Photo: Rachel Cooper at the European Academy of Design Conference opening address, Porto, 2011
ID+ joins the many expressions of grief at the death of Professor Rachel Cooper, founder of the European Academy of Design and the Imagination@Lancaster Research Centre. Her professional career in design teaching and research was extensive and pioneering, and deservedly recognised internationally at the highest level.
Professor Rachel Cooper has been a member and leader of the ID+ Advisory Board since its foundation in 2007, and has generously and selflessly remained in this position to this day. Her support and wisdom were decisive in launching the strategic vision and growth of ID+, and the scope of her collaboration also reverberated in design education on a national scale. Above all, we have lost a friend whom we deeply admired and whose presence and proximity honoured us. ID+ is in mourning.
Below are various testimonies and memories of ID+ members. Feel free to send us your own recollections, to be added to the page.
It was with deep sadness that I received the news of Rachel Cooper’s passing. I had the privilege and pleasure of organizing the 4th EAD International Conference in 2001 at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, together with Rachel. Since then, I have witnessed — alongside the warm and empathetic connection we maintained — her strategic vision, commitment, and dedication in supporting the development and internationalization of design research at our university and, I would say without hesitation, of design research carried out in Portugal.
Vasco Branco, Former Director, ID+ 2008-2023
I cannot remember the first time I met Rachel; possibly because she always felt like a trusted friend, which is exactly what she was to me, first and foremost. Beyond her remarkable energy, charisma and intellectual depth, Rachel was an extraordinarily kind human being. I could recount the many times she readily offered her professional and diplomatic skills without hesitance at the precise moment when they were most needed – but then again, that was simply the way she was – truly generous and compassionate. Rachel had a way of turning a burden into a celebration, struggle into courage: it was simply a gift of hers. I am so honoured to have witnessed and received her wisdom. Her friendship.
Heitor Alvelos, Hub Director, ID+ (U.Porto) / Vice-President, European Academy of Design
Distinguished Professor Rachel Cooper, brilliant and visionary leader in design research, the ID+ research community thanks you deeply. Your vibrant insight, sharp intellect, and extensive knowledge have helped firmly establish Design as a legitimate academic discipline and to consolidate design research on the international stage.
I first met you over 20 years ago. Since then, we have mainly crossed paths at EAD conferences, and our last encounter was during an online meeting of the ID+ Board of Directors a couple of months ago. Once again, as President of the ID+ Advisory Board and a dear friend to ID+, you offered wise and illuminating answers to our questions. As always, with your warm, open, and friendly smile, you generously made yourself available to continue to support us. You travelled the world, inspiring so many, but this journey should not have ended so soon. I feel deeply saddened by your untimely departure.
Fátima Pombo, ID+ Director, 2024-present
It is with great sadness that I mark the passing of Rachel Cooper, a pioneering figure in the field of design research and a truly remarkable human being. Her contributions to the advancement of our discipline were profound and far-reaching, shaping not only the theoretical foundations of design but also its relevance to real-world challenges.
I had the honour of meeting Rachel and experiencing, first-hand, her generosity of spirit, her brilliance, and her unwavering optimism. She carried with her a contagious energy, always smiling, always encouraging, and always open to dialogue. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she inspired through her work and her example.
Rachel was more than a scholar; she was a builder of communities, a mentor to many, and a bright light in our academic world. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.
Susana Barreto, ID+ Media Group spokesperson, European Academy of Design Executive