John Owen retires after 42 years

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Professor Tim Softley presents a gift to John

Head of Advanced Research Computing (ARC), John Owen finally retired on Friday 26th July. John spent 42 years working at the University, although he has been here even longer than that having arrived here as a fresh-faced physics undergraduate in 1972.

At an event organised in his honour, John was joined by well wishers from across the University. He was presented with a gift from Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Transfer, Professor Tim Softley who John has worked closely with in his role as Head of ARC.

After being awarded his PhD in 1978, John worked as a Physics Research Fellow at the University until 1985 when he made the move to the Centre for Computing and Computer Science subsequently known as Academic Computing Service, then Information Services and now IT Services.

In his 34 years in IT at the University, John has worked in a number of different roles. He began working in Systems (graphics and Apollo Workstations) before running Faculty Support (a precursor to End User Services) and then Learning and Research Support (Science and Engineering). He also managed the Technology Development Team; IT Facilities Management (Core Infrastructure without the networks but including security and research support) before becoming the Head of Advanced Research Computing in March 2015.

We wish John a very happy retirement.

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