Criminologists and graduates herald ‘visionary’ MDX academic Vincenzo Ruggiero at inspiring memorial

Vincenzo, who died in February, had been a Professor of Sociology at Middlesex University where he worked for more than 30 years

Leading criminologists and graduates have paid tribute to a ‘visionary’ former Middlesex University academic who had a ‘profound impact’ in the field of Criminology.

Colleagues from the Department of Law and Social Sciences held a memorial for Vincenzo Ruggiero, a Professor of Sociology at MDX, who died in February aged 73.

Described as a ‘prolific’ writer of books, articles and chapters who had authored 23 books, Vincenzo had also produced research for the Home Office, the European Commission and Economic and Social Research Council.

In 1998 he was seconded to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna, leading ground-breaking research on organised crime and human trafficking, and in 2014 he won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Criminology.

His areas of interests in criminology included corruption, penal reform, organised crime, human trafficking and crimes of the rich and powerful. Originally from Ferrara in northern Italy, he joined Middlesex University in 1991 and worked there until his passing earlier this year, barring the UN secondment.

Dr Abu Zaman, his former PhD student and now a Lecturer in Law and Criminology at Greenwich University, described Vincenzo as a ‘remarkable individual’ who ‘profoundly shaped’ not only his career but personal growth.

“I will be able to say that ‘I stood on the shoulders of a giant’,” said Dr Zaman. “Through his writings and numerous publications that he left with us, may his passion for knowledge and justice continue to inspire generations to come.”

Colleagues fondly recalled Vincenzo’s raincoats and passion for red wine, often with a cigarette in hand, and get-togethers in Soho in central London, but his dislike for bureaucracy, academic labels, misspelling of his surname and in particular PowerPoint presentations. Many remembered how Vincenzo was a ‘traditionalist’ in his teaching methods and a classic lone academic always working on a new book project.

While someone who “didn’t suffer fools gladly” and always ready to constructively challenge peers, he also had a ‘boundless passion’ for mentoring students.

Paulina Leon Avalos, a former MDX undergraduate student and current MPhil student at University of Cambridge, heralded his ‘tireless advocacy’ for social justice and his ‘unwavering support’ which inspired her to research corruption in Mexico.

“His lectures were not a mere presentation of facts and figures, they were captivating journeys into the heart of criminology,” she said.

Professor Belen Olmos Giupponi, Head of Department for Law and Social Sciences at MDX, said: “Vincenzo was more than just an academic. He was a visionary whose ideas and contributions have left an indelible mark in his field and beyond.”

Vincenzo, who spoke and published in Italian, French and English, has had work translated into German, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Lithuanian, Turkish and Mandarin Chinese.

His book Crime in Literature, which delved into the link between organised crime, drugs and politics, was frequently praised.

Kevin McDonald, a Professor in Sociology at MDX, said Vincenzo had the unique ability to draw on history, citing Achilles for example, to show students that war was not ‘glamorous or honourable’. He added that Vincenzo ‘believed that ideas can shape the world’ but always made sure his students and readers considered the consequences.

Other speakers included Nigel South, Emeritus Professor in Sociology, Centre for Criminology at University of Essex, and Tim Newburn, Professor of Criminology and Social Policy at the London School of Economics.

The final speaker Professor Sandra Walklate, Eleanor Rathbone Chair of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology at the University of Liverpool, quoted a poem called the Measure of a Man by Traquita Thomas which she said made her think of Vincenzo.

 “The true measure of a man is the legacy he leaves, be you husband, father, brother, or friend. Leave your torch burning brightly, and we will never allow the flame to die. Vincenzo's torch certainly burns brightly.”

Vincenzo leaves behind a daughter, Lucia, and his partner Cynthia. His new book - Keywords in Criminology: A cultural dictionary – is due to be published by Routledge in September 2024.