Neil Harris

We have learned, with great sadness, of the death of our colleague Neil Harris, who passed away on 7 February 2026.

Neil grew up in the Cotswolds and had varied interests, particularly music and playing the guitar, which led him to music college. After this, he began a lengthy career as a chef locally and further afield, including in the Channel Islands, where he developed a particular interest in pastry.  

Neil also had a real interest in human anatomy, pathology and microscopy techniques which took him to the University of Dundee in 2008 to study for a BSc in Anatomical Sciences. During his time at Dundee, Neil worked on a Wellcome Trust histology and immunohistochemistry-based project looking to develop a new fixative. On completion of his BSc, Neil came to Leicester in 2011 to study for an MSc in Molecular Pathology and Toxicology in the Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine. Following this, Neil gained experience within the pharmaceutical industry working as an Anatomical Pathology Technician in Harrogate where he honed his histology skills. This regularly took him to the USA, particularly Wisconsin, which he grew to love and increased his desire to travel.

Neil joined the East Midlands Forensic Pathology Unit as a PhD student in 2018, researching the morphology of bridging veins. In 2022 Neil joined the Unit as a Research Assistant where he worked closely with Dr Emma Cheshire on her research projects, to which he was able to bring his unique and specialist skills, particularly in the areas of electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, histology, medical photography and analytical software. Over his career Neil was cited in a number of publications, presented at meetings and attended conferences in the UK and abroad. 

Neil enjoyed baking, cricket and American football, and had a real passion for music. He loved cats and could often be found in a cat café, as well as spending social time with his many friends. He regularly travelled within the UK, particularly to his favourite city Liverpool, and visited many countries across the globe, particularly the USA.

Neil’s personality was infectious and his wry sense of humour and take on the world will be greatly missed by his friends and colleagues in the Unit and the wider University.