Latest news with #SirGeoffPalmer
Telegraph
2 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer dies aged 85
Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer has died aged 85. Sir Geoff was long associated with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, serving as chancellor and professor emeritus for many years. He was also a prominent public figure in other fields, recently reviewing the legacy of slavery and colonialism in the Scottish capital. The university hailed him as a 'trailblazer and inspiration within higher education and in wider society', while Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury described him as a 'courageous voice for justice and equality'. Sir Geoff died on Wednesday and is survived by his wife Margaret, their three children and grandchildren. Born in Jamaica in 1940, he moved to London aged 14 as part of the Windrush generation. He came to Edinburgh in the 1960s, where he completed a Phd in grain science and technology. His developments in the field went on to be adopted by some of the largest breweries in the UK. In 1989 he became Scotland's first black professor as he began a teaching role at Heriot-Watt which continued until 2005. Sir Geoff returned to the institution as a professor emeritus and later as chancellor in 2021. He was knighted in 2014 for services to human rights, science and charity, and in 2024 he was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's greatest order of chivalry. As well as being a scientist, Sir Geoff was an outspoken advocate of human rights and racial equality. He wrote several articles and books exploring these topics and pushed for education around Scotland's past roles in colonialism and slavery. In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, City of Edinburgh council commissioned an independent review group to examine its historic links with slavery in the public realm. Sir Geoff led the group and his report made 10 recommendations, including ordering a 'significant' new public artwork and 're-presenting' buildings and places which have historic links to slavery. In 2022 he successfully campaigned for a plaque at the Court of Session commemorating the 1778 judgment of Knight v Wedderburn, which established that Scots law would not support slavery. He said the plaque meant a 'tremendous amount' to him. Despite his years-long efforts to address racism, Sir Geoff did not advocate for the removal of statues and building names associated with historic slave owners and those connected to the trade, such as Viscount Dundas. He said: 'If you remove the evidence, you remove the deed.' Richard A Williams, principal of Heriot-Watt, said: 'Today marks a sad day for this university and for everyone who knew Sir Geoff. 'He was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this university was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years. 'He will be dearly missed and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.' Mr Choudhury said he was 'deeply saddened' at the news. He said: 'He was not only a distinguished scientist and academic but also a courageous voice for justice and equality. 'My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew and admired him. May his soul rest in peace.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to ‘trailblazer' academic Sir Geoff Palmer after death aged 85
Sir Geoff Palmer, one of Scotland's best-known academics who was the country's first black professor, has died at the age of 85. The professor was long associated with Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, serving as chancellor and professor emeritus for many years. He was also a prominent public figure in other fields, recently reviewing the legacy of slavery and colonialism in the Scottish capital. The university hailed him as a 'trailblazer and inspiration within higher education and in wider society', while Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury described him as a 'courageous voice for justice and equality'. Sir Geoff died on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife Margaret, their three children, and grandchildren. It is with great sadness that we share the news that our esteemed Chancellor and renowned humanitarian, Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer OBE, has died. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. #HeriotWattUni @SirGeoffPalmer — Heriot-Watt University (@HeriotWattUni) June 13, 2025 Born in Jamaica in 1940, he moved to London aged 14 as part of the Windrush generation. He came to Edinburgh in the 1960s, where he completed a Phd in grain science and technology. His developments in the field went on to be adopted by some of the largest breweries in the UK. In 1989 he became Scotland's first black professor as he began a teaching role at Heriot-Watt which continued until 2005. Sir Geoff returned to the institution as a professor emeritus and later as chancellor in 2021. He was knighted in 2014 for services to human rights, science and charity, and last year he was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's greatest order of chivalry. As well as being a scientist, Sir Geoff was an outspoken advocate of human rights and racial equality. He wrote several articles and books exploring these topics and pushed for education around Scotland's past roles in colonialism and slavery. In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, City of Edinburgh Council commissioned an independent review group to examine its historic links with slavery in the public realm. Sir Geoff led the group and his report made 10 recommendations, including ordering a 'significant' new public artwork and 're-presenting' buildings and places which have historic links to slavery. In 2022 he successfully campaigned for a plaque at the Court of Session commemorating the 1778 judgment of Knight v Wedderburn, which established that Scots law would not support slavery. He told the PA news agency at the time the plaque meant a 'tremendous amount' to him. Despite his years-long efforts to address racism, Sir Geoff did not advocate for the removal of statues and building names associated with historic slave owners and those connected to the trade, such as Viscount Dundas. He said: 'If you remove the evidence, you remove the deed.' Richard A Williams, principal of Heriot-Watt, led tributes to Sir Geoff. He said: 'Today marks a sad day for this university and for everyone who knew Sir Geoff. 'He was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this university was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years. 'He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.' MSP Mr Choudhury said he was 'deeply saddened' at the news. He wrote on social media: 'He was not only a distinguished scientist and academic, but also a courageous voice for justice and equality. 'My sincere condolences to his family and all who knew and admired him. May his soul rest in peace.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Intellectual giant' Sir Geoff Palmer dies aged 85
Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer has died, aged 85. Sir Geoff, chancellor and professor emeritus at Heriot-Watt University, moved to the UK from Jamaica as a teenager and became known as both an academic and a human rights advocate. Scottish Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury paid tribute to Sir Geoff on social media - describing him as a "father figure" and a "courageous voice for justice and equality". Prof Richard A Williams, the principal and vice-chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: "Sir Geoff was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. "His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this University was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years. "He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time." More stories from Edinburgh, Fife & East More stories from Scotland In a social media post Mr Choudhury said he was "deeply saddened" to share the news of the passing of Sir Geoff. He added: He was not only a distinguished scientist & academic, but also a courageous voice for justice & equality. My sincere condolences to his family & all who knew and admired him "May his soul rest in peace." He later thanked people for their messages of sympathy, saying: "Geoff wasn't just my dad's best friend, he was a father figure to me, took me under his wing as a teen and continued to inspire me his entire life. "It's a huge loss, but I'm grateful for the memories." First Minister John Swinney said he was saddened to hear about Sir Geoff's death. He said: "Sir Geoff Palmer was a pioneer and an outstanding intellectual. He had a hugely positive impact on Scotland and will be sorely missed." Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the academic was "a gentleman, a pioneer and an intellectual giant" who would be dearly missed. Sir Geoff moved to London from St Elizabeth, Jamaica, in 1955, joining his mother in the city. After studying at the University of Leicester, he completed his PhD in grain science and technology jointly with Heriot-Watt College and the University of Edinburgh in the 1960s. Following a spell in Surrey, he returned to Heriot Watt in 1977, going on to become Scotland's first black professor in 1989 before eventually retiring in 2005. Sir Geoff's academic work saw him invent the barley abrasion process - which involves deliberately damaging the protective husk of grains to speed up the process of malting. His efforts won him the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction, an honour dubbed the Nobel prize of the beer world, while the success of his discovery attracted funding that established the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling as part of the Heriot-Watt campus. Sir Geoff was also known as a passionate advocate for the rights of black communities, work which saw him invited by Edinburgh City Council to chair a review group looking at the city's colonial legacy. The group presented a number of recommendations, including that the city council should apologise for Edinburgh's past role in slavery and colonialism. In 2014 Sir Geoff was knighted for services to human rights, science and charity and four years later he he was appointed Jamaica's first Honorary Consul in Scotland. He was the 2020 recipient of the Jamaican national honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) and in 2021 was appointed chancellor of Heriot Watt university.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Intellectual giant' Sir Geoff Palmer dies aged 85
Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer has died, aged 85. Sir Geoff, chancellor and professor emeritus at Heriot-Watt University, moved to the UK from Jamaica as a teenager and became known as both an academic and a human rights advocate. Scottish Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury paid tribute to Sir Geoff on social media - describing him as a "father figure" and a "courageous voice for justice and equality". Prof Richard A Williams, the principal and vice-chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: "Sir Geoff was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. "His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this University was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years. "He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time." More stories from Edinburgh, Fife & East More stories from Scotland In a social media post Mr Choudhury said he was "deeply saddened" to share the news of the passing of Sir Geoff. He added: He was not only a distinguished scientist & academic, but also a courageous voice for justice & equality. My sincere condolences to his family & all who knew and admired him "May his soul rest in peace." He later thanked people for their messages of sympathy, saying: "Geoff wasn't just my dad's best friend, he was a father figure to me, took me under his wing as a teen and continued to inspire me his entire life. "It's a huge loss, but I'm grateful for the memories." First Minister John Swinney said he was saddened to hear about Sir Geoff's death. He said: "Sir Geoff Palmer was a pioneer and an outstanding intellectual. He had a hugely positive impact on Scotland and will be sorely missed." Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the academic was "a gentleman, a pioneer and an intellectual giant" who would be dearly missed. Sir Geoff moved to London from St Elizabeth, Jamaica, in 1955, joining his mother in the city. After studying at the University of Leicester, he completed his PhD in grain science and technology jointly with Heriot-Watt College and the University of Edinburgh in the 1960s. Following a spell in Surrey, he returned to Heriot Watt in 1977, going on to become Scotland's first black professor in 1989 before eventually retiring in 2005. Sir Geoff's academic work saw him invent the barley abrasion process - which involves deliberately damaging the protective husk of grains to speed up the process of malting. His efforts won him the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction, an honour dubbed the Nobel prize of the beer world, while the success of his discovery attracted funding that established the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling as part of the Heriot-Watt campus. Sir Geoff was also known as a passionate advocate for the rights of black communities, work which saw him invited by Edinburgh City Council to chair a review group looking at the city's colonial legacy. The group presented a number of recommendations, including that the city council should apologise for Edinburgh's past role in slavery and colonialism. In 2014 Sir Geoff was knighted for services to human rights, science and charity and four years later he he was appointed Jamaica's first Honorary Consul in Scotland. He was the 2020 recipient of the Jamaican national honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) and in 2021 was appointed chancellor of Heriot Watt university.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland's first black professor, dies aged 85
Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer has died, aged Geoff, chancellor and professor emeritus at Heriot-Watt University, moved to the UK from Jamaica as a teenager and became known as both an academic and a human rights Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury paid tribute to Sir Geoff on social media - describing him as a "father figure" and a "courageous voice for justice and equality".Professor Richard A Williams, the principal and vice-chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: "Sir Geoff was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world. "His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and this University was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years."He will be dearly missed, and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time." In a social media post Mr Choudhury said he was "deeply saddened" to share the news of the passing of Sir added: He was not only a distinguished scientist & academic, but also a courageous voice for justice & equality. My sincere condolences to his family & all who knew and admired him"May his soul rest in peace."He later thanked people for their messages of sympathy, saying: "Geoff wasn't just my dad's best friend, he was a father figure to me, took me under his wing as a teen and continued to inspire me his entire life. "It's a huge loss, but I'm grateful for the memories."Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar wrote: "Sir Geoff was a gentleman, a pioneer and an intellectual giant. He will be dearly missed. Love to his family and friends." Sir Geoff moved to London from St Elizabeth, Jamaica, in 1955, joining his mother in the city. After studying at the University of Leicester, he completed his PhD in grain science and technology jointly with Heriot-Watt College and the University of Edinburgh in the a spell in Surrey, he returned to Heriot Watt in 1977, going on to become Scotland's first black professor in 1989 before eventually retiring in Geoff's academic work saw him invent the barley abrasion process - which involves deliberately damaging the protective husk of grains to speed up the process of malting. His efforts won him the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction, an honour dubbed the Nobel prize of the beer world, while the success of his discovery attracted funding that established the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling as part of the Heriot-Watt campus. Sir Geoff was also known as a passionate advocate for the rights of black communities, work which saw him invited by Edinburgh City Council to chair a review group looking at the city's colonial legacy. The group presented a number of recommendations, including that the city council should apologise for Edinburgh's past role in slavery and colonialism. In 2014 Sir Geoff was knighted for services to human rights, science and charity and four years later he he was appointed Jamaica's first Honorary Consul in was the 2020 recipient of the Jamaican national honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) and in 2021 was appointed chancellor of Heriot Watt university.
