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" (universally known just as Lewis) has been part of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Geography for nearly 30 years, arriving as he finished his PhD, and bringing new impetus to the Department's remote sensing research and teaching.

"Last Thursday saw a celebration of his career, on the occasion of his retirement. The session began with Lewis discussing his work followed by tributes from many friends and colleagues who have worked with him over the years.

"Lewis gave a wide-ranging and fascinating summary of the things that have most interested and excited him over the years. Inevitably (for those who know him well) this took the form of his three or four favourite equations.

"He showed how these equations have taken him on a journey exploring our ability to use and understand observations of the land surface from satellites. His work has provided the basis for global products that are embedded in operational climate systems worldwide.

"I then responded with some of his own highlights of working with Lewis as a friend , colleague and mentor over the last 25 years.

"Part of this was highlighting Lewis's amazing legacy of influence and collaboration. Many former students and mentees were in the room, so many of whom have gone on to highly-successful research careers of their own. Other colleagues also spoke of Lewis's great strength and generosity in sharing ideas and time.

"The event was sold out, the room was full, with many more signed up online (despite a few technical hitches!). Tributes to Lewis and his work came from colleagues overseas, from his close involvement in the UK's National Centre for Earth Observation, and its precursors. This carried on for some time over wine and curry.

"Having great colleagues is what makes working in Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Geography such a pleasure; Lewis embodies this. We wish him all the best on his retirement, and hope he finds the next favourite equation just around the corner."

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