Professor Ronald Blackburn 1938-2023

Professor Ronald (Ron) Blackburn was a prominent and well-known Fellow of the BPS. Over a distinguished career he published over 70 academic papers and articles, with his best-known publication being the book The Psychology of Criminal Conduct, published by Wiley in 1994.

Ron was born in Stockton-on-Tees on 20th October 1938 to parents Herbert and Constance Blackburn. Despite his working-class background he gained a scholarship from Stockton Grammar School to study History at Clare College, Cambridge, the first in his family to attend University.

He graduated from University of Cambridge with a BA/MA in Natural Science in 1961. During his career he also obtained an MSc in Comparative Neuro-sensory Physiology and Behaviour, University of Birmingham (1966) and then a PhD at the University of Southampton (1973).

In January 1962 Ron started his career as an Assistant Clinical Psychologist in Leicester Area Psychological Service. On February 29th, 1964, he married Celia Bannister at Leicester Registry Office who remained his wife until her death in 2021.

In 1966 Ron moved into the NHS firstly as Senior Clinical Psychologist at Broadmoor in 1966 and then Principal Clinical Psychologist at Rampton Hospital from 1971. In 1974 Ron became Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Aberdeen and then returned to the NHS in 1981 joining Park Lane (now Ashworth) as Chief Psychologist.

In 1993 Ron became a Professor of Clinical and Forensic Psychology and started teaching at University of Liverpool as well as continuing his research.  Key research interests included: Cognitive-social learning models of deviant behaviour: Personality theory and assessment; and Personality disorders.

Ron has been described as a 'noteworthy Psychologist' by Marquis Who's Who. A review on his book from Criminal Law reads 'This is undoubtedly an important book. The result is a book of excellent quality. It provides a comprehensive review which is critical yet well balanced. It assumes no prior familiarity with the field, and specialist from many different disciplines will learn a great deal from it.'

Ron was honoured and happy to share his knowledge through speaking at lectures and at many conferences throughout the world and via the many academic publications he published. He won numerous awards and appeared on the BBC 2 TV show Horizon. 

In his personal life Ron enjoyed travelling to many countries around the world, reading (particularly about history) and music, in particular jazz and classical.  He never struggled with the latest gadget: in fact, he was very enthusiastic when it came to technology. And he liked to keep up with the news right up to the end. 

There is no doubt that he will be remembered for his life's work and contribution to the Psychology profession. He was a well-liked and respected psychologist and academic. But he will also be remembered for his determination in creating a comfortable and secure life for his family.  A truly remarkable man, who succeeded in accomplishing far more than what was possible for someone with such humble beginnings.

Ron leaves behind three children Mark, Andrew and Helen, as well as two grandchildren Drew and Bodhi.