It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Prof. Frank Reginald Nunes Nabarro, a professorial research fellow in the School of Physics, who passed away in hospital yesterday, 20 July 2006, at the age of 90. No details of his funeral arrangements have yet been made available.

Nabarro, a professor of Physics, served the University for 53 years. A man of quiet humour and strong will, Nabarro was an undisputed international scientific leader in the field of theoretical physics and dislocation theory.

Nabrro’s humble, scientific origins began at school in Cleethorpes, England. When faced with the predicament of maintaining both woodwork and chemistry as school subjects, Nabarro substituted carpentry with chemistry and got his first taste of science. He was then forced to take up physics for his final year at another school.

Nabarro then won a major scholarship and enrolled for a physics degree at New College, Oxford. He completed his research degree at Bristol and then entered the Army Operational Research Group at the start of the war. The group was commanded by Brigadier, late Sir, Basil Schonland, Carnegie Price Professor at Wits.

It was during this turbulent time that Nabarro met Margaret, his future wife. At the end of the war, Nabarro was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire medal and again entered into the field of dislocation theory. He then started work on his book ‘Theory of Crystal Dislocations’ in Birmingham. He married Margaret and they had two children.

Nabarro then heeded a call to come to South Africa and joined Wits University. He became a permanent faculty member, furthered his research and became a fellow of the Royal Society if South Africa. The Nabarros then had three more children.

During his tenure at Wits, Nabarro served as dean of his faculty and as deputy vice-chancellor of the University. He was involved in Wits University’s Plan, a document that paved the way for black students to enter the University.

More recently, Nabarro was awarded a highly esteemed Presidential Declaration, the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver, for his contribution to science. The citation reads: “The Order of Mapungubwe is awarded to Frank Reginald Nunes Nabarro for excellence in the field of science and for inspiring all South Africans”.

The University will advise on the funeral and other arrangements as they are made available.