1947-2016

Dentistry, in particular dental biomaterials science, is greatly indebted to Ros Randall.

Ros was about to retire and begin to spend more time with her husband, George, and her four Friesian horses, having only recently completed the building of her dream equestrian facilities in Minnesota, when she succumbed to sudden, unexpected illness. All those close to Ros were left stunned.

Ros, born in Staffordshire and raised in Huddersfield, qualified BChD (Hons) from Leeds in 1970. Following 16 years in general practice in Harrogate, Staley Bridge and then Sedbergh, Ros successfully applied for a highly sought after position in dental industry (3M). While working in Loughbourgh and subsequently Borken and Pithiviens, Ros excelled in part time MPhil and then PhD studies at the University of Manchester. Ros developed special expertise in methodologies for the clinical testing of restorative materials and systems. Related work resulted in highly cited papers; for example, systematic reviews on the effects of glass-ionomer cements on the development of secondary caries. Building on this, Ros became an international authority on protocols for clinical trials to satisfy regulatory requirements around the world – an achievement which demanded a passion for clinical research logistics and processes. From 2000, Ros was based in St Paul, Minnesota, but was always just an email or call away from her numerous friends and colleagues.

Without Ros Randall's many, different contributions, the evolution of methodologies for the clinical testing of dental biomaterials and related devices would have been slower and, in all probability, more convoluted: Ros was insightful, decisive and very persuasive.

Away from research, Ros was a delight to be with, given her special quality of putting everyone at ease. Second to George and her horses, Ros loved gardening, among various other activities. Nothing was done by half! What a great shame that Ros was not spared to enjoy at least something of her well-earned retirement. All those who knew Ros, pause and reflect on the loss of a really good person who was great to spend time with and made a real difference.

On a personal note, as and when I have opportunity to drink Cloudy Bay, I will stop, smile and remember Ros – an outstanding postgraduate student who not only went on to change thinking globally, but also became a good friend.