The award was given in recognition of his international leadership of engineering research in lightweight composite materials. The conferment of the degree took place during the School of Engineering graduation ceremony held in The McEwan Hall on the Edinburgh campus on July 4, 2018. The honorary degree was conferred by Acting Vice Chancellor Charlie Jeffery, BA, PhD, FRSE. The vice-chancellor conferred the degree by touching Pipes’ head with the graduation cap, thought to be made using material from the breeches of John Knox. The Senatus Academicus met immediately prior to the ceremony to recommend the degrees, and the Robert Hope-Jones Organ was played for the opening. The procession was led by the staff bearer and members of the academic staff and Honorary Graduands, followed by the University Rector and members of the University Court. The iconic McEwan Hall has been the scene for graduations, exams and major university events for more than a century. Its grand circular hall with its bold façade flanked with its steeply raked galleries look up to the exquisitely painted ceiling dome and around the inner edge of the dome is an inscription from the scripture: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding. Exalt her and she shall bring you honour.”

In the group photo, Pipes is seen in the academic attire of the University of Edinburgh, signing the book that contains all the signatures of previous University of Edinburgh honorary degree recipients. The assembled group in the picture include Professor Conchúr M. Ó Brádaigh, (right front), head of the School of Engineering and doctoral student of Dr. Pipes (University of Delaware, circa 1991) and Eduardo Barocio (left rear) current doctoral student of Dr. Pipes (Purdue University). In addition, Acting Vice Chancellor Charlie Jeffery (left front) and another member of the University Court (right rear). All are shown wearing the white bow tie, an Edinburgh tradition for male graduation participants.