Josep Font, UAB Professor and Ombudsman from 2009 to 2017, passes away
Josep Font, emeritus professor of organic chemistry and Ombudsman from 2009 to 2017 at the UAB, passed away on 24 September 2023. The University wishes to express its heartfelt sorrow for the loss of one of its members and extend its most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
The wake will take place at the Tanatori de la Ronda de Dalt (Sala 18) in Barcleona on 26 September from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on 27 September from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral will then take place at 4:30 p.m.
Josep Font i Cierco (Barcelona, 1938) earned his PhD in Science at the University of Barcelona in 1965 and did his post-doctoral studies at the University of Alberta, Canad. He was named professor of the Faculty of Pharmacology Studies at the University of Granada in 1976 and later also became professor in Organic Chemistry at the UAB. He wrote more than 200 papers published in the most prestigious journals in the chemistry sector. His initial work was related to the detection of reaction intermediates and he was the person who introduced the photochemistry methodology in Spain. His main research interest focused on organic synthesis and organic photochemistry of functionalised soluble polymers.
With regard to his institutional contributions, Dr Font was Vice Rector for Research from 1978 to 1982 and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs from 1990 to 1994. He was also Dean of the Faculty of Science (1983) and Director of the Department of Chemistry (1988-1990). He was the UAB Ombudsman from 2009 to 2017. And from 1995 to 1997, he was the Government of Catalonia's General Director of Universities. He also held the position of Secretary of the Department of Chemistry of the Fundació Juan March and General Councillor of the Caixa de Barcelona in representation of the UAB.
Among the awards he received throughout his lifetime are the Narcís Monturiol Medal for Scientific Merit, the Antonio González Institute of Biorganics Medal and the City of Barcelona Award for his PhD thesis. Dr Font was also a full member of the Royal Academy of Arts and Science of Barcelona.
The University wishes to express its heartfelt sorrow for the loss of one of its members and extend its most sincere condolences to his family and friends.
More information: UAB Tribute to Josep Font in 2017 (in Catalan)