The University regrets to announce the death of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Robin Sibson who died on Sunday 19 March 2017.

Robin was Vice-Chancellor from September 1994 to August 2001 and, through a range of initiatives, established the framework for today’s University. He created the current structure of schools and departments; began an expansion of student numbers and widening participation with links to associate colleges; and developed higher education provision in Medway leading to creation of a new campus.

In addition, he began to steer the University in its performance of the Research Assessment Exercise and was key to the development of Kent as a European university.

A statistician, who was best known for his research on natural neighbour interpolation, Robin was awarded an honorary degree by the University in 2002.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Julia Goodfellow said: ‘Robin played an invaluable role in the shaping of the University as we know it today, and we are indebted to him for his vision and foresight. Everyone who knew Robin will be deeply saddened by his death. Our sincere condolences go to his wife Heather and all his family.’

The new Sibson Building was named in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the University.