Professor Jon Driver plummetted to his death from Archway Bridge

Tributes have been paid to a “truly outstanding” professor of neuroscience who plunged to his death from Archway Bridge three weeks ago.

Eminent psychologist Professor Jonathon Driver, 49, who was director of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London (UCL), was found dead in Archway Road, Highgate, beneath the notorious suicide spot.

His death on Monday, November 28 came a day before a woman threatened to jump from the bridge.

Paying tribute to the professor, who lived in Sandringham Gardens, Crouch End, UCL President Professor Malcolm Grant said: “Jon was truly outstanding, not only as a scientist but as a colleague.

“He gave selfless support and inspirational leadership to others. His vision and drive were central to the team that was successful in securing the Sainsbury–Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour.

“We have lost a superb colleague. Our thoughts are with Nilli and their family.”

Professor Ray Dolan said: “Jon was a dear friend and an inspirational colleague. All of us who worked with him admired his selflessness, his superb intellect and his integrity. The neuroscience community has lost an irreplaceable figure.”

An inquest his death was opened at St. Pancras Coroner’s Court on November 30 and has been adjourned.

The UCL professor died of multiple injuries.

His death has prompted renewed calls from community campaigners for better safety measures at the 60ft bridge - including an SOS phone and a pioneering safety net to be installed at the landmark.

More than 600 people have now signed an online petition to get the safety net implemented, at a cost of £95,000.

A Haringey Council spokeswoman said health experts have told the council a net would not prevent people jumping from the bridge.