LONDON, April 19 (UPI) -- British science writer John Maddox, who was editor of the "Nature" science journal for 22 years, reportedly has died in London at the age of 83.
The Independent reported Saturday Maddox was a key influence to the British science world after 1966 due in part to his editorial efforts with "Nature" from 1966 to 1973 and again from 1980 to 1995.
"Maddox made a real impact on science, particularly in his capacity as editor of 'Nature,'" said Michael Atiyah, who served as president of the Royal Society when it made Maddox an honorary fellow in 2000. "There was no question that as a major figure he was a clear case for honorary membership, in the company of men of the stature of Sir David Attenborough."
In addition to his efforts with "Nature," Maddox served as a theoretical physics lecturer at the University of Manchester and director of the Nuffield Science Teaching Project.
The Independent said Maddox, who died of unspecified causes April 12, is survived by his wife Brenda and four children from his two marriages.
