By Lydia Blundell

Professor David Held, a Professor of Political Science at Durham University and Master of University College, passed away aged 68 on Saturday 2nd March.

In an email to students, Vice-Chancellor Stuart Corbridge said: “It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you of the death of Professor David Held, Master of University College, Durham.”

Professor Held joined Durham in 2012, having previously served as Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Global Governance at the London School of Economics. He was also a Visiting Professor at LUISS University in Rome.

Hugely saddened by the sudden death of Professor David Held, Master of University College, and Professor of Politics and International Relations @durham_uni – an enormous help to me as a PhD student and Postdoc. @timeshighered — Dr Jonathan Clinch (@jonathanclinch) March 4, 2019

He was an active scholar, having written or edited over sixty books and an extensive number of academic articles. His most recent publication was Beyond Gridlock, published in 2018 with Tom Hale. His first book was published in 1980.

Professor Held made valuable contributions to cosmopolitanism, cosmopolitan democracy and globalisation. He was joint Editor-in-Chief of the academic journal Global Policy up until his death.

Held was on research leave from his post as Master at University College. Dr. Richard Lawrie, who was covering his leave, will continue his post.

Completely devastated to have lost such an incredible colleague, friend, mentor, partner-in-good, and academic giant, Professor David Held. You will be truly missed by all @durham_uni and @durhamcastle – you are unforgettable and irreplaceable. RIP David xx pic.twitter.com/CxUrIEjdZx — Andy Harston (@AndyHarston) March 4, 2019

Oakleigh Welply tweeted: “Very saddened to hear of the death of Professor David Held. A brilliant mind with whom I enjoyed many engaging conversations around Global Citizenship. A great loss to the academic community.”

Stuart Corbridge told students, “Castle staff and students have been informed and are being offered support. The flag at Castle will be flown at half-mast in tribute.”

Details of a memorial service to commemorate Professor David Held are expected to follow.

Photograph: London School of Economics.