The DIE mourns the death of John Field

John Field passed away unexpectedly and far too early on 25^th March. It is with great regret and deep sadness that the DIE bids farewell. John Field was not only an outstanding personality in the world of adult education but also an approachable and reliable colleague for all those with whom he researched and worked. He leaves a big gap.

From 1998 to 2002, John Field was Professor of Lifelong Learning at the University of Warwick, to which he remained associated as an Honorary Professor (from 2014 onwards). From 2002 until his retirement in 2014, he taught and researched at the University of Stirling. His research interests included education policy, the social and economic contexts of adult education, social participation through continuing education and the history of education and training.

From 2014 to the end of 2022, John Field was a member of the DIE's Scientific Advisory Board and in this role was an appreciated advisor and constructive companion, not only with regard to developing the DIE's international activities. He was particularly valued as his support always included more than just his advice to the institute, its staff and its management. He was also a member of the advisory board of the "Zeitschrift für Weiterbildungsforschung" and co-editor of two special issues.

In 2014, he was inducted into the "International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame", whereby his European and international commitment was particularly recognised; he was a founding member of the European Society for Research in the Education of Adults (ESREA). His vision invariably extended far beyond the United Kingdom and was particularly focussed on developments in the German continuing education landscape. In the summer semester of 2016, he was also a visiting professor at the University of Cologne; during this time, a video on the topic of "Learning in old age" was produced together with Professor Michael Schemmann.

Just as important to him as his international commitment was the transfer of knowledge to political decision-making levels and to the practice of adult education. For many years, he was involved in the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the most important professional organisation for adult education in the UK and in AONTAS, its Irish counterpart.

Typical of John's subtle humour was the self-description in his blog "The learning professor": "I'm an academic interested in lifelong learning. Keen on social justice, history, the environment, rugby, cinema, music, theatre, reading, hills, real ale, and a small Scotswoman." Despite his high reputation as a scientist and despite his education focussed on understanding the world, his erudition, his precise powers of observation based on genuine interest, he always remained modest and approachable as a person. He made time for all those who sought his support but never imposed himself. His ability to combine critical distance with empathetic support made him a mentor and friend to many, especially young scientists. John Field will not only be remembered as an outstanding academic and inspiring colleague but also as a warm-hearted person to whom we owe more than an obituary can say.

In 2017, John Field was available to us for a testimonial in the DIE image film (at minutes 1:35 and 5:12).