David Cole–Hamilton got his BSc (1971) and PhD (1975) in Edinburgh University. After, he moved to London where he was a Postdoctoral Fellow (1974-5) and a Temporary Lecturer (1974-8) with Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson at the Imperial College. Later on he moved to the University of Liverpool where he was appointed Lecturer (1978-83) and Senior Lecturer (1983-5). Finally he moved to the University of St. Andrews where he was appointed Irvine Professor of Chemistry (1985-date).