Malcolm Slesser trained as a chemical engineer and worked in industry for seven years before taking up academic appointments in Scotland, Brazil, the Netherlands and the USA. For three years he was seconded as head of systems analysis with the European Commission in Italy.
He created the Energy Studies Unit at Strathclyde University and became its first professor. He was advisor to the International Federation of Institutes of Advanced Study on energy systems analysis and its application to self-reliant development.
In his role as a mountaineer and explorer he was awarded the Mungo Park medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the Polar medal, and the USSR sports medal. He published nine books on exploration, technology and the environment.