IN MEMORIAM
Farewell to a trailblazer: Sir Geoff Palmer's lasting legacy
Remembering our esteemed Chancellor and honouring his contribution to the University.
An exceptional scientist whose influence continues to be far-reaching
In June 2025, our Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Sir Godfrey (Geoff) Palmer KT OBE, passed away. A globally respected scientist and distinguished advocate for education, equality, and social justice, his life and achievements have left an enduring impact.
Sir Geoff had a long association with Heriot-Watt University beginning with his PhD in grain science and technology, completed in 1967, through which he pioneered the barley abrasion process, a discovery that revolutionised brewing science.
Returning to Heriot-Watt in 1977 as a lecturer, Sir Geoff was instrumental to the creation of the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), which continues to this day as a unique teaching and research facility.
“The greatest privilege of my career has been to know Sir Geoff,” comments Professor Dawn Maskell, Director of the ICBD. “He was so important to me, and to all of our Brewing and Distilling graduates. His warmth, formidable intellect, and unwavering generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on all who had the good fortune to meet him. Every single one of us who have passed through the ICBD owe our careers to him.”
Many of our alumni, who have gone on to build remarkable careers in malting, brewing, distilling, and the allied trades around the world, continue to credit Sir Geoff for inspiring their passion and excellence.
A beloved figure within the University's global community
Sir Geoff was an extraordinary individual whose life and work left an indelible mark on this University and far beyond. As Chancellor, he brought warmth, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to equality, education, and justice.
“He was an inspiration to me, to colleagues past and present, and to countless students around the world,” comments Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University. “His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education was impossible to ignore and our University was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years.”
In 1989, Sir Geoff became Scotland’s first black professor and continued to teach at Heriot-Watt University until his retirement in 2005. He was subsequently appointed Professor Emeritus at the University’s School of Life Sciences and, in 2014, he was knighted for services to human rights, science, and charity. In 2021 he returned to the University to take on the role of Chancellor, a position he would embrace until his death.
He played a key role in promoting Heriot-Watt’s global standing in research and education across its various campuses, while his warmth and genuine interest in the wellbeing and development of our students was greatly valued by the University community.
He was an inspiration to me, to colleagues past and present, and to countless students around the world.”
Professor Richard A. Williams
Sir Geoff with Professor Anna Macleod and Helen Morrison at Anna’s Honorary Graduation.
Sir Geoff with a delegation from China visiting the University’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling, 1997.
Receiving the Edinburgh Award in 2022 at Edinburgh City Chambers.
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.”
Sir Geoff Palmer
Now we are delighted to announce the creation of the Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship. Covering full tuition and maintenance costs for a master's programme at Heriot-Watt University, the scholarship will support students of Jamaican descent or Jamaican citizenship to follow in his footsteps by breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and shaping a fairer future.
He will continue to inspire generations to come.”
A pioneering member of the Windrush generation
Born in St Elizabeth, Jamaica on 9 April 1940, it was as a 14-year-old in 1955 that Sir Geoff came to London, where his mother had emigrated some years earlier, as part of the Windrush generation.
In 2023, marking the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush to British shores in 1948, Sir Geoff was named one of ten pioneering members of the Windrush generation honoured by His Majesty The King with a specially commissioned portrait.
In March 2024, King Charles III appointed Sir Geoff a knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle (KT), the highest order of chivalry in Scotland.
A continuing inspiration
Sir Geoff leaves behind a profound and indelible mark on Heriot-Watt, and society generally—from his pioneering scientific work to his passionate advocacy for racial justice and historical truth.
His remarkable journey and enduring contribution to our University, and to civic life, leaves a lasting legacy which will continue to inspire generations to come.
