Visit Belfast Chief Executive Gerry Lennon has paid tribute to QUB Vice Chancellor Patrick Johnston saying;

“I was very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Queen’s University Vice Chancellor Patrick Johnston on Sunday night, and on behalf of the Board and everyone at Visit Belfast, I would like to offer my sincerest sympathies to his family, and his colleagues at QUB.

“Patrick was an exceptional ambassador for Belfast and Northern Ireland as an internationally regarded expert in cancer research, and as the leader of one of our most famous academic institutions. His research has saved lives around the world and shone a light on the great work carried out in the field of oncology here in Northern Ireland.

“Visit Belfast has worked closely with QUB for many years, so I know that he will be sorely missed by those who knew him, and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”