It is with great sadness that I am letting you know that Tadd Clayton, ISAAC Data Manager, died on 11 February 2015, from a malignant brain tumour diagnosed in January 2013. He handled his illness with great courage and equanimity and was surrounded by close friends and family in his last weeks and days. His optimistic attitude meant he lived life to the full as long as this was possible.
Tadd joined the ISAAC Programme in 1993, when only 4 centres from 2 countries were involved. Although an international study was envisaged, no one had anticipated the extraordinary growth of ISAAC which is captured in the ISAAC story. By 2011 when he stepped down from ISAAC there were 306 centres in 105 countries involved. Tadd was one of the many who gave the whole research programme great strength. Indeed having the same Data Manager throughout, and having Tadd in the role were key success factors for ISAAC.
Tadd came to us with an MSc in Environmental Science, and quickly developed the processes for data management required of ISAAC as it expanded like wildfire. This resulted in him communicating with more than 250 principal investigators in centres in more than 100 countries. He developed processes for data checks and data analyses under the direction of the ISAAC Steering Committee.
Tadd was integrally involved in all of the worldwide publications for ISAAC Phase One and Phase Three, and several other related publications. He prepared the tables, plots and world maps illustrating the worldwide data for the major papers. He was in the writing group for 26 papers including 1 where he was lead author. In addition he was in the study group of 43 papers – in total 69 listed on the ISAAC website. His expertise has enhanced the preparation of these manuscripts, contributing significantly to their successful publication.
Tadd will have a lasting legacy through ISAAC. His expertise, skills, intelligence, tolerance, kindnesses and loyalty will be remembered, and he will be missed.
