Professor Philippa Borrill
We are devastated to announce that our colleague and friend Professor Philippa Borrill died over the Easter weekend following a rare immune system disorder (HLH). She was a fantastic scientist, collaborator and mentor, and a close friend to many.
Philippa has been part of the John Innes Centre’s community for many years, joining the Uauy group as a PhD student in 2010. She then secured a BBSRC Fellowship and established her independent research group at the University of Birmingham, before returning to us as a Group Leader in 2021. Recently Philippa was named an Honorary Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia.
Our thoughts are with her family and friends and the many staff and alumni who will have worked with Philippa.
The John Innes Centre has opened a book of remembrance for anyone who would like to share their memories of Philippa or tributes to her. Please email these to comms@jic.ac.uk, and we will compile and share them with Philippa’s family.
Other ways to remember and celebrate her life will be added to this page in the coming days and weeks.
Funeral Arrangements
We share an update in relation to arrangements for Philippa’s funeral which will be held on Friday 1st May. The service will be held in Colney Woods.
- Date and time: Friday 1st May, 12.30 arrival, service starts 13.00
- Dress code: smart casual / colourful if wanted
- Location: Colney Woods, Colney Park, Watton Rd, Norwich, NR4 7TY.
- Flowers or donations: Flowers are welcome and may be brought to Colney Woods on the day. Donations for Mind, Cats Protection, Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing may be given at the service, online using this link or sent c/o Lewis Cook Family Funeral Home, 71 Borrowdale Drive, Thorpe, Norwich, NR1 4SN.
Following the service the Rec Centre at the John Innes Centre will be open from 4.30pm for those that would like to gather and raise a glass to Philippa.