and was presented with an Honorary Science Doctorate by the University the following year.

Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to Professor Thomason’s family, friends and all those who knew him.