Sir John Ashworth was a distinguished British scientist, educationalist, and former Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science. From government Chief Scientific Adviser to chair of the British Library Board, his remarkable career in academia, science, and public service has had a lasting impact on the fields he worked in and the institutions he served.
Born on 27 November 1938, Sir John Ashworth was raised in the United Kingdom, where his academic journey began at West Buckland School before continuing at Exeter College, Oxford. He went on to complete a PhD in biochemistry at Leicester University. His early scientific research focused on developmental biology, cell differentiation, and particularly on slime moulds. Sir John was known for his fascination with Dictyostelium, the slime moulds found in diverse environments around the world.
Science and university leadership
In 1976, Sir John Ashworth took his career in science and university leadership to the UK government’s Cabinet Office, where he served as Chief Scientific Adviser until 1981.
In 1981, Sir John was appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Salford. He took on a challenging role during a period of significant financial cutbacks to universities under Margaret Thatcher’s government. While many institutions faced cuts, Salford was hit particularly hard, with a 44 per cent reduction in funding. Despite this adversity, Sir John demonstrated extraordinary leadership. He steered the university through difficult times and continued to promote its academic growth and resilience.
In 1990, Sir John Ashworth became Director of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He was committed to maintaining LSE’s position as a world leading academic institution, dedicated to the social sciences. During his six years as LSE Director (now known as President and Vice Chancellor), he was focussed on securing the best teachers, libraries and facilities, and improving our IT services.
Sir John was an extraordinarily supportive mentor and leader. His leadership was not just about academic achievement but also about fostering a collaborative spirit and a sense of community wherever he worked. He inspired countless students, researchers, and colleagues with his intellectual rigor, guidance, and sense of humour.
Steering public institutions
Following his tenure at LSE, Sir John Ashworth went on to have a distinguished later career steering public health and other public institutions. He served as Chair of Barts and London NHS Trust, Deputy Chair of the Institute of Cancer Research, and sat on the board of Colchester’s Hospital University Foundation Trust.
His expertise and leadership were not confined to the health sector. He was also a Director of Granada TV and the Granada Group, and served as Chair of the British Library Board for five years. Since 2002, Sir John had been the President of the Council for Assisting Refugee Academics (CARA), an organisation providing vital support to refugee academics since the 1930s.
Serving the local community
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sir John was also a deeply involved member of his local community in Wivenhoe. There he was an active participant in the management committees of the Nottage Maritime Institute and the Wivenhoe Sailing Club. Though born and schooled in Devon, and having studied at Oxford and Leicester, Sir John became one of Wivenhoe’s most beloved and respected residents. His passion for sailing, a pastime he enjoyed throughout his life, seemed entirely fitting for a town known for producing famous sailors and America’s Cup crews.
John Ashworth’s knighthood and legacy
After retiring in 2007, Sir John remained active in various advisory roles and continued to be a respected figure in both scientific and academic circles. In 2008, he was awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours. This was a highly deserved recognition of his lifelong commitment to public service, education, and scientific research.
Sir John’s legacy as a champion of public service, higher education, and scientific advancement will remain a lasting influence on future generations. On hearing of his death in March 2025, current LSE President Larry Kramer said:
Anyone leading LSE today is building on the work and efforts of those who led this outstanding institution before. I never had the opportunity to meet Sir John, but I would have thanked him for a remarkable legacy that remains truly hard to follow. LSE is, in no small part, what it is today because of his vision and passion for social science education and research.
“On behalf of the whole LSE community, I want to express my deepest condolences to Sir John’s family at this difficult time.
Larry Kramer, President of LSE
Sir John Ashworth is survived by his family, colleagues, and the many students and professionals whose lives were enriched by his work. His intellectual legacy, tireless dedication to education, and commitment to the public good will never be forgotten.
The full version of this post originally appeared on the LSE Condolences Blog.
