Professor Ray Pahl, who died on June 2, was a pioneering sociological researcher and passionate campaigner for public engagement with sociology.

Ray, a Visiting Professor at ISER, had close links with the University of Essex from the early 1980s when he was part of the team that helped establish the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS).

He conducted ground-breaking research in his early career on urban sociology and the division of labour and more recently has undertaken high profile research on friendship.

Throughout Ray’s career, he was committed to developing public engagement with sociology and ensuring the value of sociological research is understood by decision makers. Just a few weeks ago, his outstanding achievements in this field were recognised by the British Sociological Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Paying tribute to Ray, ISER Director Dr Heather Laurie, said: “Ray was a wonderful colleague who made an outstanding contribution to sociology throughout his career. He will be sadly missed but remembered with great affection and thanks by all who who knew him and were inspired by his work.”

Ray’s funeral will be held at St John the Baptist Church in Bishops Castle, Shropshire, at 2.00pm on Tuesday 28 June. His family would warmly welcome any friends and colleagues who would like to attend the funeral. Family flowers only, but donations in his name can be made to Amnesty International or to Stone House Community Hospital, Bishops Castle.

Further details about Ray's career can be found on the Pioneers of Qualitative Research webpages