Remembering Dr Joe Watson, GASG President

The Gas Analysis and Sensing Group (GASG) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr Joe Watson, its President and founding Chair, following a short illness.

Dr Watson’s association with the group spanned more than three decades. As founding Chair from 1993 until 2015, he, together with his wife Margaret, oversaw the early administration and growth of GASG, establishing the collaborative and open style that has since defined the organisation. Even after stepping down from the Chair to enjoy retirement, he continued to contribute to the group’s activities, co-authoring and editing academic works and serving on the committee as a strong advocate for its members.

His leadership was instrumental in shaping GASG into the thriving and welcoming community it remains today, with a lasting impact on the development of the UK gas sensing sector. Colleagues remember him not only for his scholarship and professional contributions, but also for his generosity, warmth and commitment to supporting others. Our thoughts are with Margaret, his children and grandchildren at this difficult time.

Dr Watson’s distinguished career began with his studies in electronic engineering at the University of Nottingham and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1959 he entered the gas detection industry, working with Verne Brown to establish Enmet, a company that produces medical and industrial gas monitoring equipment. He joined Swansea University in 1964 as a Lecturer, later Reader, and went on to serve as a Visiting Professor at the University of Calgary, and the Universities of California, Davis and Santa Barbara.

Alongside his academic and industrial contributions, he consulted for Figaro and co-authored several influential texts, including ‘The Stannic Oxide Gas Sensor: Principles and Applications’. His dedication to advancing knowledge and mentoring others ensured his influence extended well beyond GASG.

A special newsletter celebrating Dr Watson’s life, with personal reflections and tributes from GASG members, will shortly be made available via the group’s website.

Recent Meeting – Staying Safe: Defence, Security and Space

The most recent GASG meeting took place on 26 June 2025 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire. The event brought together an international panel of experts, with presentations from organisations including SINTEF, NASA, QinetiQ and Dräger.

Speakers addressed gas sensing in contexts ranging from the International Space Station to naval submarine systems, providing rare insights into applications at the interface of defence, security and space science. Attendees also enjoyed access to the museum’s world-class exhibits, adding to a stimulating and enjoyable day in the spirit of GASG’s tradition of combining technical excellence with professional networking.

Forthcoming Meeting – Special Gases & Unusual Places

The next GASG meeting will take place on Thursday 4 December 2025 at the Wellcome Collection, London. The theme—Special Gases & Unusual Places—promises a broad and thought-provoking programme, with topics ranging from the use of sniffer dogs to the study of exoplanetary atmospheres.

The meeting will be in-person only, with no online access or recordings available. Presentation materials will be made accessible to GASG members subject to speaker approval.

GASG encourage their members and colleagues to reserve the date and join what is certain to be another engaging and informative event. Further details will be shared via the GASG website in due course.