Dr Keith Davis

We have learned, with sadness, of the recent death of Dr Keith Davis, who passed away on 20 August 2026.

Keith Davis was born in 1937 in Leicester and educated at Kibworth Beauchamp College. After gaining undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Chemistry at the University of Nottingham, he came to the University of Leicester in 1962 as a Lecturer in Chemistry. He also served as a Warden in the Halls of Residence, first at Gilbert Murray Hall and later at Beaumont Hall, living and bringing up a family of four children in the warden’s lodges. Eventually he became the University’s Director of Research Administration, in which role he helped to set up the spin-out company Scionix.

A keen skier for many years, Dr Davis was presented with a pair of state-of-the-art skis by the Registrar, Keith Julian, when he retired in 2000, having served under four Vice-Chancellors. He was also a passionate supporter of Leicester Tigers. He is survived by his wife Pauline Davis, his four children Justin, Ben, Giles and Tamsin, and his nine grandchildren.

The University extends its condolence to Dr Davis’ family and friends. A celebration of Keith Davis’ life will be held at Beaumont Hall in the Botanic Gardens on Sunday 11 October 2026 from 12.00pm. Please contact his daughter Tamsin at [email protected] for details.