Research

As part of the ongoing fight against dementia, Laurence Geller has invested a considerable portion of his attention and assets into ensuring that an entire generation of students can benefit from the study of the disease, and specialise in ways by which this terrible illness can finally be stopped in its tracks.

University of West London

Chancellor

As an alumnus of University of West London, Laurence Geller has a long-held association with the institution, having graduated from the School of Hotel Management and Catering at the institution when it was Ealing Technical College. Laurence is one of the institution’s largest donors.

In March 2009, Laurence Geller received the University of West London’s Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award, and in November 2010, received an honorary doctorate. Laurence Geller was subsequently installed as the Chancellor of the University of West London in May 2011, where he worked tirelessly to support the University’s performance. Through his efforts, the University of West London went from the bottom of the league tables to being amongst the highest performing universities in the country.

As a part of Laurence Geller’s efforts to combat the issues faced by those suffering from dementia, he personally funded and oversaw the creation of the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory; the only university department in the country to offer a specialist MSc in Dementia Care. Laurence also opened the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, which offers numerous BScs and MScs in hospitality. Laurence funded research projects at the college, which included an analysis of slavery within the hospitality industry.

Learn more about the University of West London and their courses here.

The Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory

Founder

In June 2020, Laurence Geller committed £1.4m in funding to the creation of the Geller Institute for Ageing and Memory (GIAM) as part of the University of West London.

The Institute is concerned with maintaining independence and improving quality of life for older people, and for those living with dementia. The Institute responds to a pressing contemporary health and social care challenge: the need to improve the quality and dignity of care that people living with dementia receive.

The Institute uses cutting-edge research to further current understandings of cognitive decline and dementia, in turn improving the lived experiences of those affected. The Institute develops and delivers evidence-based education and training that supports people living with dementia, their families, and the health and social care staff who care for and work with them.

Read more about the Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory here.