Tributes have been paid to a former university vice-chancellor who has died at the age of 85.

Sir Gordon Conway was vice-chancellor of the University of Sussex between 1992 and 1998 and helped found its Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

He also played a role in the appointment of one of the university’s most prominent supporters, Lord Attenborough, to the role of Chancellor.

Sir Gordon described his vision for the university as wanting to do “new and exciting things” and he presided over a long period of growth in student enrolment.

He also served as chairman of the Institute of Development Studies on the university’s campus where he applied his knowledge in agricultural ecology to benefit areas in the “global South”, including Indonesia, Thailand and sub-Saharan Africa.

Outside Sussex, Sir Gordon was the first non-American to lead the Rockefeller Foundation and President of the Royal Geographical Society from 2004 to 2009.

Professor Sasha Roseneil, the current vice-chancellor at the University of Sussex, said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Sir Gordon Conway, who was a hugely respected academic and vice-chancellor of the University of Sussex between 1992 and 1998.

“He accomplished a huge amount in his life, including being foundational in establishing the Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

“Gordon’s commitment to sustainability was ahead of its time, researching and publishing books on agriculture, food security and the global food crisis.

“Overseeing the academic appointment and promotion committees at Sussex, he significantly increased the proportion of women academics.

“His research was impactful in reducing infant mortality in East Africa.

“I send my condolences to Gordon’s family, friends and former colleagues.”

A funeral for Sir Gordon, for those who knew and worked with him, will be held on Thursday, September 7, at 11.30am in the Meeting House on the university’s campus.

A public memorial service will follow in the coming months.