In memory of Professor K.N.C. Bray

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Professor Kenneth Noel Corbett Bray FRS, one of the most influential figures in combustion science, who passed away on 3 August 2026 at the age of 96.

Ken dedicated his professional life to advancing our understanding of turbulent reacting flows. Through his pioneering theoretical insights - always grounded in physical understanding and supported by experimental observations - he transformed the field and inspired generations of researchers worldwide.

His seminal contributions to turbulent combustion include the development of the Bray-Moss-Libby (BML) theory, foundational advances in flamelet modelling, and numerous insights from direct numerical simulations that continue to shape modern combustion modelling. His work laid the intellectual foundations for much of our current understanding of turbulent reacting flows.

Ken served the combustion community with distinction as Chairman of the British Section of The Combustion Institute, Editor of Combustion and Flame, Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), and inaugural Fellow of The Combustion Institute.

Beyond his extraordinary scientific achievements, Ken will be remembered for his humility, kindness, generosity, and unwavering support of colleagues, collaborators, and students. He was a giant of our field who remained remarkably modest and always willing to share his ideas and wisdom.

On behalf of the Combustion Institute (British Section), we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ken's family, friends, former students, and collaborators around the world. His scientific legacy will endure for generations, and he will be greatly missed as a mentor, colleague, friend, and scientist.