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.
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. The creation of the Duncan Laboratory represents a significant investment in the future of actuarial science.
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.