L to R: Professor Simon Anderson, Co-Director of the Glasgow Caribbean Centre for Development Research; Dr Peggy Brunache, Director for the Beniba Centre for Slavery Studies; Dr David Duncan;  Taylar Carty, James McCune PhD scholar; Dr Christine Whyte, Historian and Dr Stephen Mullen, Historian and co-author of 2018 Slavery, Abolition & the University of Glasgow.

 

The University of Glasgow has received The Chancellor’s Award from The University of the West Indies (UWI).

The award recognises institutions that have achieved outstanding success or made a significant contribution to the Caribbean region.

Dr David Duncan, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Operations, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary, accepted the award on behalf of the University.

The ceremony took place at the 2nd annual UWI London Benefit Gala on 7 November 2025, held at The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in London. The event was hosted under the patronage of Sir Lenny Henry, Baroness Floella Benjamin and Professor Shirley Thompson.

Dr Duncan said: “I’m honoured to accept this award on behalf of the University of Glasgow. It marks an important moment in our partnership with The University of the West Indies and reflects the work we’ve undertaken together since signing our Memorandum of Understanding in 2019. The Glasgow Caribbean Centre for Development Research (GCCDR) stands as a key outcome of that commitment.

“Our University community began this journey with honesty about our historical links to slavery and a clear intention to act. Our partnership with UWI is built on respect, transparency and a focus on real-world impact. We value this recognition and look forward to deepening our collaboration.”

Dr David Duncan receiving the UWI Chancellor's Award

In 2018, the University of Glasgow published its report into historical slavery entitled Slavery, Abolition and the University of Glasgow, which was the first of its kind in the UK. It acknowledged that while the University played a key role in abolition, it also received financial support from individuals whose wealth was linked to slavery.

In 2019, UofG and UWI signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a long-term academic partnership. This led to the creation of the Glasgow Caribbean Centre for Development Research (GCCDR), based in both Glasgow and the Caribbean.

The GCCDR along with UofG’s Beniba Centre for Slavery Studies, also set up on the back of the 2018 report, also works to raise public awareness about the legacy of slavery and its global impact.  

In addition, the UofG/UWI partnership includes a jointly delivered Master of Arts in Reparatory Justice, with contributions from UWI, UofG’s College of Arts & Humanities and Brown University.

Other honourees at the Gala included:

Luminary Awards: Businesswoman Ms. Sonita Alleyne, OBE; Broadcaster & Journalist Sir Trevor McDonald, OBE; and Barrister & Politican Baroness Patricia Scotland, PC, KC.

Chancellor’s Award: VM Group, a global financial institution.

Vice-Chancellor’s Award: Ambassador Theresa Roberts, Jamaica’s Ambassador/Special Investment Envoy for Culture and Arts in the UK

A photo of a glass trophy for the University of the West Indies Chancellor's Award

First published: 10 November 2025

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