Dr Ian Duncan, Shaping the Future of Insurance Analytics
Dr Ian Duncan is a leading figure in actuarial statistics and healthcare analytics, with a career that spans multiple countries and industries.
Through it all, he’s never wavered in gratitude towards his supervisor at Heriot-Watt University, Professor Angus MacDonald, having established the ‘Professor Angus Macdonald Scholarship’ which supports students pursuing an MSc in Actuarial Science.
Now, we are proud to announce a further philanthropic gift from Dr Ian Duncan, this time in establishing the Duncan Laboratory for Insurance Data Science. This is an incredible milestone for Heriot-Watt University.
Heriot-Watt University Professor Sara Lombardo, from School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, added:
The Duncan Laboratory for Insurance Data Science will ensure that Heriot-Watt continues to be a leading institution in the field of actuarial mathematics and actuarial science. The partnership with the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) will facilitate the global reach of the Lab activities. We are very grateful for the critical support that Ian continues to give.
This is an incredible milestone for Heriot-Watt University. The laboratory will serve as a dedicated hub for research, industry collaboration, and innovation in actuarial science and data analytics, addressing real-world challenges across non-life and healthcare insurance sectors. It will provide students, researchers, and industry partners with the tools and environment needed to develop innovative solutions for complex insurance challenges, reinforcing Heriot-Watt’s leadership in data-driven actuarial research.
Reflecting on his contribution, Dr Duncan emphasizes the importance of paying it forward in support to the next generation.
I felt great gratitude for Heriot-Watt for taking me on as a student. My supervisor, Professor Angus Macdonald, is a very fine researcher and deeply respected in the actuarial profession. I wanted to say thank you to Heriot-Watt and to Angus - and to help others pursue their actuarial careers.
This milestone reflects the impact of the Shaping Futures Campaign and the American Friends of Heriot-Watt University, and highlights how strategic philanthropy can foster innovation, collaboration, and global impact.
Senior Development Executive Andrew Mackinnon commented:
It has been a pleasure to work with Ian to bring this transformative gift to life. It's great to see so many of our alumni choosing to partner with the Shaping Futures Campaign.
If you’re interested in learning more about philanthropy at Heriot-Watt University, please contact Senior Development Executive Andrew Mackinnon (a.mackinnon@hw.ac.uk).