The Scientist Once Dismissed as "Educationally Subnormal": Sir Geoff Palmer's Inspirational Journey (episode recap)
Description
In this episode, Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer, the first Black Professor in Scotland and Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, shares two pivotal experiences from his life that helped shape his future. Arriving in the UK in 1955 as part of the Windrush generation, he recounts how he was initially deemed uneducable but was later accepted by a secondary school headmaster, Mr. Bullen, which set him on a path to higher education. This experience led him to excel in cricket and further his education, eventually attending Leicester University. After facing employment challenges despite his degree, Palmer describes a transformative interview with Professor Anna MacLeod at Heriot-Watt University, which led to his PhD and a distinguished career in academia. MacLeod's decision to ignore traditional indicators of 'keenness' and focus on Palmer's genuine character and qualifications demonstrated an early recognition of the need for wider access in higher education, a principle that would guide both of their careers.
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:12 Influential Figures in Geoff Palmer's Life
00:24 Early Life and Challenges in London
01:49 The Turning Point: Education and Cricket
03:15 Overcoming Racial Prejudice and Pursuing Higher Education
06:01 The Impact of Professor Anna MacLeod
08:49 Reflections on Wider Access and Diversity
09:36 Gratitude and Acknowledgments
10:22 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
United States
