The Sir Eric Ash teaching lab is officially open

The high-tech research lab was opened by Professor Nigel Titchener-Hooker, Dean of UCL Engineering, and Professor Sarah Spurgeon, Head of Department of EEE, surrounded by close family, friends, colleagues and former students of Sir Eric Ash.

During the opening, Nigel and Sarah unveiled a plaque dedicated to Eric and discussed the significance of naming the teaching lab in his name. As Sarah stated:  

“We proudly remember Eric as an intellectual powerhouse and leader, who is fondly remembered by all who knew and worked with him and who is a tremendous role model for members of today’s Department. When it came to choosing a name for our new laboratory, there was uniform support that it should be named the Sir Eric Ash Laboratory. 

As part of the event, undergraduate student Luzhou Peng and postgraduate Temitope Odedeyi showcased their innovative research to highlight how the lab facilities are very much in line with Eric’s own vision of engineering.

Luzhou’s demonstrations focused on acoustics and Temitope’s on food security. Both research demos discussed the revolutionary way electronic engineers are tackling wider societal issues with novel solutions.

The official opening was followed by a dinner at The Ambassadors Hotel, Bloomsbury, where former students/colleagues took a walk down memory lane, divulging details of Eric's unique work ethic and passion for cycling.

Memories were shared by Professor Polina Bayvel (UCL), Professor Eric Yeatman (Imperial College London) and Professor Hugh Griffiths (UCL). Closing comments were delivered by Eric's eldest daughter, Gill Barr, who fondly shared memories of Sir Eric Ash - the family man. 

Further info and links

• Remembering Professor Sir Eric Ash (1928 - 2021), a tribute by Polina Bayvel FRS, former student and colleague.  

• How can new electronic systems enhance food security? By Temitope Odedeyi and Professor Izzat Darwazeh, part of the UCL Disruptive Thinkers Series.