We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and UK Cilia Network founder David Stephens on October 16, 2024. David was a tireless champion for ECRs in the cell biology field, mentor to many and source of great insight and wisdom across many scientific fields, from membrane trafficking to motors. David had a sharp wit and no nonsense attitude which made him an effective leader and force for change across the many roles he held, nationally and within the University of Bristol. His infectious enthusiasm, energy and passion for basic science and discovery were an inspiration to all. He left an indelible mark on those who were lucky enough to know him.

He will be very much missed by the wider cell biology field and especially our cilia community which helped found. David was a key champion of ECRs and change in research culture to make it more open and inclusive in his many roles with the UK Cilia Network, UKRI grant panels, his editor roles at JCS and University of Bristol leadership roles over his all too short career. To celebrate David and his huge impact on our science, we will start our 2024 UK Cilia Network Autumn Meeting in Liverpool on November 22 2024 with a keynote by Anthony Roberts (Dunn School, University of Oxford), who worked closely with David on structure and function of IFT dynein subunits. We will also collect photos and memories that our community may have to share with his wife Caroline and sons Isaac and Oscar we will compile into a memory book from the Network. Please send any photos, thoughts and memories about David to Ula (urszula.mcclurg@liverpool.ac.uk) before 22/11/2024, as we will share these during the day.

His family have set up a tribute & memories page for those who knew David and want to share- it would be lovely lasting tribute for his wife Caroline and sons Isaac and Oscar to see people's thoughts and memories of the wonderful man that he was and impacts he made. Details of his funeral are also posted here. https://davidjohnstephens.muchloved.com/