Professor Ken Rotenberg 1950-2023

It is with great sadness that we lost a key and long-standing member of the Social and Developmental Psychology community on 4 December 2023. Professor Ken Rotenberg had been a key figure in the field throughout his career.

Ken's expertise was as a Social Psychologist and Social Development researcher who specialised in the Psychology of Trust. A prolific researcher and Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Ken published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as several books on topics of Trust as well as Loneliness in Childhood and Adolescence.

Ken's education was in Canada where he received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Waterloo, followed by his Master's in Psychology from the University of Guelph, and finally his PhD in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. At the time of his passing, he was an Emeritus Professor in the School of Psychology at Keele University, UK, where he had worked since 1999 as a Professor in Developmental Psychology. Previously he had been Head of Psychology at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Ken retired and became an Emeritus Professor at Keele in January 2021. Never one to slow down, Ken was still a key and present member of the school until his untimely death. Ken was always willing to make time to talk with colleagues, often to discuss potential research collaboration; indeed, Ken's enthusiasm and energy for research was infectious. Outside of work, he had a keen passion for the acoustic guitar and even released some music onto Spotify. He showcased his musical talents frequently by taking part in open mic nights at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Ken's impact extended far beyond his professional achievements; he touched the lives of countless individuals. His unwavering commitment to psychology and his boundless enthusiasm for teaching left an indelible impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. As a mentor and educator, his influence will continue to resonate through the lives of his students and colleagues for generations to come.

In honouring Ken's memory, let us reflect on his enduring legacy and the profound mark he left on both the field of psychology and the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.