London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Rachel Hall Gourlay (Rae) on September 12, 2024. Born on January 24, 1934, in Stevenston, Ayrshire, Scotland, Rae made significant contributions to the field of chemistry and education. She graduated from Glasgow University with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry in 1954 before completing her PhD at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine around 1961.

Rae began her career in academia as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Rochester, USA, before returning to the UK in 1963 to inspire the next generation of scientists as a chemistry teacher. She was a founding Deputy Head at Farnborough Sixth Form College, making her a trailblazer for women in leadership roles in education.

Rae’s legacy extends beyond her professional achievements; she was a beloved family member who will be greatly missed. Her passion for science and commitment to education inspired many, and her memory will live on in the lives she touched.