Motion · S6M-00281 · 7 Jun 2021

Sir Geoff Palmer Appointed Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University

Lodged by Gordon MacDonald Standard Motion 22 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament congratulates Sir Geoff Palmer on his appointment as Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University; appreciates Sir Geoff’s long association with the university, where he worked from 1977 until his retirement in 2005; understands that in 1989, Sir Geoff became Scotland’s first black professor, and, following his retirement, became a Professor Emeritus in the School of Life Sciences at the University; recognises Sir Geoff as a renowned scientist who invented the barley abrasion process, the success of which attracted funding to establish the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling as part of the Heriot-Watt campus in Edinburgh; notes that Sir Geoff is a prominent human rights activist who was knighted in the 2014 New Year’s Honours for services to human rights, science and charity; further notes that as Chancellor, Sir Geoff will play a central role in promoting Heriot-Watt’s international reputation as a pioneer in research and education across its campuses in Scotland, Malaysia and Dubai, and wishes Sir Geoff well for his official inauguration ceremony, to be held during the University’s Bicentennial celebrations in October.

Supporters (22)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.