We were very sorry to hear of the death of Professor John Murray in late October 2021. John had a long and distinguished academic career at Imperial College London, The Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, Bristol University, Exeter University and finally Southampton, carrying out research on numerous topics related to benthic foraminifera. He was outstanding as both a teacher and researcher and will be greatly missed in both the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton and in the world of foraminiferal research. He will also be sorely missed in our society. John was a member of the society from its foundation in 1970, as the British Micropalaeontological Group. He was secretary of the Foraminifera specialist group from 1972-1973, and Chairman of the society from 1978 to 1980. He edited the Journal of Micropaleontology from 1994 to 1997. In each of the roles, he was supremely efficient and made major contributions to the development of the society, in recognition of this he was made an Honorary Member of the Society in 2005. The Society also recognised his outstanding scientific contributions to Micropalaeontology, awarding him the Brady Medal, the highest honour of the society, in 2007. His achievements to that date are summarised in the commendation for the award – although since he continued a high level of scientific output that summary is in need of updating.
Our knowledge of microfossils and their role in global ecology has been built by the work of numerous micropalaeontologists and John was one of the best, and one of the kindest.
Written by Dr Jeremy Young, on behalf of the Micropalaeontological Society committee
