Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Pete Downes has received a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list published on Saturday 13 June.
Professor Downes has been Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee since 2009 and is currently serving his second term as Convener of Universities Scotland.
Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said:
“Professor Downes has contributed his commitment and leadership to the whole of Scotland’s university sector.
“As convener of Universities Scotland, he has worked hard to maintain the excellence, autonomy and diversity of Scotland’s higher education institutions during an exceptionally intense period of political interest.
“He has also made a distinctive and crucial contribution to creating policy to ensure that universities and businesses are working effectively together to promote our nation’s prosperity.”