In memory of Professor Malcolm von Schantz
1966 – 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Professor
Malcolm von Schantz. Malcolm died unexpectedly in Brazil last Friday (24
October). He was attending the XVIII Latin American Symposium on Chronobiology
in Maceió, Brazil.
An internationally recognised researcher, experienced
educator and esteemed academic leader, Malcolm joined Northumbria University in
2021 as Professor of Chronobiology and Deputy Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research
and Knowledge Exchange within the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing (formerly
Health and Life Sciences). In his time with us, he made significant
contributions to the University's research profile and was a passionate
advocate for international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Born in Sweden, Malcolm pursued undergraduate and
postgraduate studies in Biology and Chemistry at Lund University before
completing his PhD research on atypical mammalian photoreceptors at UCLA. Following
two post-doctoral appointments in the US and the UK, and a distinguished career
at the University of Surrey, where he served as Professor of Chronobiology and
Associate Dean International, he brought his considerable expertise to
Northumbria.
His groundbreaking research addressed sleep as a global
health issue, investigating the determinants of sleep timing and quality and
their relationship with physical and mental health. Malcom was internationally
recognised for his pioneering work on clock gene polymorphisms in humans and
circadian variability in global populations. His research had lasting
international impact and was funded by prestigious bodies including the Medical
Research Council, the National Institutes of Health, and the Wellcome Trust.
A passionate builder of international partnerships, Malcolm
established multidisciplinary research projects in Brazil and South Africa,
earning visiting professor appointments at the University of São Paulo and the
University of the Witwatersrand. His dedication to these collaborations
reflected his deep commitment to advancing chronobiology research globally.
Malcom held numerous prestigious positions, including Chair
of the Scientific Committee of the European Sleep Research Society and Fellow
of the Linnean Society. He was an active member of the Wellcome-funded
Circadian Mental Health Network and worked closely with the British Sleep
Society on daylight saving issues. His research has been published in
high-impact international journals and presented both at major scientific
conferences and in media across the globe.
Malcolm’s professional contributions were significant and
far-reaching, but it is the warmth of his character that many of us will
remember most. He was known not only for his intelligence and dedication, but
also for his enthusiasm, kindness, generosity in sharing his knowledge and
time, and good sense of humour. Beyond his academic achievements, he was also
known for his love of the theatre and opera and his passion for Brazilian
culture. He was an avid traveller, once remarking that ‘if you want to
understand the world, you have to be part of it’, which he did with gusto. He
had a lifelong passion for botany – quickly familiarising himself with the
names, and geneses, of all the trees on and around both campuses within the
first few weeks of joining Northumbria.
Malcom loved Newcastle, effortlessly making it his home. He was
a self-described ‘foodie’ and was always willing to share his recommendations
on the latest restaurants in the region. His love of food extended beyond
eating out and was also an amazing chef, applying all the techniques and
ingredients he learned abroad into culinary masterpieces.
Malcolm’s passing is a great loss to Northumbria and to the
global research community. His legacy will continue through his research
contributions, his international collaborations, and the many students and
colleagues whose lives he touched.
Northumbria
extends its deepest condolences to Malcom’s family, friends, and colleagues
around the world.
