In Memoriam Dr David Forest

It is with great sadness that the University of Birmingham has learned of the passing of Dr David Forest on Friday 28 May, 2025.

Dave came to Birmingham in the mid-1990s to complete a PhD in experimental nuclear physics, and following a number of years as a postdoctoral research fellow – during which time he made regular trips to laboratories in Finland and at CERN – he pivoted to focussing on education.

There, he has played a central role in the design and delivery of our postgraduate taught programmes in the Physics and Technology of Nuclear Reactors (Deputy Director), and Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Management. From 2017, he also took on the role of School Senior Tutor for all our UG/PGT teaching programmes, and where Dave’s compassion, understanding and accessible and easy manner with students shone through.

Dave will be remembered for his ever-cheery demeanour, a fantastic colleague who was devoted to the support and wellbeing of our students, and who had an encyclopaedic knowledge of physics and of University regulations around education. He was the type of person about whom colleagues would have only good things to say. He will be hugely missed by all.

David was a wonderful man who touched the lives of many. I remember him being there for me in times of crisis as a shoulder to cry on, he was deeply empathetic and made me and many other students feel not alone. He will be deeply missed.
Catherine Siddle MSci
UKASEA

I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Dr David Forest. As his PTNR student in 2023–2024, I learned so much from him in courses like Radiation Protection and Radiation Shielding. He was always patient, supportive, and willing to explain even the most complex topics. His guidance greatly shaped my knowledge in nuclear engineering. My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Assylan Almagambetov
PTNR 2023-2024

Dave was one of my favourite lecturers at the University. I had the privilege of taking several courses from him, and I deeply admired his dedication to teaching and research. Since I was living in Turkey, I learned about his passing in September 2025 from an old classmate. I will always remember him as an excellent researcher, a passionate teacher, and an inspiring mentor. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations of students and researchers.
Behzat Alperen CIMEN
Alumni of PTNR Programme

I am severely heartbroken to hear the news of the most supportive member of the school of physics and astronomy. He was a very friendly and approachable member of the faculty and was always very helpful and reassuring and a very patient person. I used to visit his office almost everyday for 3 years and have a chat with him he will be missed by me forever for his character intelligence and supportiveness. Thank you David for all your support, patience and good character and may you rest in peace
Mr Ibrahim Abdullah
Physics

I am sad to hear that. Dave was an excellent lecturer and a great mentor.
Romain Bettinelli
PTNR 2018

I am very sad learn of this news. I started my PhD at the same time as Dave in the Nuclear Physics Group. With his laid back manner and dry sense of humour he was a pleasure to know. I can still imagine that raised eyebrow response and he will be greatly missed.
Dr Lee Barnby
University of Derby and UoB Alumnus

Really sad to hear this. David was a great presence on the course, and at the pub! I still tell some of his stories. Glad to see he became quite prominent on the course, and has had a positive influence on those he worked with.
Leo Clark
PTNR 2010-11

Dave was a fantastic lecturer, he not only explained complex things in simple ways, but he was always there to answer questions, re-explain things and help in any way he could. I was privileged to be one of his students and his impact will stay with me forever.
P Crane

David was an exceptional lecturer, a dedicated mentor, and—most importantly—a remarkable human being. He had a rare gift for explaining complex topics in a way that not only made them understandable but often brought a smile to your face. His contributions to the education and development of multiple generations of nuclear physicists and engineers are immeasurable. He will be deeply missed.
Szymon Piwowar
PTNR 2018, EDF

I'm deeply sadenned to hear of David's passing, being such a great teacher and model for students and easy going character, he will surely be missed. His unique humour will be remembered.
Sulaimaan (Sully) Rangel
PTNR 2018, Rolls-Royce

I first met Dave whilst doing the PTNR course while he was tutoring where he demonstrated his knowledge and capability for teaching. He then became a good friend of mine when I stayed on to do a PhD. I remember having many good times with Dave, full of laughter and joviality. I am saddened by the news of his passing and know he will be missed by many.
Jonathan Malcolm
UoB Alumnus

Dave was a fantastic gentleman, one who would stop at nothing to help you out. I greatly appreciated his helpful and caring demeanour when under his wing
James Saxon, MSc PTNR 2018

He is a brilliant teacher and a lovely person. Wonderful dry sense of humour where he would often make me laugh. I owe him a lot professionally but loved to spend time with him in general.
Patrick Herbert, Rolls Royce

Dave was a brilliant educator and person. It would be hard to find someone with such an encyclopaedic knowledge of their chosen subject whilst also having such a fun sense of humour and quick wit. I had the honour and privilege to work closely with Dave whilst doing my 4th year research project in 2023/2024.
His immense patience with us whilst we struggled to get to grips with the very complicated setup was the only reason we were able to gain the confidence we needed to fully explore our project and make the discoveries we did! Taking this research beyond the university and getting it published in the IOP Journal of Physics B with Dave as a co-author was something we were all so excited to achieve and enjoy together, but it now feels so strange that it was published only a few months before his passing.
I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing and will continue to think of Dave often. A wonderful man who will be truly missed.
Nathan Bulstrode, UoB Alumnus

Dave was the supervisor for my Master's project. You couldn't ask for a better supervisor. He was incredibly knowledgeable about everything related to our project, physics or otherwise, and put in so much effort to get us over the line when our equipment was failing, despite his many other responsibilites.
Being a good supervisor however is more than being smart and hardworking - he was easy to talk to and have a laugh with too. I'm very grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Dave and will miss him.
Ben White, UoB Alumnus

Dr Dave Forest was such a listening, humorous and supportive lecturer in whom the cohort of PTNR 2023/2024 Session were well pleased in. We are eternally grateful for the knowledge he impacted in us and may his soul continue to rest in peace.
Mr Godwin Okewu Omeje research Student, Aston University

Dave was a really nice and understanding guy. I have fond memories of his lectures on nuclear accidents with his amusing quips. His personality and knowledge was a great part of the PTNR course. I'm sorry to hear he has passed on.
Scott Anderton, EDF Energy