Appreciation: Prof. Victor Zammit
He was a world authority in the biochemistry of liver and muscle metabolism
Victor Zammit, a distinguished scholar, educator and mentor, sadly passed away on the morning of December 28, leaving behind a profound legacy of academic excellence, innovation and humanity.
Zammit joined Warwick Medical School in 2004 as professor of metabolic medicine and head of the Clinical Sciences Research Institute, and dedicated his life to the pursuit and advancement of knowledge in the field of metabolic medicine.
Zammit obtained his PhD and, many years later, DSc from the University of Oxford. At Oxford, early work on the role of citric acid and creatine kinase in muscle metabolism led him to the position of group leader at the Hannah Research Institute. Here Zammit undertook pivotal work in collaboration with the MRC protein phosphorylation unit in Dundee to discover key regulators of both fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis.
Over the subsequent decades, Zammit’s work contributed to the unravelling of the detailed biochemistry of liver and muscle metabolism, establishing him as a world authority in the field with the publication of over 190 research papers with over 11,000 citations.
Alongside his research achievements, Zammit was a devoted and inspiring teacher. He played a pivotal role in educating and mentoring generations of students, encouraging intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and a commitment to excellence. Many of his trainees and collaborators went on to distinguished careers, a testament to his guidance and belief in others.
He was deeply respected by colleagues for his professionalism, generosity and thoughtful leadership. As a mentor, he was known for his patience, wisdom and willingness to support others, often offering guidance that extended beyond academia.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he will be remembered for his humility, kindness and compassion. Zammit’s legacy endures through his research, his students and the many lives he touched.
Zammit leaves behind his two sons, of whom he was immensely proud.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, colleagues, students and friends.
Zehra Irshad, clinical lecturer in endocrine and diabetes, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick