Remembering David Nabarro by Murphy, Victoria

Rest well Prof Nabarro

2025-07-29 11:38:07 UTC

I never imagined that I would be typing out a tribute to Prof Nabarro. Feels incredibly surreal. My entire work has been passionately supported by him in every phase. I met him about 8 years ago when I just started SustyVibes, he agreed to be interviewed on our small, unknown blog and we remained in constant contact. I wrote him about so many things and he always replied in his encouraging tone, guiding me through this complex path of climate work and even when I pivoted to climate and mental health work, He was there again, strong and supportive. He wrote me multiple, strong reference letters and I could go on and on to describe how much of a loss this is but I also choose to celebrate his legacy and life. The world is alot better because of his life. And I take solace in this. - Jennifer Uchendu

Leadership with Kindness

2025-07-29 14:31:38 UTC

I've been privileged to have had David as my co-boss for the last three years. During that time he has been wise, inspirational, active and, most of all, kind. In a world that seems to be becoming less kind, he showed how we can work together respectfully, purposely and with each other's interests at heart to forge a better future for humanity. David, you'll always inspire my work.

Unfiltered and energetic vision

2025-07-29 14:51:12 UTC

I was privileged to work with David a little thanks to his leadership of IGHI. He always took seriously the individual contribution I made, thanking me for my role. At Demo Day this year, I love how in the event's closing remarks, his unfiltered and energetic vision of how we can each work to make a strong positive impact was shared with our colleagues. I will remember the way he led, his gratitude and the connections he forged.

Sir David Tribute

2025-07-29 16:10:00 UTC

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Sir David has passed away. I feel fortunate to have had the privilege of working closely with him in helping develop Connecting Climate Minds, the project which has grown into a movement under his steer, and to have had the benefit of his friendship and advice in recent years. Rest in Peace David and thank you for being not only an inspirational global public health leader but also a wonderful friend and for your wisdom, humour and kindness.

2025-07-30 08:33:18 UTC

What brings me comfort is knowing that he truly lived life to the fullest — a remarkable role model in so many ways.

I’ll never forget how he met everyone exactly where they were, always taking the time to learn something personal about them — and then remembering it the next time they met. That kind of genuine connection is rare, especially in someone of David’s calibre as a leader. I last saw him just two weeks ago. He told me he was in the prime of his life, radiating joy and contentment. It feels fitting that someone so full of hope and energy left this world on such a high.

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and deep humanity. I feel lucky to have known him. 💚

Would be remembered to his loved ones and to the community at large

2025-07-30 11:49:35 UTC

Very sad to hear the news - my sincere and deepest condolences to professor David Nabarro's family and his loved ones.

My fellow colleagues at capture team of the Digital Media Lab, Imperial College and myself, had the pleasure and the chance to work closely with professor David Nabarro between 14-16 July 2025.

I trust that the professor Nabarro would be remembered to his loved ones and to the community at large.

Kind Leadership

2025-08-01 15:24:00 UTC

The few times I met Professor David Nabarro were marked by kindness and a strength of leadership that came from getting involved with people, knowing them, and understanding their journey. At the annual IGHI Christmas party, where I had just joined a few months prior, I sat at the table with a few other colleagues without any previous knowledge of who he was. He introduced himself as David and asked about my work at the IGHI and my thoughts about home. It was short and memorable. At the last demo day, his question after all the presentations was unmistakable: "How are you feeling?" and I believe that this left a mark on each person in the room.

His insights and kindness will be greatly missed. I will carry his example of kind transformational leadership on my journey

2025-08-04 05:31:27 UTC

What stood out for me about David from the very first time I met him was his humanity. Though he spoke with passion about the work he was doing on a global scale, it was his desire to connect on a deeply personal level and to ensure that every colleague felt valued that really stood out.

I feel privileged to have known and learnt from such an accomplished leader. Thank you, David.

Tribute to David

phmcam — 2025-08-04 13:03:44 UTC

I worked very happily and productively on several projects with David in the interests of Nature’s coverage and proactive publishing relating to the future of food and also the impacts of climate change on metal health. Having worked with many experts over the decades, what really stood out for me was his exceptional humanity and commitment to humanity’s needs, along with his immense breadth. He was always an unusually mindful person, whether in respect of technical or policy needs or in respect of the people he was working with. I was meaning to contact him soon for an overdue catch-up.

So it was a huge blow, coupled with a great sense of loss for his and our world, when I heard of his sudden passing. I am also so sad about the grief that his family and his colleagues, who he valued so much, must now be experiencing.

Than you and Rest In Peace, David.

A wonderful gentleman, always

2025-08-05 22:49:28 UTC

My many thanks to a wonderful man, who was always so gracious and kind.

His insights, vision, and plans for the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) were remarkable.

As a donor, I am so grateful for his support for my philanthropic work with IGHI. A few weeks ago, as I was coming out of one of the Imperial College buildings on Exhibition Road following a meeting, he came over to greet me and say a wonderful hello, after putting himself on hold while on a conference call. I was so touched. I always enjoyed speaking with David.

It is an honor to know such a remarkable man and he will be greatly missed by so many. He leaves a tremendous legacy.

With my heartfelt thanks for everything, David.

Lenore England

Inspirational

2025-08-07 15:56:10 UTC

It is truly heartening to hear of the immense impact Dr. Nabarro had on so many, though it comes as no surprise. I was fortunate to have been taught by Dr. Nabarro, and to say he was an inspiration feels wholly inadequate. His unwavering ethos and the core values that shaped his approach to teaching and leadership were evident in every interaction, and they left a lasting impression on me.

He inspired me deeply, not only to learn, but to aspire. I had always hoped that, one day, I might have the capability and the honour to work alongside him. I know I am not alone in feeling this way.

Dr. Nabarro’s influence will be felt for years to come through the many lives he touched. My thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.

A genuine role model

2025-08-11 14:57:29 UTC

I'm very sorry to read the news of Sir David's untimely passing. I had the honour and privilege of meeting him a few times over the years. He always stood out for his kindness, his intellect, and his genuine curiosity – about health and society and about people. He had that rare talent of making people feel like the centre of his attention. Although the world feels diminished by losing David, he leaves a phenomenal legacy and all of us that have been inspired by him will be champions of his memory.

RIP

Inspiring hope

2025-09-03 14:26:36 UTC

I will always remember David for his genuine belief that a different world is possible through cooperation and collaboration. RIP - G Fusari

Thank you Professor Nabarro!

2025-09-03 16:04:37 UTC

I first read about Dr Nabarro in the newspapers for the WHO DG nominations. Little did I know that I would one day have the opportunity to meet and interact with such a towering figure in global health when I joined IGHI.

In the few interactions I had with him, Professor Nabarro genuinely influenced the way I see global health.

I never formally worked with him, but I had the chance to shadow his Health and Society lectures at IGHI this year. And I’m so glad I did.

One evening, he spoke about the power of convening - the kind that brings together people who’d never otherwise be in the same room. I quickly took a snap before he changed slides, but that lecture stayed with me for days and still does.

Thank you, IGHI, for letting me be one of the many who learned simply by being near.

And thank you, Professor Nabarro, for your 2025 demo day closing talk and reminding us that even in testing times, global health must go on and that it’s both a responsibility and a privilege.