Tony […] thrived on scientific discussions on large topics. He projected an easy-going style of doing science, but it masked an approach that was both rigorous and creative. He did not suffer fools gladly and was not afraid to speak his mind in public. He liked original thought, enjoyed working out his own ideas, and disliked it when scientists followed the ruling dogma in their field without question. He was prepared to stick his neck out to help someone who followed an unconventional line. He felt the current publication culture actually blocked progress in science, because the people who developed the ideas that are currently the norm, are in a position to stop new ideas that challenge them. He was fond of working with bright, young people and encouraged them to think out of the box. In: Cohen MH, Nanjundiah V, Weijer CJ, Zhu K. In Memoriam – Antony Durston. Int. J. Dev. Biol. 64: 393-395 (2020)
In Memoriam by some of Tony’s colleagues and collaborators.
Tony felt strongly that new ideas challenging the reigning dogma were critical to science and that young scientists developing ideas challenging the consensus in their field were to be encouraged. In his career, he helped and encouraged many young scientists, not only his mentees but also others who came across his path. This is very much in keeping with the goals of the Sentience and Science Foundation, as we feel an open debate about the reigning paradigm(s) in science is tantamount to scientific progress, and this requires an open and welcoming attitude to young mavericks with wild ideas. It is these young scientists this programme aims to support.
