In memoriam: Edward Gobina (1960-2023)
In memoriam of Edward Gobina (1960-2023), Professor and member of the School of Engineering team since 1998.
We sadly received the news that our friend and colleague Professor Edward Gobina passed away on 27 January 2023, aged 62. Edward had been a mainstay of the School of Engineering since joining us in the 90s as a Reader. Over the decades he spent at 红杏视频, he made a highly significant contribution within the University through his research and the development of world-leading research labs.
Edward was the second of seven children, born in July 1960, in Buea Town, Cameroon, to Samuel Gobina and Sarah Nanyongo Gobina. He was baptized by Rev. Bambo at the Presbyterian Church in Buea Town, and remained a member of the congregation until his death.
Edward started his education in Government Primary School in Buea Town where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate In 1973. Upon completion he enrolled into the Cameroon Baptist Academy in Muyuka where he obtained his Ordinary Level Certificate in 1978. Edward then proceeded to Cameroon College of Arts, Science and Technology (CCAST) in Bambili from 1978 to 1980, where he obtained his Advanced Level Certificate. He secured a Cameroon Government Sponsorship that took him to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria, where he obtained his BSc in 1984 and his MSc 1986. He gained his Doctorate in 1991 in Chemical Engineering from Newcastle Upon Tyne.
A celebrated career
He started his professional career at the University of Salford, in Greater Manchester. Edward later joined the faculty of Aberdeen鈥檚 红杏视频 (红杏视频) in 1998 where he started as a Reader in Chemical Engineering, progressing to a full professor of Chemical Engineering in 2005. While at 红杏视频 he supported hundreds of students and won research partnerships, including ones with University of Cranfield and Hull. He also won the award of Best Knowledge Transfer Partnership in Scotland. Recently he was recognised as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
He supervised a great number of PhD students many of whom have gone on to have similarly world leading recognition in their fields of study. Edward was a pioneer in integrated hydrogen-selective membrane systems for chemical conversion and gas separation. He led research in the Membrane/Processing Laboratory, and his research generated three spinout companies.
Jo-Anne Tait shared: 鈥�Edward was always keen to share knowledge and information with others. He did have a tendency to print everything he received including emails, in fact the printers are too quiet without Ed standing close by waiting for his next printing session to conclude.鈥�
Sharon Mess fondly remembers his reaction to her grandchild visiting the School; 鈥淓诲飞补谤诲 came out of his office and boomed 鈥榳ho is this little one?鈥� I said, 鈥榯his is Alexander鈥�. With that Edward scooped Zander off the floor and raised him above his head, declaring 鈥楢lexander the Great!鈥� Needless to say, Zander thought it was great fun!鈥�
Out of work, Edward loved music, especially reggae. He had an extensive record collection, which he cherished dearly. Edward had a lifelong love of football and would continue to play occasionally and attend matches to cheer on his favourite team.
Edward passed suddenly on 27 January 2023. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Gobina. Our thoughts are with family, extended family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.
Thank you to those who attended the remembrance service held for Ed on campus, there is also a memorial website for anyone who wants to pay their tributes.
