Lynne Cox, Director of the Research Office, passed away in October 2024, after 50 years of service to Imperial.

Lynne joined Imperial in 1974 aged 16, as Junior Accounts Clerk at what was then the St Mary’s Medical School. Following the merger of St Mary’s with Imperial, she was promoted to Director of Research Contracts at Imperial. She became the Director of Imperial’s Research Office in 2010.   

Beyond Imperial, Lynne was known and respected across the wider UK research community – including funding bodies, the Russell Group, the NHS, Government agencies and beyond. 

Lynne was awarded a Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) in 2016, in recognition of her services to research in higher education. She was awarded an Imperial College Medal in October 2023 for her long-standing and remarkable service to Imperial.  

Professor Hugh Brady, Imperial’s President, said: “Lynne was Imperial through and through. She brought great warmth, integrity and professionalism to everything she did. Her loss will be deeply felt at Imperial, not only by her team in the Research Office, but also by the many colleagues across Imperial who had the pleasure of working with her.” 

Professor Ian Walmsley, Imperial’s Provost, said: “Lynne supported the research of countless colleagues, not least through her work as Director of the Research Office, which she led with energy and vision, raising Imperial’s profile with distinction. Researchers across Imperial have benefitted hugely from her advice and the clarity she brought to research funding, integrity and policy. Her expertise and influence were respected across the UK.” 

Remembering Lynne

Imperial is in touch with Lynne’s family. We will share details of a memorial service in due course. In the meantime, a condolence book will soon be available for colleagues to sign at the Faculty Building Reception. If you are unable to sign the book in person, please feel free to email your message to Emily Roche.