The University is saddened to learn of the death of Professor Vic Scott who passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023, at the age of 94. He is much loved and will be missed by many.

Vic was born in London on February 16, 1928, to Alfred and Minnie Scott and had a brother Stan. He is survived by his wife June, his daughters Cheryl and Andreana, his son Michael, and his four Grandchildren, Leon, Anna, Luke, and Lara.

Former colleagues and students remember him fondly and some have kindly shared their thoughts below.

Tim Mays, Professor, Dept of Chemical Engineering:

“Vic was always so supportive of early career researchers and staff, especially when he was Head of Materials Science at the University. Certainly, I benefitted hugely from his kind and sage advice when I was a PhD student, postdoc and eventually lecturer in the department. I also learned a vast amount from him about the importance of microstructural analysis of materials. This has stood me in good stead through my career at Bath, now as a Professor.”

Chris Bowen, Professor, Dept of Mechanical Engineering:

“I have fond memories of Vic Scott’s excellent lectures when I was an undergraduate at Bath in Materials Science. This included lectures on work hardening models for metals; this stuck in my mind as there were so many mathematical derivations to remember for the exam! Vic always linked the undergraduate lectures to his own research activities. This is something we all greatly appreciated as undergraduates, as it demonstrated that we were being lectured by leading experts and the lecture material was at the forefront of materials science. It is no surprise that later in my career, when I became a Lecturer, I got to know that Vic was a highly respected materials scientist.”

Martin Ansell, Honorary Reader in Materials, Dept of Architecture and Civil Engineering:

"Vic Scott was hugely successful in winning funds to support the growth of the Centre for Electron Optical Studies within the School of Materials Science. From 1977 I benefitted greatly from the use of the Cambridge Stereoscan which enabled me to explore the microstructure of wood and began a long association with scanning electron microscopy. Vic was an expert in his field and renowned for his thorough approach in progressing advanced research with staff colleagues and postgraduates. He was also known for his speed when playing indoor football and his skill on the cricket field. Vic made a very significant contribution to the reputation of the University and will be remembered with affection".

We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Victor’s family and friends at this time.

A celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Wednesday February 8 at 12.15pm at Haycombe Cemetery and Crematorium, 209 Whiteway Rd, Bath BA2 2RQ, United Kingdom and continuing afterwards at The Boathouse, Newbridge Road, Bath, BA1 3NB.

If you would like to attend in person, please RSVP with number of attendees to: cherylscott@btinternet.com

The service is also available to view by video link for those unable to attend:

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the RNLI through Vic’s homepage.