It was with great shock and sadness that we learned of the untimely passing of friend and colleague Professor Geoffrey Kwenda on Monday 24th March. A Professor at the University of Zambia (UNZA) Geoffrey had long been an influential member of the biomedical research and teaching community in the region. His impactful research in infection biology immunology directly addressed Zambian health priorities and supported local capacity strengthening. Similarly, he was a commited educationalist who supported and mentored generations of young Zambian scientists.

Most recently Geoffrey's calm and gentle manner together with his considerable intellect and insight was key in delivering the Lusaka-Blantyre Blantyre laboratory. This facility now provides state of the art research space at UNZA in Lusaka, supports the education of local students and, critically, promotes regional south-south collaborations with colleagues at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) in Malawi.

Geoffrey was a true friend and colleague to the University of Glasgow (UofG), having visited to meet a wide range of colleagues and facilitated several visits to UNZA involving the highest levels of university and government.

Considering Geoffreys contributions and links to strategic UofG partnerships it would be fitting to honour his memory in some way. UofG will establish an annual Masters scholarship in biomedicine with the eventual aim of the succesful candidate developing collaborative projects between UofG, KUHeS and UNZA using the mirrored research facilities in each institution.

First published: 8 August 2025

<< News