Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor appointments

Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, Chancellor of the University

Renowned scientist and human rights activist, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, was appointed the Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in April 2021. His term will last for an initial five-years.

Sir Geoff takes over from Dr Robert M. Buchan, a mining entrepreneur and philanthropist, who stood down after almost eight years in the role.

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.

Becoming the Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, an institution I know well and admire, is a position I accept with both honour and humility. It is an institution that has, since its inception, fostered the ethos of inclusion and education for all, and I am very proud of the continued focus on ensuring that its doors are open to everyone – in Scotland and across the world. As a truly international University, I am very much looking forward to promoting and enhancing its reputation as a provider of world-class education and as a global leader in innovative research and will assist the University to achieve its goals and ambitions during my period as Chancellor.

In 1989, Sir Geoff became Scotland's first black professor and has had a long association with the University. This began when he completed his PhD in grain science and technology jointly with Heriot-Watt College and the University of Edinburgh in the 1960s.  He went on to a successful research career in Surrey before moving back to Heriot-Watt University in 1977 where he worked until his retirement in 2005.  During that time, Sir Geoff 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. Following his retirement, he earned the academic title of professor emeritus.

Sir Geoff was knighted in the 2014 New Year's Honours for services to human rights, science and charity. In 2018, he was appointed Jamaica's first Honorary Consul in Scotland and is the 2020 recipient of the Jamaican national honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander Class).

Alongside his academic work, Sir Geoff is a board member of many charitable and equality organisations, including the Citizen's Advice Bureau. He was also made a Freeman of Midlothian in 2012.

Pro-Chancellors of the University

Pro-Chancellor Dubai Campus

Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWUD) announced the appointment of distinguished businesswoman Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson and Managing Director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG), as the Pro-Chancellor of the University in Dubai in November 2022. In this role, she becomes the honorary Head of the University in Dubai and represents the University in a ceremonial and ambassadorial capacity, including in the conferment of degrees. 

Dr. Al Gurg has been the Managing Director of the Dubai-based business conglomerate Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group for over three decades and assumed the position of its Chairperson earlier this year. As a leading businesswoman in the region, Dr. Al Gurg has carved a unique niche for herself due to her support and encouragement of increasing the number of women in business. She is the founder of the Dubai Business Women Council and; Board member of the Dubai Chamber and Dubai Women's Association. She is also on the advisory board of Coutts Bank, the wealth division of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group.  Dr. Al Gurg's appointment means that Heriot-Watt University now has an all-female leadership in Dubai, with Professor Dame Heather McGregor, who recently transferred from Edinburgh to Dubai to take up the post of Provost and Vice-Principal. 

Pro-Chancellor Malaysia Campus

Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David was appointed Pro-Chancellor Malaysia on Friday 17 May 2024.

Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David is a former world number one professional squash player and one of Malaysia's most celebrated sports icons. Her exceptional achievements were recognised by the University in 2022 when she was presented with an Honorary Degree for her contribution to sport and her support of empowering lives through education.

It was her passion for education and drive for success that led the University to invite her to the role of Pro-Chancellor.

In welcoming her to Heriot-Watt Malaysia, Provost, and Chief Executive Officer Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, said that Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David's extraordinary accomplishments, both in sports and advocacy for education, will undoubtedly inspire and empower the purpose-driven leaders of tomorrow.

Datuk (Dr) Nicol Ann David takes over from Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, the first Pro-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.