The University is deeply saddened by the death of Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, who has passed away at the age of 85.
Chair of the University’s Race Review Steering Group, Sir Geoff was Scotland’s first Black Professor and, among his many accolades, was Knighted for Services to Human Rights, Science and Charity in 2014.
More recently, Sir Geoff was awarded the Order of the Thistle – the highest Royal Order in Scotland – by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at St Giles Cathedral in July 2024.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1940, Sir Geoff’s mother was part of the Windrush generation, leaving him to be raised by his aunts until he joined her in London at the age of fourteen.
After completing a degree at the University of Leicester, Sir Geoff moved to Scotland in 1964 to study for a PhD in grain science and technology jointly at Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt Universities.
Sir Geoff went on to have a highly successful career in research and teaching at the Brewing Research Foundation and Heriot-Watt University before retiring in 2005.
He served as Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University since 2021.
Sir Geoff was also renowned for his tireless work in human rights, charity, community work and studies linking Scottish history with Caribbean history.
Upon being asked to share his wisdom as an Edinburgh alumnus, Sir Geoff commented: “…although we cannot change history, we can change the consequences using education, leadership and justice.”
I am deeply saddened by news of Sir Geoff Palmer’s death. A highly accomplished and esteemed researcher and human rights activist, he made massive contributions to public life in Scotland, including playing an important role in the University of Edinburgh’s ongoing work to address contemporary and historic racism. Our thoughts are with Geoff’s family at this time.
