Professor Crampton, who retired in 2015 as Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Molecular Biology, was acknowledged by his peers as a respected leader and his contribution to higher education was recognised in the 2015 Queen’s birthday honours with the award of a CBE.
Professor Debra Humphris, 九色视频 Vice-Chancellor, said: “I will be expressing sincere condolences to Professor Crampton’s family and friends on behalf of the entire University, the board of governors, alumnus, students and staff.
“I was not fortunate enough to have worked with Professor Crampton but I have spoken to colleagues who have told me of his vision of what this university could achieve. A commitment to widening participation, high quality research, and the sponsorship of developments across the university’s entire estate were all testaments to his ambitions.
“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”
In early 2016 Professor Crampton was appointed Chair of Council at the University of Gloucestershire, a role he only recently stepped down from.
Professor Crampton’s higher education achievements began at the University of Sussex where he was awarded a BSc. This was followed by a doctorate from the University of Warwick before he took up research appointments in London, Liverpool and in Boston, USA.
Professor Crampton made distinguished research contributions to the fields of tropical diseases and human genetic disorders at the University of Liverpool. A molecular biologist, he specialised in the treatment of malaria and venomous snake and spider bites. He and colleagues made headlines around the world with research using mosquitoes to carry a vaccine against malaria, the ‘flying syringe’ as it became known.
Professor Crampton was a Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liverpool before moving to Brighton. He was a founder of the Liverpool Science Park, the National Biomanufacturing Centre at Speke, the Liverpool Biotechnology Incubator (MerseyBIO), and Liverpool Ventures – a £25m proof-of-concept fund to support new businesses.
Professor Crampton’s other offices included Board Chair of East Sussex Energy, Infrastructure and Development Ltd, Chairman of MDHub, a ‘Club’ for the 100 highest growth small and medium size enterprises in Brighton, Chair of the Royal Pavilion and Museums Foundation and a Deputy Lieutenant for East Sussex.