In Memoriam: John Bancroft, former QCIF CEO

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our former CEO, John Bancroft.

John was a widely respected leader known for his vast experience bridging academia, government, and industry. His work in high-performance computing (HPC) and big data science had a lasting impact, significantly influencing both scientific research and industrial innovation.

Under his leadership, QCIF experienced exponential growth in in terms of revenue, services, staff numbers, membership and customer base.

During his time with the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, he founded and led the Hartree Centre, transforming it into a key hub for UK industry with advanced HPC, data analytics, and AI technologies.

In his later years, John continued to forge significant partnerships and foster innovation.

At Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ) and the Auckland University of Technology’s Research and Innovation Office, he worked tirelessly to create and support collaborations between researchers and industry across New Zealand and around the world.

John was a graduate Chemist from the University of Manchester. He was a Fellow of the UK's Institute of Sales and Marketing Management for 20 years and served as a Visiting Professor in Science and Innovation at the University of Huddersfield for five years.

John's leadership, expertise, and dedication will be greatly missed. He was not only a remarkable professional but also a cherished colleague and friend.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the fields of science and technology.