Allen, well known and highly respected worldwide for his pioneering work in bone and tendon research, was Director of UCL Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science from 2000 to 2011.
Allen graduated from the Veterinary School at Bristol University in 1972 and, after a short time in mixed practice was enticed back to academia by Professor Lance Lanyon to undertake a PhD (A Study of Functional Adaptation of Bone) under Lance’s supervision. Allen’s early work with Lance was fundamental in the understanding of bone response to exercise and underpins current knowledge of bone as a dynamic organ. Following his PhD, Allen continued at Bristol University progressing from Lecturer to Professor where he led a large group of musculoskeletal researchers within the Comparative Orthopaedic Research Unit and became Head of the Department of Anatomy in 1992. Allen first joined UCL in 1996 in a joint appointment with the Royal Veterinary College before being appointed as Director of UCL Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science at Stanmore in 2000. After building and leading a strong and successful research department, in 2012, Allen moved to a part-time position as Professorial Research Associate in the UCL Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering and a part-time position as Head of Centre for Comparative and Clinical Anatomy at the University of Bristol where he enjoyed the opportunity to progress with research with a reduced administrative responsibility. Allen finally retired in 2016 but remained actively involved in research as Professor Emeritus.
Allen was fascinated by the interaction between form and function and the adaptive self-optimisation of skeletal tissues. As his career progressed his interests in musculoskeletal adaptation grew and diversified, and his research into effects of movement on fracture repair, tendon adaptation and response to injury, and intervertebral disc function are well known and have changed clinical practice. Allen’s veterinary and comparative anatomical knowledge were invaluable in selecting the most appropriate models to understand musculoskeletal tissues, for example tendon adaptation in racehorses and an interest in polar bears and their ability to maintain bone mass during hibernation. Allen’s research expertise resulted in participation in a project on the MIR space station, where the science was complemented with the opportunity to undertake some experience of microgravity by flying the “vomit comet”. More recently Allen has been key in advancing Raman Spectroscopy as a tool for early diagnosis and prevention of the crippling bone disease, Osteoporosis.
All who worked with Allen will have experienced his keen intellect, creativity and enthusiasm for research. Allen will be fondly remembered by colleagues and students for his sense of humour and sharp wit. He was generous with his ability and knowledge and had a great ability to motivate and build a sense of purpose and belonging in those around him. Many staff and students have benefited enormously from his leadership and supervision.
Allen had many interests beyond his work. He was a keen sailor and often, accompanied by his friends, embarked on offshore sailing trips in his yacht. He was an expert builder and completely renovated his cottage in Bristol, often roping in PhD students for extra manpower! He built a large garage at his house in Wheathampstead and casually recalled the time he cut through the main electricity cable with his mini digger plunging the neighbours into darkness! The garage provided accommodation for a collection of vintage motorbikes Allen enjoyed restoring and riding around the lanes. Allen’s had a passion for animals and kept dogs, exotic fish, parrots and more recently he had taken up bee keeping, providing the locals with honey!
Allen is survived by his wife Dawn who he met while a student at Veterinary School, their daughters Gemma and Ellie and grandchildren.
This obituary was prepared by Professor Helen Birch and Dr Catherine Pendegrass, both of whom were his PhD students and knew him well.
Professor of Skeletal Tissue Dynamics
Associate Professor
Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science
The Research Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science is a global centre for science-driven breakthroughs in restoring pain-free mobility and high-quality independent living.
