Obituary & Death News – The global physics community is mourns the loss of Professor Ian Shipsey, one of the foremost experimental particle physicists of his generation, who passed away at the age of 64. As Head of Oxford University’s Department of Physics, Ian was known not only for his profound contributions to the field but also for his leadership, advocacy for disabled students, and unyielding passion for the pursuit of knowledge.
Born in London, Shipsey began his illustrious academic journey with a degree from Queen Mary University in 1982, before completing his PhD at Edinburgh University in 1986. His doctoral research focused on the CERN NA31 experiment, a pivotal moment in his career that set the stage for his lifelong engagement with the most fundamental questions about the universe. His journey through the world of experimental particle physics took him across the Atlantic, with significant tenures at Syracuse University and Purdue University in the USA, before returning to the UK in 2013 to join the University of Oxford.
In 2018, Shipsey was elected Head of Oxford’s Department of Physics, a role in which he excelled and was re-elected in 2023. His leadership was characterized by a relentless drive to push the boundaries of experimental physics, while fostering a culture of inclusion and support within the department. His contributions to the University extended beyond research and leadership; he was a powerful advocate for improving the University’s provision for disabled students and colleagues. As a professor who himself became profoundly deaf in 1989, Shipsey was a shining example of overcoming personal challenges while still excelling in his field. His work in explaining the physics behind his cochlear implant through accessible YouTube videos reached thousands, providing inspiration and insight to viewers around the world.
Shipsey’s scientific career spanned several decades, during which he made groundbreaking contributions to particle physics, particularly through his studies on subatomic particles in the context of the ‘Standard Model’ – the framework that describes the fundamental building blocks of matter and their interactions. One of his most notable accomplishments in recent years was leading a research group that added important new detail to the study of the Higgs boson’s decay, a particle first discovered in 2012 at CERN. His work provided crucial insights into the nature of this elusive particle, furthering the world’s understanding of the fabric of the universe.
In 2022, Ian was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), one of the highest honors in the scientific community, in recognition of his vast contributions to particle physics. His election to this prestigious group was a testament to the global recognition of his work and the impact he had on the field.
Jim Naismith, Head of the Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division at Oxford, expressed his deep sorrow at Ian’s passing. “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Professor Ian Shipsey – distinguished particle physicist, esteemed head of department, passionate champion of his field, and our colleague who will be greatly missed. His loss will impact the physics community here in the UK and the world. On behalf of the entire Division, I express my deepest condolences to all those who knew and worked with Ian.”
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, echoed these sentiments, describing Ian as a “one-of-a-kind” physicist. “Ian was one of the most impactful particle physicists of his generation: he transformed our understanding of heavy quarks, discovered new physics around b-quark and Higgs bosons, and broke new ground in understanding dark matter. Ian was charming, determined, funny, energetic, and an indefatigable advocate for world-leading physics.”
Professor Shipsey’s legacy extends beyond his scientific discoveries and leadership roles. His commitment to the inclusivity of students and staff with disabilities, paired with his personal journey through deafness and the development of cochlear implants, has left a lasting impression on the University and broader academic community.
His passing marks the end of an era in particle physics, but his contributions to the field will continue to shape research for years to come. He is survived by his family, friends, colleagues, and countless students whose lives he touched throughout his career.
The world has lost a brilliant mind, a compassionate leader, and a tireless advocate for science and inclusivity. Professor Ian Shipsey’s memory will live on in the lives of those he inspired and in the continued advancements of the field he dedicated his life to.
