Prof Andrew Webster (1951-2021)
We have learned with the greatest sadness of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Professor Andrew Webster.
Andrew played a key role in establishing the UK Association for Studies of Innovation, Science and Technology (AsSIST-UK) after a long career devoted to supporting the scholarly community at the University of York and beyond.
These few words cannot express how much he has given to all of us – academically and personally – and how much he will be missed.
Our hearts go out to his family and many close friends and colleagues.
In sorrow and with deep affection,
Robin, Barbara, Rachel, Anne Marie, Katerina, Julia and Matjaz
AsSIST-UK Executive Committee
Loved working with/for you Andrew – best boss and will be sadly missed. Gone too soon – should have been enjoying retirement, the garden and his grandchildren. x x x
Farewell to a wonderful colleague who will be sadly missed by all his friends at Lancaster.
I first met Andy sometime around the mid-1980s, probably at an EASST or 4S conference and our paths crossed many times subsequently. It is fair to say that the our respective communities of STS and Science Policy did not always get on in those days but Andy was one of relatively few in the former who were willing to work constructively at the intersection of two (along with such others as Michel Callon, Susan Cozzens, Arie Rip and John Ziman). I always had the highest regard for Andy and his work. However, it was Andy the person who most impressed me, always open, friendly, encouraging, supportive – qualities unfortunately becoming somewhat less common as academia has become more individualistic and hyper-competitive. I’ve just watched the memorial service online and learnt so much more about Andy the person – and what an impressive person! It’s an irony and a tragedy that in life one generally only knows one part of a person (in this case, Andy the professional colleague); it’s only after death that one learns about all the aspects of that person and their life. Andy – you contributed so much to others; you will be sorely missed.
Ben Martin, SPRU, University of Sussex
I am so sorry to learn of Andrew’s much too early leaving a world he so energetically lived in and contributed to in so many ways. Such a great and warm-hearted colleague, a real pioneer in his field and such a nice person – so many entertaining stories! It is hard to believe that he isn’t still here.
I have just seen this and was shocked. I worked with Andrew on a project on intellectual property more than twenty years ago and he was a lovely guy to work with. Clever and focused, but always with a smile and good humour. We had an enjoyable time working together. Condolences to his family and friends who must miss him hugely.