Professor Sir Pete Downes, former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, will this month receive an honorary degree from the institution he led for a decade.
Sir Pete is among six individuals who will be honoured at the University’s Summer Graduation ceremonies, where thousands of graduands will cross the stage and be tapped with the traditional Dundee bonnet.
Sir Pete was Principal of the University for ten years before stepping down at the end of 2018.
He is being honoured for his great scientific achievements, his contribution to the University over 30 years, and his impact on civic life in Dundee, including helping to bring the V&A to Dundee and pushing forward the Tay Cities Region Deal.
Three of the other people receiving honorary degrees – Professor Dame Carrie MacEwen, Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE, and Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter – are being recognised in part for their outstanding leadership during the Covid pandemic.
There are also awards for Scottish artist Andrew Crummy MBE, an alumnus of the University, and Dr Ollie Folayan MBE, an outstanding advocate for equality and diversity in the engineering sector.
Professor Iain Gillespie, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said, “I am delighted to welcome Sir Pete Downes back to the University, and all of our honorary graduates, who have made such a startling impact in their respective fields.
“In awarding honorary degrees, we are marking the achievements of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to society, and who can inspire our students, staff and others. All of those we will be honouring at Graduation this month exceed that standard.”
The honorary Doctor of Laws degrees will be conferred at the graduation ceremonies taking place from June 20 to June 23 at the Caird Hall in Dundee, one of the major celebrations on the University calendar.
The full timetable for honorary graduates, who are given their degrees at the end of each ceremony, is:
• Tuesday 20 June (afternoon ceremony) – Professor Sir Pete Downes and Professor Dame Carrie MacEwen
• Thursday 22 June (morning ceremony) – Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter
• Thursday 22 June (afternoon ceremony) – Andrew Crummy MBE
• Friday 23 June (morning ceremony) – Dr Ollie Folayan MBE
• Friday 23 June (afternoon ceremony) – Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE
Professor Spiegelhalter will also be delivering the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science Annual Lecture 2023 on Wednesday 21 June at 6pm in the Dalhousie Building, on the topic of Communicating Statistical Evidence in Court and in Public Inquiries.