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We join our colleagues at the University of Glasgow in great sadness at the passing of Sir Kenneth Calman.

Sir Kenneth was Chair of The Hunterian Strategic Board from 2011 until 2017 and was a great supporter of The Hunterian.

Professor Steph Scholten, Director of The Hunterian, said: "We at The Hunterian are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Kenneth Calman. Sir Kenneth was Chair of The Hunterian Strategic Board from its inception in 2011 until 2017, and remained a great friend to The Hunterian. His support will be missed, as will his wise counsel and good humour. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this sad time."

Sir Kenneth was a graduate of the University of Glasgow (BSc, MBChB, PhD, MD, DSc and MLitt) and he spent a large part of his career at Glasgow, as lecturer in Surgery, and later Chair of Oncology and Dean of Postgraduate Medicine.

Sir Kenneth was Chief Medical Officer for Scotland before being appointed Chief Medical Officer to the UK government, a post he held from 1991 to 1998. He was then appointed Warden and Vice-Chancellor of Durham University (1998-2007) and held the office of Chancellor of the University of Glasgow from 2006-2020, succeeding Sir William Kerr Fraser.

In the years since he stepped down as Chancellor, Sir Kenneth continued to be a regular guest at University events, and kept in close touch with the University’s progress.

The University will publish an official tribute to Sir Kenneth in due course. He will be much missed by the many colleagues, former colleagues, alumni and friends of the University who knew him and worked with him over the years.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: "Our University of Glasgow community is deeply saddened by the passing of our distinguished colleague and former Chancellor, Sir Kenneth Calman.

"His remarkable six-decade journey at Glasgow - from student to Chancellor - exemplified lifelong dedication to learning. Even while serving as Chancellor, Ken pursued further studies to gain his MLitt postgraduate degree, embodying the spirit of discovery cherished at Glasgow.

"Ken was a brilliant academic who brought warmth and wisdom to all his roles at Glasgow, particularly as Chancellor. He showed genuine care and kindness to everyone he encountered - our colleagues, students, alumni and their families.

"We will remember Ken with great affection and gratitude for everything he gave to Glasgow.

"Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Ann and all of Ken's family during this difficult time."

This portrait of Sir Kenneth is part of The Hunterian collection and was painted in 2021 by artist Michael Fullerton. Image © the artist.

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First published: 24 July 2025