10 July 2021
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our dear colleague and friend Professor Peter Kopelman at the age of 70. Peter entered palliative care last week following a battle with leukaemia and passed away yesterday morning at The Royal London Hospital surrounded by his beloved wife Susan and their family.
Peter was Principal of St George’s, University of London from 2008 until 2015. As Principal he was instrumental in establishing the partnership with the University of Nicosia in 2011. This led to the founding of the first Medical School on the island and to welcoming new doctors to the profession in 2015, for the first time in the modern history of Cyprus.
Professor Kopelman has had an outstanding career as a clinician, researcher and academic. His research in obesity and diabetes has led to the establishment of patient care services, recognised in London and the whole of the UK.
In his capacity as chair and member of a multitude of UK health and educational boards, Professor Kopelman has played a prominent role in policy-making both in the National Health Service and in medical education.
In 2016 the University of Nicosia Senate unanimously endorsed the award of the Degree of Doctor of Science (Medicine) honoris causa which was presented to him during the 2017 Graduation Ceremony.
Medical School Dean Andreas Charalambous said of Professor Kopelman
“Peter was a dear friend and a true international leader in medical education whose legacy in Cyprus is secured.”
Last Thursday afternoon the University Senate unanimously endorsed “The Peter Kopelman and Andreas Charalambous Founders Prize” following a donation by Professors Kopelman and Charalambous. Peter was informed and pleased of the outcome of the Senate’s decision.
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his wife Susan and his immediate family.