Our sorely missed friend Stuart, who passed away in May 2016 aged 46 after a sudden and severe illness, was drawn to public health early in his clinical career. 

His time as a Masters of Public Health student at the LSHTM (2000-2001) saw him develop this passion as well as form many life-long friendships. After some years as a public health consultant in the public system both in Cornwall and Brisbane, he completed a PhD on infant pneumonia in tropical regions at the University of Queensland in 2014. By applying the sharp intellect and enthusiasm he was known for, Stuart thrived and found fulfilment in research and teaching. His work provided an avenue to pursue his interests in infectious disease transmission and also in child health. Stuart was particularly driven by the injustice that many of the world’s children do not live to see their fifth birthdays due to preventable infectious diseases. This led to Stuart’s self-proclamation as an ‘ageist’.

As his friends and family, we think it fitting to remember him by helping to continue quality research on infectious diseases which affect children, particularly in developing regions. Establishing a student prize also aligns with Stuart’s willingness to and aptitude in mentoring students and emerging researchers. It is our hope that this prize will enable recipients to overcome the often considerable costs of travel so that they can better understand and address the health issues at hand. 

Any contribution you care to make will go towards maintaining this prize for longer and contributing to more LSTHM student led research projects on child health.