‘Intellectual giant’ Sir Geoff Palmer dies aged 85
‘Intellectual giant’ Sir Geoff Palmer dies aged 85
We are saddened to share that Professor Sir Geoff Palmer has passed away at the age of 85. He died on 12th June 2025, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance, integrity, and activism that touched countless lives across the UK and beyond.
About Sir Geoff Palmer
Sir Geoff Palmer was a pioneering academic, human rights advocate, and community leader. Born in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, he moved to London in 1955 as part of the Windrush Generation. He would go on to become Scotland’s first Black professor in 1989 and later served as Chancellor and Professor Emeritus at Heriot-Watt University. Deeply respected in academic and civic circles, Sir Geoff was a passionate educator and a courageous voice for equality and justice.
Among his many achievements, Sir Geoff invented the barley abrasion process, revolutionising malting in the brewing industry. He received the American Society of Brewing Chemists Award of Distinction for this groundbreaking work. Beyond science, he led the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group, advocating for institutional accountability and historical recognition. He was knighted in 2014 for services to science, human rights, and charity; became Jamaica’s first Honorary Consul in Scotland in 2018; and was awarded the Order of the Thistle in 2023 for his outstanding contributions to public life.
Today, we mourn the loss of a significant figure and trailblazer from the Windrush Generation. It was an honour and privilege to have known and collaborated with him on highlighting the importance of Black British history.