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. Malcolm 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.
Malcolm 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.
Malcolm 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 Malcolm’s family, friends, and colleagues around the world.
