It is with great sadness that SCI announces that Dr David Stock passed away suddenly on 22nd February 2018.
David was educated at Oxford University where he qualified with an MA in Pure & Applied Biology in 1984. This was followed by a PhD at the University of Bristol’s Long Ashton Research Station, sponsored by Shell, to investigate the impact of surfactant structure on pesticide delivery. David started his career within the agrochemical industry in 1991, originally with Schering followed by a series of mergers into AgrEvo GmbH and Aventis Cropscience (now Bayer CropScience).
From 2000 he worked at the Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre for Syngenta (formerly Zeneca) in senior roles in both formulation and biology, where he made a valuable contribution to science in his role as a Syngenta Fellow through enhanced biodelivery of pesticides and adjuvant technology. His most recent role was as Head of Weed Control Research Biology, where he was responsible for weed control biology research, from new active Ingredients through to development and life cycle management. He was responsible for management of external collaborations relevant to herbicide research. This involved both fundamental research in-house, in addition to funding projects with universities and institutes both within the UK and on an international basis. David published nine papers in peer-reviewed journals, 12 book chapters and conference proceedings, presented at and organised several symposia, edited eight books and symposia proceedings, and filed over 20 patent applications.
David joined SCI in 1988 and was an active member of the Agrisciences committee. He was always prepared to devote time to SCI and other organisations, including the Association of Applied Biologists, and to support SCI events via his company budget. A plant physiologist, turned formulation chemist, turned weed scientist, in academia and industry, at the bench and in management, he epitomised SCI in many ways. He knew that interesting and valuable nuggets of knowledge are found through meeting people ‘at the edge’ of silos. David’s support of SCI has been a key element in the success of many Agrisciences events. He was always a friendly guy and ready to have a chat and a laugh, as well as being someone who could be relied upon to get whatever job done. The SCI Agrisciences group are going to miss him.
SCI would like to thank David for his longstanding support of our organisation and mission throughout his career and extend our condolences to his family at this sad time.