In memory of Professor Malcolm von Schantz

1966 – 2025

The British Sleep Society were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Malcolm von Schantz. Malcolm died unexpectedly while attending the XVIII Latin American Symposium on Chronobiology in Maceió, Brazil.

An internationally recognised researcher, experienced educator and esteemed academic leader, Malcolm was an active and valued member and friend of the BSS, sitting on the Research Subcommittee and playing a leading role in our Daylight Savings Time position statement earlier this year.

Born in Sweden, Malcolm pursued undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Biology and Chemistry at Lund University before completing his PhD research on atypical mammalian photoreceptors at UCLA. Following two post-doctoral appointments in the US and the UK, and a distinguished career at the University of Surrey, where he served as Professor of Chronobiology and Associate Dean International, he then brought his considerable expertise to Northumbria University as Professor of Chronobiology and Deputy Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange within the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing (formerly Health and Life Sciences).

His groundbreaking research addressed sleep as a global health issue, investigating the determinants of sleep timing and quality and their relationship with physical and mental health. Malcolm was internationally recognised for his pioneering work on clock gene polymorphisms in humans and circadian variability in global populations. His research had lasting international impact and was funded by prestigious bodies including the Medical Research Council, the National Institutes of Health, and the Wellcome Trust.

Malcolm was passionate about building international collaborations and received funds to successfully establish multidisciplinary projects in Brazil and South Africa. He took a year’s sabbatical in São Paulo to cement these connections.  

Malcolm held numerous prestigious positions, including Chair of the Scientific Committee of the European Sleep Research Society and Fellow of the Linnean Society. He was also an active member of the Wellcome-funded Circadian Mental Health Network. His research has been published in high-impact international journals and presented both at major scientific conferences and in media across the globe.

While Malcolm’s professional contributions were significant, it is the warmth of his character that many of us will remember most. He was a kind and generous soul cherished by friends from every chapter of his life.  His love for classical music and opera was matched by his passion for cooking, sharing meals, and enjoying good company.

Malcolm’s passing is a great loss to the sleep and the global research community and the BSS extends its deepest condolences to Malcolm’s family, friends and colleagues around the world.