Lord Kingsland: Chairman of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory
(PML) Board of Trustees 2004 - 2009
14th July 2009
It is with great sadness that the PML Board of Trustees and
staff learned of the death of Lord Kingsland this week. Lord
Kingsland was a much respected and liked Chairman who gave his time
generously to the Laboratory. His love of the sea and sailing,
coupled with a razor sharp legal mind, made for an extraordinary
balance between an interest in the science of the seas and incisive
decision making on strategic issues.
Last year Lord Kingsland led the recruitment of the new PML
Chief Executive, Professor Stephen de Mora, who said: “Lord
Kingsland will be remembered with much fondness at PML. He guided
the laboratory through a transition period with enthusiasm,
optimism, gentle manners and dry wit. In addition to his work for
PML he also chaired Plymouth Marine Sciences Partnership summits,
to help advance a vision of collective marine science and
technology in Plymouth. In this role, he was much respected and
will be greatly missed not only at PML, but by our colleagues
throughout the city.”
In February this year Lord Kingsland retired as Chairman
after reaching the maximum term for a Trustee. He handed the mantle
of the PML Chairmanship to Terence Lewis, former Medical Director
at the Plymouth Hospital NHS Trust.
Mr Lewis paid special tribute to Lord Kingsland: “Christopher
Kingsland’s contribution to PML cannot be overestimated. As our
first Chairman, his wisdom and skill in steering the newly
independent organization was a major factor in its undoubted
success. The model of a competitive non-government owned research
laboratory run on commercial lines which developed under his
leadership is a testament to his vision. On a personal note, he was
a friend and mentor, who possessed a great sense of humour. He will
be sorely missed and fondly remembered by PML.”
During the last year Lord Kingsland had paid special interest to
the passage of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill through
Parliament. He worked closely with PML scientists to obtain the
best possible scientific evidence, which led to significant
revision of the Bill.
Dr Mel Austen, Head of Science for Biodiversity and Sustainable
Ecosystems at PML, said: “Lord Kingsland was passionate about the
marine environment and he knew he was in a position to make a
difference. His grasp of the complexity and his keen understanding
of the detail ensured that key elements of the proposed Bill have
been strengthened and clarified: this Bill will become part of his
legacy.”
Lord Kingsland will be sadly missed by friends and
colleagues at PML. We send our condolences to his family, friends
and political colleagues. He was clearly a much respected colleague
and adversary in law and politics. At PML he will be remembered as
a wonderful advocate for marine science.