AN ENGINEER who oversaw a £750million building programme for Oxford University has died, aged 68.

Professor Roger Ainsworth, master of St Catherine’s College, worked at Rolls-Royce and the Atomic Energy Research Establishment in Harwell before dedicating himself to academic life.

He was made master of the college, Oxford’s youngest, in 2002 and soon after became Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university as well.

In this role, he chaired the building committee and oversaw a £750million programme over 13 years.

During this time the university undertook a number of large scale projects including renovations of the Ashmolean Museum and Bodleian Library as well as new buildings including Ertegun House in St Giles and the Blavatnik School of Government.

His tenure at St Catherine’s was also marked by an immense amount of change. In 2005, it opened the Arumugam building, housing the porter’s lodge and meeting rooms, and it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012.

Alongside his work at the college and the university, Mr Ainsworth also held prominent roles in a number of local and national organisations.

This included being chair of the Oxford Preservation Trust, chair of the Dragon School’s governing body, chair of Abingdon School’s governing body and chair of the board for the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

The New Hinksey resident also took an interest closer to home and was chairman of the Hinksey Fields Protection Group and the Broad Street Plan Group, concerned with the future of the famous Oxford street.

Mr Ainsworth was born on November 17, 1951.

He was educated at the Lancaster Royal Grammar school before studying as both an undergraduate and a graduate student at Jesus College where he became an Honorary Fellow in 2002.

He was awarded a first class BA honours degree in 1973, and became a Doctor of Philosophy in 1976.

He returned to Oxford in 1985 as a tutorial Fellow of St Catherine's and, from 1998, as Professor of Engineering Science.

In honour of his work promoting the college’s connection with Denmark, Mr Ainsworth was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog by the Queen of Denmark in 2005.

He was unable to attend the ceremony at the Danish Embassy and instead the honour was presented to him by the Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Tom Risdahl Jensen, during a college feast.

He was also elected a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, in recognition of his jet engine research, and a fellow of the Learned Society of Wales, due to his academic excellence in mechanical engineering.

In a tribute, the college said Mr Ainsworth had shown ‘dedication and commitment’ to ensuring that it remained a welcoming place to live, work, and study.

He saw the most important part of his work – and the aspect that he enjoyed the most – as interacting with and encouraging students.

Vice master Penny Handford said the college was ‘deeply indebted’ to him for his loyal friendship and immense contribution.

But she quoted his own words, saying ‘the college must march forward together’.

Mr Ainsworth had been due to retire from his post as college master at the end of this year.

He died on February 23, after a short battle with cancer.

He is survived by his widow, Sarah Ainsworth, and his three children.

As a mark of respect, the college is flying its flag at half-mast.

Well wishers can sign a book of condolence which has been opened in the porters’ lodge and online at stcatz.ox.ac.uk/roger-ainsworth/

All comments will be shared with the family.

Details of a memorial service will be announced in due course.