It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Professor Naresh Magan who passed away on 20 April age 69 after a short illness.
Naresh joined the Cranfield Institute of Technology in 1986 and developed a unique and outstanding academic career becoming a Professor (Personal Chair) in 1999. He was a renowned expert in the field of applied mycology and established the Applied Mycology Group at Cranfield.
Naresh was widely recognised for his contributions in applied mycology. His main research area looked to how the amount of water molecules within food commodities can impact the way that fungal species grow and produce toxic secondary metabolites, mycotoxins. His research has had and will still have a significant impact on both the agricultural sector and food industries.
For many years he was also chair/president of the University and College Union (UCU) Cranfield branch.
Some of Naresh’s colleagues pay tribute:
Friends and colleagues from different institutions said:
“He was a great man of integrity, with a passion for mycotoxin research, always helpful and supportive, travelling worldwide to bring more people in the fold. He was such a delightful person to be around, always uplifting. I cannot describe what I am feeling these last few days. He will be irreplaceable, and I will miss him dearly.
“Everybody loved him. He will always be in our hearts. I remember so many good moments with him!
“I had known Naresh for a very long time since trying to work him in my PhD, and met him for the first time in 2002 in a conference in Spain where we talked about his favourite topic, water activity!!! Since then, we have always been working as a good friend and a great mentor and guide.
I believe, his unconsumable joy, the great energy and passion for science that he shared with all of us will be never forgotten.He has touched many lives in the mycology scientific environment, and his enthusiasm and charism will be remembered worldwide.
Professor Leon A. Terry, Pro-Vice-Chancellor – Research and Innovation, said: “Naresh was one of Cranfield’s all-time most outstanding and respected scientists. His commitment to his research students was always paramount to his approach. Naresh never failed to shy away from ‘speaking truth to power’. His passion for his subject was infectious. Above all, he was a truly decent person. I will miss him enormously.”
