Professor Michael Waring (1939-2019)
It is with great sadness that we note the death of Professor Michael Waring on 16 November 2019. We offer his family our heartfelt sympathies.
Michael was an important figure in College life for over five decades. After completing his PhD at Downing College, he became a Jesus College Fellow in 1965 and an Emeritus Fellow 42 years later. Michael dedicated his life to the College, which was also his home for many years. Having served as Fellows' Steward, he was highly respected for his unrivalled knowledge of food and wine. Michael continued to lunch and dine at High Table, attend Chapel and teach medical and veterinary students until weeks before his death. In 2016 he founded the annual Waring Prize for the Medical Sciences student who achieved the best performance in the Final MB Examination Part III.
A world expert on the science of cancer, antibiotics, and drug interactions with DNA, Michael worked in the University of Cambridge's Department of Chemotherapy between 1965 and 2004. He held Guest Lecturer and Visiting Professor roles around the world during that time.
Outside of work, Michael was passionate about music and sport. In 1990 he established the annual Waring Award for "the undergraduate who contributes most outstandingly to the sporting life of the College" and he was a Trustee and great supporter of Jesus College Boat Club. Michael was a keen pilot, and members of the College who were persuaded to step into his small plane retain vivid memories of the experience.
A full obituary will be published in the College’s Annual Report. A funeral service took place in Little St Mary’s Church, Cambridge, on Tuesday 3 December.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday 6 November 2021 in Jesus College Chapel, followed by a reception in Hall.
