Professor Siwan Davies, Swansea University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise), has been introduced as the winner of this yr’s National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal.
The Medal has been awarded in recognition of her excellent contribution to scientific analysis, schooling and science communication via the medium of Welsh.
Originally from Newport, a couple of miles from this yr’s Maes, Professor Davies is internationally recognised in the subject of bodily geography and local weather change. She has additionally performed a number one function in creating Welsh-medium schooling and analysis at Swansea University.
The Science and Technology Medal has been an essential a part of the National Eisteddfod programme for over twenty years. For the first time this yr, will probably be offered in reminiscence of Dr Glyn O Phillips, the inaugural recipient of the medal again in 2004. The award honours people who’ve made an excellent contribution to the Welsh language in the subject of science and know-how.
Professor Davies is thought to be a number one researcher who has made a considerable contribution, whereas additionally championing alternatives for girls in science alongside her educational work. She is obsessed with speaking science in an accessible and inspiring means and was a key determine in establishing SwanStemWomen – an initiative that gives mentoring, coaching and networking alternatives to assist girls in STEM.
Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, stated: “This is a effectively deserved honour for Professor Siwan Davies. As a analysis chief with a global repute for her work on local weather change, she has additionally ensured that the Welsh language stays central to her educating, analysis and public engagement.
“She has an exceptional ability to explain complex science matters in an accessible way and has inspired generations of students and young scientists.”
Responding to the announcement, Siwan stated: “It is an amazing honour to obtain this medal. I’ve lengthy admired those that have obtained it earlier than me, and it’s a nice privilege to hitch them.
“Receiving it at the Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, the area where I grew up, makes it even more special.”
After graduating in Geography from Jesus College, Oxford, Siwan went on to finish a Master’s diploma and PhD at Royal Holloway, University of London. She joined Swansea University in 2004, was awarded a private chair in 2012, and was appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research in 2026.
Alongside her internationally recognised analysis on local weather change and her work in creating Welsh-medium provision, she has supervised early-career researchers and served on the Academic Board of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (the Welsh National College). She can also be a well-recognized face in the media, repeatedly speaking local weather science to a large audiences.
Professor Siwan Davies shall be honoured at a particular ceremony at Sfferen, the Science Village, at 10.30am on Thursday, 6 August, adopted by a presentation in Y Pafiliwn at 2pm.