1943-2025
5th November 2025
Professor Andrew Michael Soward
20th October 1943 – 20 July 2025
Andrew Soward attended St Edward’s School, Oxford, where his talent for mathematics was recognised and developed. He continued his studies at Queens College, Cambridge, studying for his PhD under the guidance of Professor Keith Moffat. Cambridge was followed by post doctoral appointments at The Courant Institute, New York University, where he worked with Professor Steve Childress and then at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Working with Professor Paul Roberts. On his return to the UK, he took up a lectureship at Newcastle University and later worked at Exeter University as Professor of Applied Mathematics.
A fellow of the Royal Society, Professor Soward was known for his pioneering research on magnetohydrodynamics and his deep insights into natural phenomena that shape our understanding of the Earth and the universe.
Beyond his academic achievements, Andrew was a colleague and friend to many, remembered for his generosity, humility and enthusiasm. He was a keen rock climber, a sport he took up whilst an undergraduate at Cambridge, and continued whenever the opportunity arose. He also enjoyed single skulls rowing, which he first enjoyed whilst at school in Oxford, and continued in later life when he joined the Tyne Rowing Club and spent many happy hours on the river.
Professor Soward’s legacy will endure through his numerous publications and the deep respect he earned throughout the global scientific community. He was the Editor of “Geophysical & Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics for many years, until shortly before his death. He is survived by his family, friends and countless individuals whose lives he touched.
He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
-Obituary by Andrew’s wife, Elaine
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