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St Hugh’s Honorary Fellow, Desmond McConnell, has passed away

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our esteemed Honorary Fellow, Professor Desmond McConnell, aged 95 (3 July 1930-2 January 2026). Following a long and distinguished career at the University of Cambridge, Desmond joined The University of Oxford as Professor of Physics and Chemistry of Minerals and St Hugh’s as Professorial Fellow (1986-1995). During his time at Oxford he was awarded the prestigious Humboldt Prize for Mineral Physics.

For those who would like to attend Professor McConnell’s funeral, this will take place at the East Chapel, Cambridge City Crematorium, Huntingdon Road, on Tuesday 20 January at 12.30pm.