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Professor Chris Abell
November 11, 1957 - October 26, 2020
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2020-12-16 14:44:11 View / Comment (0)
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2020-12-11 22:11:16 View / Comment (0)
Peter Alefounder
I joined Chris Abell's group to work on protoporphyrin biosynthesis enzymes. He said I was the Chemistry department's first molecular biologist. He and Alan Battersby wanted to get the laboratory set up for producing the enzymes and making mutants. Handling large molecules such as proteins and DNA was something new for the Chemistry department and required a different way of working in many respects. I recall Chris would host Christmas parties and other social events at his house for his group, and was also involved with the student chemistry society. It is difficult to think of the place without his cheerful presence. A great loss, to his family, the department and the University.
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2020-12-07 01:24:30 View / Comment (0)
Andrew Pitt
When I arrived in Cambridge as a somewhat inexperience post doc fellow in Alan Battersby's lab, Chris and Finian quickly helped me feel at home. Chris's generosity of spirit and willingness to listen, and his scientific insight, always delivered in such a modest way, helped me get started and establish my career. I was lucky to be in Cambridge when Chris's good friend David Cane was over on a prolonged visit, and I have fond memories of late nights late nights down the grad pad playing snooker with Chris, Finian and David, and the wide ranging discussion over a beer or two, which did little for our snooker, but was a great foundation for a young researcher. I am sure many of his group will remember summer barbecues and winter dinners at Chris's, always provided by Chris and Katherine with a warm welcome and easy manner. As I think back to my time in Cambridge, some of my pervading memories are of Chris's quirky laugh and infectious smile, and his intellect and vision. A great loss to the scientific community, the University, his many friends,and colleagues, and most of all his family.
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2020-12-04 19:19:54 View / Comment (0)
David Arnott
When I started my PhD with Alan Battersby I was given the bench opposite Chris in Lab 122. He was a kindly mentor to a raw recruit. He was visibly nervous when he had to make diazomethane in glassware with no ground joints in case of explosion. On these occasions I made myself scarce. On his stag night a number of people from the lab tied him up to the railings of St John's College. He was rather anxious but we let him go shortly. I know he was pleased with the prospect of publishing papers authored by Cane and Abell. Chris lived life to the full in both his professional life and in his recreation. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his untimely death
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2020-12-02 22:45:26 View / Comment (0)
Adrian Terry
I first met Chris when I was a third year undergraduate at Cambridge in 1983/4, and he had just joined the Department as a Lecturer; he gave a lecture on recombinant DNA technology (cloning) and afterwards at a student practical I asked him if there was a chance to do a PhD in cloning at Cambridge - and he said not yet, but in a few years. I subsequently applied for a PhD with Dudley Williams in the Department, and my PhD used DNA cloning - a surprise to Chris, I think, who thought it was too early for the Chemistry Department (which, it probably was). However, Chris did his best to support me in my endeavours, and was my internal PhD examiner. Our paths crossed again a few years later when I was working in Natural Products Discovery at Schering (Great Chesterford) and Chris was a consultant to Schering. I had watched his developing career from afar (well, I am still in the area) via the Cambridge Chemistry website; and was shocked to see the front cover of the latest Chem@cam which arrived today and had Chris's smiling face on it.
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2020-11-20 12:45:34 View / Comment (0)
Stephen Bornemann
I applied for a postdoc position in Chris's lab in 1992. That post was already filled, so he strongly suggested I apply for one in a collaborator's lab. I got that job and ended up collaborating with Chris for many years, leading to several publications as co-authors. I really appreciate the support he gave me then and since. The bottom line is that his suggestion changed the course of my career and life.
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2020-11-18 07:07:00 View / Comment (0)
Maxwell Crossley
Chris and I had an enduring interest in running which developed while I was on study leave in Cambridge in 2004. I wish to illuminate this side of Chris a little here. Chris and I ran together often in the early morning during 2004, north along the river or east through Madingley and then down the Long Road to Barton and out through the SE villages returning to Cambridge about three hours later. In the process we spent a lot of time chatting and cemented a firm friendship and great respect for each other; the maxim for such runs being to run with a buddy and run at a pace that still allows you to talk. Chris was an excellent training partner and quick to learn about the energy boost that jelly babies afford and hydration requirements; we used to have Joe Spencer drop water bottles for us under roadside hedges down near his village, which we used to pass near on some of our longer (33 km) runs. The only time we were ever competitive was in the last 0.5 km back to the Abell house, every time. We also had Reinhard Neier with us sometimes and sometimes ran with others through Cambridge at night. I was thrilled that Chris later that year ran the Amsterdam marathon with both Katherine and me there as his supporters along the route and at the start and finish, and then the other marathons, such as Tokyo, fitting them into a busy life. I also enjoyed reading his yearly updates about his family.
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2020-11-11 11:30:37 View / Comment (1)
I had the pleasure to get to know Chris as part of the Marie Curie CHEXTAN Network on Chirality, led by David Amabilino. CHEXTAN meetings were exuberant, inspiring and free thinking, across scientific and national boundaries. Many of the ideas blossomed into new science platforms. During this time, I came to genuinely like and admire Chris. His decency and empathy, combined with his scientific and innovation prowess, made him a very special human being, scientist and colleague. At the 2007 Nanotech Insight Conference in Luxor, I met Katherine. We all discussed science during the day and, in the warm evenings, we discussed the world and our lives by the Nile. Chris talked about the raised beds he had made in the garden for Katherine. He encouraged me to run, citing inspirational stories of others, but this was to be one of his rare failed ventures. We shall remember him as a special person and a rare scientist. Our thoughts are with Katherine, Daniel and Chris’ friends and family. Ras Raval, Liverpool
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2020-11-10 18:52:27 View / Comment (0)
Andrew Mackintosh
What a shock to receive this news. Spin-out companies often have a challenging relationship with their academic founders. However as chairman of Sphere Fluidics I could not have had a more helpful and supportive founder than Chris. In Board meetings he was fair, sincere and careful to ensure discussions and decisions were evidence-based. He spoke up when he had something to say (the hesitant smile indicated something important was coming!) but listened to the views of others - generating real respect for his opinions. When he felt he could no longer contribute time to the Board he became chairman of the company's Scientific Advisory Board and continued to provide important leadership and inspiration to the technical team in the company, a number of whom had been trained in his research group. Even when his considerable administrative duties (and his long-distance running) took up increasing amounts of his diary he still made time to support the company when needed. He was a dear and trusted colleague and we also will miss him.
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2020-11-08 13:23:58 View / Comment (0)
Hagan Bayley
Chris has been remembered fittingly for his role as Pro-VC for Research, and for his own research and entrepreneurship. Moreover, I remember him as the University’s first Director of Postdoctoral Affairs. Postdocs are the lost tribe of academia, neither students nor members of the faculty. Nonetheless, it is postdocs who enter the workplace as academics, as researchers in industry, and in many other roles. Chris and his colleagues sought to improve their status within the university, promote their ability to interact while at Cambridge, and promptly consider their futures in the outside world. This activity epitomised Chris' concern for people, and it was an original endeavour, of which other institutions still need to take notice. Thank you Chris for this and all you did in the world of science.
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2020-11-01 00:21:00 View / Comment (0)
Glyn Williams
Chris had a warm heart and an enquiring mind. He was as interested in people as in science and always began conversations with a smile. I first met Chris after I joined Astex in 2001. As one of the company’s founders Chris would attend scientific meetings, where his enthusiasm, knowledge and desire to learn, but not to instruct, stood out. He was rightly proud of his role in creating Astex but was most pleased by being able to apply the knowledge that he had gained to his own research, finding medicines for neglected diseases like tuberculosis. Chris’s generosity and hospitality were experienced by many, from inviting friends and students to formal dinners to hosting the annual Abell Group party at Christs College. As pro-Vice Chancellor for Science, Chris committed himself whole-heartedly to making a difference. He frequently discussed his hopes for the future, brimming with ideas and plans to attract funding to Cambridge and increase access to its expertise by collaborations with industry and other educational institutions. As a visitor to his group since 2018, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside both Chris and Katherine. Chris’s integrity, humour and enjoyment of science were always evident and will be missed by us all.
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2020-10-30 12:12:57 View / Comment (0)
Maximilian Ge
The positive impact that Chris Abell made cannot be overstated. A kind, generous and brilliant man, Chris touched the lives of many more than can ever be counted. As a researcher and entrepreneur, he was sensitive to the growing needs of the postdoc community and the potential that this next generation holds. A true visionary, Chris was instrumental in establishing the Entrepreneurial Postdocs of Cambridge group, which has gone on in turn to support numerous start-ups, jobs, and life-changing innovations. His professional seniority was never a barrier; he would always roll up his sleeves if needed, would mentor anyone he thought he could help, and would attack any problem – no matter its scale – with a clarity of thought that was difficult to match. Above all else, Chris started things, got things done, and supported others to do the same in a way that was truly inspirational. The untimely loss of Chris Abell is a tragedy that will be felt across Cambridge and beyond for a long time to come. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this enormously difficult moment. On behalf of the EPOC Committee, Entrepreneurial Postdocs of Cambridge
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2020-10-29 15:29:50 View / Comment (0)
andrew munro
I first came to know Chris well during scientific meetings held at the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco hotel resort. These meetings covered research in the area of tuberculosis with a focus on the development of novel inhibitory compounds that could be effective against the TB bacterium. Following from these symposia, we struck up a collaboration with Chris that was supported by the UK BBSRC funding body and which spanned three separate awards. Of course, Chris was a major contributor to the research strategy and a key player in driving the projects forward. I always looked forward to our regular team meetings, which more often than not took place near Oakham - allowing Chris to take us all for a healthy stroll round at least some of Rutland water! I learned a lot from Chris and am grateful to have been able to gain new insights from our scientific meetings. In recent years Chris climbed the ranks at Cambridge (including an FRS) as well as demonstrating his skills as an entrepreneur. As with the other contributors here, I was shocked to hear that Chris had passed away at only age 62. I will miss his sense of humour and his scientific insights, and we should all be grateful that we were able to rub shoulders with this phenomenal scientist.
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2020-10-29 01:27:20 View / Comment (0)
Claudio Dagostin
Truly shocked about this loss. I have lots of memories of my nearly 5 years spent in his group and even before when working at Astex, one of his creatures. In spite of his professional seniority he was available for everyone who asked for a meeting, a chat or a beer down at the pub. He shaped my career in the direction I wanted and gave me the confidence necessary to explore my boundaries and I will be always grateful for this. He was a visionary and his energy to aim to the objective and keep the focus until achieved was legendary. He was definitely a great scientist, but also an entertainer, animating dinners with stories about his career, life and travels. He was, above all, very human and warm-hearted and that made the world of difference when working with him.
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2020-10-28 18:46:22 View / Comment (0)
So sad about this loss, a great friend, collaborator and mind. I will miss you Chris. One of my fondest memories was having dinner at CC and reading what Charles Darwin had had in the same place long ago. Chris had an amazing career and made so many contributions, I will always be glad for the time he focused on Tuberculosis and was a part of my life.
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2020-10-28 12:11:40 View / Comment (0)
Subramanian Govindan
I've seen Chris in Singapore during my PhD for the first time in the UK-Singapore symposium. I came to know more about him from my supervisor Prof Martin Lear. I learned more about Chris from my friend Rajavel who was a postdoc with his group. "Chris was a man of his word" the smile and laughing nature is quite unique for him. I missed an opportunity to join with him in 2014 which I regretted for almost five year then I could join his group and be proud to be his last family member. He always writes emails that start with "Dear" and finish with "best wishes". Still I remember my first meeting with him here in Cambridge, he was the first one to show interest in seeing my BBC video, how he supported me for the career, research and teaching in Cambridge. Another occasion arrived, the Abell's group Christmas party, my privilege to join the party, what a fantastic person, his sense of humour, timing jokes, the way he shared his activities/adventures, the vision on science attracted me more towards him. I had lamb food dipped in caramel sweet, first time for me to see non-veg in sweet form, Chris said try it on you may like it-British style, I'll never forget that Christmas dinner. I got another chance to have a discussion with Chris in Michaelhouse church/coffee shop in Trinity Street for an hour. I remember his humbleness, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the top university in the world said "This next week is particularly hectic. I could meet you on Friday 6th at Michaelhouse church/coffee shop inTrinity Street at 10.15. If this is not convenient, I could meet in M12 Chemistry at 12.30" We had many zoom meetings after that, the one thing I observed was that Chris got God's gift that he could discuss any topic under the Sun, how he changed the game of drug discovery. His name in Chemistry was there and will be there forever. Finally, I would like to remember a quote from a poet in Tamil, Kannadasan's song about who accompanies the remains:The kin, till the house; The wife, till the street, The son, upto the cemetery, Who will come beyond that? I am with you Chris. I am gonna live my life with my mind that Chris is alway there with me. Your loving colleague Subramanian
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2020-10-29 22:24:47 View / Comment (2)
Mary Garson
I first met Chris when he was an undergraduate coming into lab 220 (Lensfield Road) for supervisions with Finian Leeper; this must have been when I was in the final year of my PhD research, and based on this I now realise that we have been friends and colleagues for over 44 years. During my postdoc in the Staunton research group, it was a privilege to watch Chris develop as an extraordinary research talent, and at that time also to meet dear Katharine. Chris had one of the sharpest intellects I have witnessed, and his many contributions to medicinal chemistry have been both significant and innovative, as well as industry-focused. We invited Chris to Australia on several occasions and were fortunate to host him as the Dillon-Steele award lecturer at The University of Queensland in 2010. Australian wildlife impacted on a visit in 2008 when he was stung by a spider (?) while out running, and ended up with a puncture wound on his ankle which swelled up during the plane flight home. Several of us received detailed email descriptions and gory photographs along with a request to identify the likely culprit. it was a good challenge to find a conversation topic to which he could not contribute. Australian rules football or 15th century Italian art were my two best efforts to outwit him in conversation. No visit to the UK has ever been complete without catching up with Chris, Katharine, Finian and Marion, frequently starting at the Panton Arms before moving onto dinner. As recently as February of this year we all shared breakfast, back when life was “normal”. A lasting memory will be his wonderful Yorkshire smile, happy chuckle, very quick wit, and genial disposition. This is deeply saddening news. I still cannot believe that Chris has been taken from us so suddenly, and at far too early an age. My sincere condolences to Katherine and to Daniel on their loss
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2020-10-27 22:12:09 View / Comment (0)David Amabilino
Chris at the helm in 2008, with my wife Lluisa and son Adria.
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2020-10-27 21:40:08 View / Comment (0)
David Amabilino
I first met Chris in about 2000 in Barcelona, he came to a meeting in Chirality, and he was typically brilliant and enlightening in his contributions. He was always supportive for this area of research in nanoscience. The last time was punting in Cambridge.. I can still see his beaming smile ... and it will stay with me remembering great science and wonderful times.
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2020-10-27 19:35:59 View / Comment (0)
Alessio Ciulli
Awful news. I am still in shock and cannot believe it. This is such a loss. Science has lost a biological chemist of the finest, brightest mind and a brilliant teacher. I learnt so much from him since joining his group, almost 20 years ago. Cambridge has lost a unique leader and rare citizen, who devoted selflessly to the greater communal good. I learnt from him how to collaborate (he was a great collaborator to many of us!), how to work with others, and how to influence others. Chris excelled in so many roles, as supervisor, mentor, advisor, friend, sport or travel mate, bridge mate (you name it!) - to so many of us. I will miss him deeply. My warmest thoughts and condolences to Kathrine and Daniel, who have lost a husband and a father. RIP Chris, and thank you for everything. Alessio
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2020-10-27 17:50:16 View / Comment (0)
Harry Druiff
This is very sad news, I was fortunate to have received encouragement while trying to keep pace with his run group a few years ago. As a near neighbour our paths would frequently cross with a friendly greeting on runs in our neighbourhood, or on the Cam towpath. I know he was well liked among our local running community and work colleagues. He will be greatly missed.
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2020-10-27 16:45:41 View / Comment (0)
Anthony Maxwell
Sad and devastating news. Chris was a great guy. I have known of him and his work for many years, but got to know him well personally when we both worked on the EU mm4tb consortium (2011-2016); he was a really suportive and encouraging member of the consortium. Unfortunately he got wind of the fact that I ran and would drag meet out at every meeting for a substantial run, despite that fact that I was much slower than him.. I have fond(?) memories of running with him in the freezing rain one cold January. A couple of years ago he gave a seminar at JIC, which was very well recieved, and stayed the night with us. He was great company and a particular hit with my 90-year old mother-in-law. He will be greatly missed by many people. My sympathies go out to Katharine and Daniel.
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2020-10-27 15:01:11 View / Comment (1)
Andreas Bender
I was truly shocked to hear this. I remember only a few years ago, at one of our annual Chemistry Department dinners, I was sitting next to Chris, and given I had just taken up running relatively shortly beforehand we ended up talking about the topic the whole evening: About marathons (he had done many back then already, I was just training for my first one, so was very happy to listen); about losing weight (but not being able to really lose weight due to official and College dinners, Chris apparently lost quite some weight in the years before I got to know him); and about strategies for long distance runs (among other topics). Then, and when our paths crossed a few times afterwards in the Department, he reminded me to join him and his running group during one of the weekends. One of his mates – I don’t remember his name – apparently didn’t have proper running shoes so he always ran in his wellies, until Chris and his friends put some money together and bought him shoes as a present at some stage. Given Chris had been running for years (he told me their pace) I always had in my mind to join them for their runs, once I would only be sufficiently fast myself. Quite obviously this will never happen now. RIP Chris, and I wish your family all the best.
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Victor Bolanos-Garcia
Victor Bolanos-Garcia
I first met Chris while doing my postdoc training with Tom Blundell, a long term collaborator of Chris and co-founder of Astex. We met many more times in Tom's home, attending the traditional annual summer party and at joint seminars in the Biochemistry and the Chemistry Department. I also had the opportunity to spend time with him while attended an informal 2 day symposium in Solva, of which I have fond memories. Every time I talked to him he listened with attention, which of course was very stimulating and illuminating. I noted the same disposition to listen to and to provide advise to all the postdocs and PhD students of the Blundell group. Chris had a brilliant mind and was great human being. He will be sorely missed by the lucky ones, including myself, that grew as scientists and individuals under his encouragement, advise and selfless support. Rest in peace dear Chris!
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