With great sadness we recognize the passing of Sir Eric Ash. A luminary in information and communications technology (ICT), Ash specialized primarily in electron optics and ultrasonics. Throughout his career, he was an enthusiastic mentor and academic.

Ash studied at Stanford University, where he secured a Fulbright fellowship. After graduation he worked at Standard Telecommunication Laboratories, then joined University College London as a professor. When he won the Marconi Prize in 1984, it was presented by His Eminence Sebastiano Cardinal Baggio, President of the Pontifical Commission for the City of the State of the Vatican. He was a Board member of the Marconi Society until 2008. 

“Our hearts go out to Sir Eric’s family and friends,” says Samantha Schartman-Cycyk, Executive Director of the Marconi Society. “His generous leadership in education and his contributions to technology exemplify the qualities that define the Marconi Fellowship. We honor his life and work.” 

“Sir Eric was an extraordinary contributor to our technology community,” writes Vint Cerf, Chairman of the Marconi Society’s Board. “Another giant has left our midst.”

“I can speak to his incredible energy to learn and understand from those around him—whether it was history, architecture, nature, performing arts, travel, an endless list—he was always interested at the deepest of levels,” writes Camilla Fritze, Board member. “He always made sure young people had a voice and were considered. He believed in the next generations and always welcomed opinionated youth into his home, and was genuinely interested in their work and challenges and successes. He has left an incredible legacy.”