Words by colleagues from the Department of Psychology.
The Department of Psychology is deeply saddened to report the death of Dr John Downes who passed away on the 2nd of May 2025 following a two-year battle with paranasal cancer.
John had a long career in the School of Psychology at Liverpool. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate PhD studies here in the 1980s before leaving to take up a post-doc position at Cambridge University. He then moved to work in Bradford University and subsequently Sheffield University, returning to Liverpool University as a researcher in 1991. John’s academic career at Liverpool progressed to Lecturer in 1993 and Senior Lecturer in 1998, with John securing the position of Reader in Neuropsychology in 2001.
John had a real passion for Neuropsychology and particularly the field of Memory research. He passed this enthusiasm onto his PhD students who recollect being treated as ‘intellectual equals, engaging in a shared journey of discovery’. John similarly applied his expertise to the role of Programme Director of the MSc in Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. Former students comment on being taught in an ‘incisive, critical and thought-provoking manner by a key academic role model’.
John was Head of the School of Psychology between 2011 and 2016. He left a lasting impression as a leader and his principles of humility, fairness, and dedication to his staff were remarkable. His colleagues recall a style of leadership that involved John taking the burden of responsibility for the School whilst trying to shield others from the pressures being faced.
John will be remembered fondly and greatly missed.
John’s wife Helen, his four children and his brother Frank and sister Mary would like to invite former colleagues and friends from the university to join them in raising a glass together in a celebratory tribute to John at Wallasey Rugby Club, Cross Lane, Wallasey on Friday 30th May from 3pm onwards. Food will be provided.