Iain Donald Campbell. 24 April 1941—5 March 2014

Abstract

Iain Campbell defined the study of proteins by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) in the UK, and was a towering international figure in biophysics and structural cell biology. His scientific career spanned nearly 50 years, almost entirely spent at the University of Oxford. As a PhD student he recorded electron spin resonance spectra, then later became a pioneer in the application of NMR methodology to whole cells, determining the world's second and UK's first protein structure by NMR. He ended his career as one of the leading scientific lights in integrin adhesion and focal cell assembly. His scientific contributions are characterized by intellectual rigour and a desire to solve the problem by applying the most appropriate tools. All who knew Iain noted his incredible work ethic, his precision and in particular his wry humour. The co-workers trained by Iain form the backbone of protein NMR internationally today, a tribute to his mentorship. His loss was deeply felt by colleagues across the world and of course most of all by his loving family.