Celebrating the life of John Kenward Gilber

Abstract

In 1962, John got a B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry from the University of Leicester, which was followed by a D.Phil. Chemistry from the University of Sussex in 1965John was knowledgeable and experienced and had an amazing amount of energy and clear thoughts about the directions for future research. In 1962, he got a B.Sc. (Hons.) Chemistry from the University of Leicester, which was followed by a D.Phil. Chemistry from the University of Sussex in 1965.At the Institute of Education Technology of the University of Surrey, John participated in the creation of an innovative course which combined physics (or chemistry) with education and granted both a degree of the University and a teaching certificate. At the same time John was involved with research and with the supervision of his first PhD students, he became interested in the parallels between the processes of science and science teaching. He always tried to analyse what was being discussed from different perspectives and to ask hard and unexpected questions that others would avoid. John respected and supported researchers of all nationalities and creeds (whether they were novices or experienced ones) and was always ready to introduce people to other people when this could result in the generation of an active synergy in research. John was an excellent, charismatic and inspiring mentor both in academic and personal life of his students (and, sometimes, his colleagues). He always listened to what was being said or asked trying to identify the relevant points to be emphasised in criticism or advice and leaving less relevant points out of focus.