Sir Derek Harry Roberts. 28 March 1932—17 February 2021

Abstract

Derek Roberts was one of the most influential figures in British industrial technology and subsequently in the academic world. The word most frequently used to describe him is ‘visionary’. From a humble background, his abilities in science and the hard work characterizing his later career resulted in academic success in Physics at Manchester University. He joined the Plessey Company Ltd just as the silicon revolution, which was to change the face of electronics, began and quickly established his outstanding abilities in research and management. His most important scientific achievements involved the transition from component to all-semiconductor electronics, to which he made numerous original contributions in an industrial context. After rising to the top of the ranks at Plessey, he moved to GEC, where his outstanding managerial skills brought together the many different companies within the GEC portfolio. His final career move as Provost of University College London (UCL) was due in part to his strong contacts with the academic world, particularly his active presence as a Visiting Professor at UCL. There, his remarkable ability to make change was successfully deployed across all areas of the university's activity, particular successes being in the areas of health and medicine.