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In memory of Professor Simon Leather

The CONNECTED team is very sad to share the news that our highly esteemed Management Board member, and dear friend, Professor Simon Leather has passed away.

Simon was a key member of our Management Board from the start of CONNECTED and a good friend to all the CONNECTED Network team here in Bristol. We know that many of our Network members benefitted from his expertise and will miss his enthusiasm and support.

Simon brought a wealth of experience, practical suggestions, and entertaining anecdotes to our meetings.

He was one of the instructors at our V4 ECR Development Programme in June 2019, giving a lecture and practical demonstrations on insect taxonomy. He set up a variety of insect traps across the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens and invited our delegates to collect and identify insects. We all learnt a tremendous amount that day.

Simon was someone who never lost his enthusiasm for science and for sharing the wonders of the natural world with others. He was great company, a fantastic teacher, and we will miss him greatly.

Simon teaching at CONNECTED’s V4 ECRF Development Programme

Group photo of delegates with Simon at CONNECTED’s V4 ECRF Development Programme