Dr William Vennart MInstP (1949-2025)

Dr William Vennart was born in October 1949 and attended Sutton Grammar School, Surrey.

He studied physics at the University of Bristol, graduating in 1971 before gaining his PhD in 1975 at the University of Nottingham researching radiation damage in amino acids.

William went on to work as a lecturer and researcher in medical physics at the University of Exeter from 1980-1999. Around this time Exeter had strong links with the University of Nottingham as both had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research groups embedded in their physics departments. It was during this period that William’s research group collaborated with the group based in Nottingham to develop nuclear magnetic resonance (now known as MRI) scanners, initially looking at stress fractures in racehorses. The scanners are now used in all hospitals.

He was classed as an inspiring lecturer and supervisor. His lectures were described as engaging, amusing and easy on the ear, but also highly informative. Old-school, courteous, with a great sense of humour, his enthusiasm and straightforward manner were said to be his most endearing qualities along with a lively and enquiring mind.

In 1999 William made the transition from academia to industry when he started work at Pfizer in Sandwich. Initially heading a research team to look at medical efficacy, he reached the position of Senior Director, Site Head Clinical Technology, where he carried out research on using MRI scans of the brain to assess the effectiveness of painkilling medications.

William was made Honorary Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nottingham in 2010 and chaired the Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) for two years from its establishment in 2012, and then served as a member of the SAB and its successor, the Physics and Astronomy Alumni Advisory Group.

His advice to the School of Physics and Astronomy over 13 years helped to shape research and teaching at Nottingham. As a visiting Professor, and PhD tutor, William is reported to have inspired many people at Cardiff, Nottingham and Sheffield universities in the field of medical physics over the years.

William died at Pilgrims Hospice, Thanet in Kent. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Thanks to Jim Vennart CPhys MInstP for the biographical information.