The University of Glasgow is deeply saddened to receive the news that our former Chancellor, Sir Kenneth Calman passed away earlier this week, following a short illness.

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."

First published: 24 July 2025

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