Professor Donald Robinson, who carried out pioneering research into the basic causes of lysosomal storage conditions, including MPS, died on 17 September 2026 aged 99.
Don was the founder and Head of the Department of Biochemistry at Queen Elizabeth College, University of London, now incorporated into King’ s College, London, many of whose staff and students have gone on to have distinguished careers in research on the diagnosis, understanding and treatment of human diseases. Don was the inspiration behind their achievements. His own research laid the foundation for understanding the enzymic basis of several lysosomal conditions, the development of specific diagnostic tests and the development of methods for purifying enzymes for enzyme replacement therapy.
Together with a couple of European colleagues, Don founded the European Study Group on Lysosomal Diseases (ESGLD) and was its first Chairman.
He organised its first meeting at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park in 1978. ESGLD promotes co-operation in the form of exchange of ideas, personnel, techniques and clinical samples amongst scientific and clinical research centres and currently has over 90 members in 22 European countries. Many important advances in the understanding of the lysosomal storage disease have resulted from collaborations within ESGLD. Subsequently both Bryan Winchester, MPS Society trustee and Brian Bigger, a major recipient of research grants from the MPS Society, have been chairmen of ESGLD following in Don’s footsteps.
Don was also elected honorary secretary of the British Biochemical Society, which supports teaching and research into Biochemistry in the UK and overseas. His contribution to Biochemistry in the UK was recognised by an award from the Biochemical Society.
Don was an innovative researcher, great lecturer and a very good Head of Department, who cared for and understood his staff and students (introducing many of them to golf!).
He was a man of many talents, including being a very good local artist in his retirement. He will be remembered for all these activities.
