Eisteddfod honour for Dr Hefin Jones

Dr Hefin Jones, from the School of Biosciences, has won a National Eisteddfod medal for his lifelong contribution to science through the medium of Welsh.

He will receive the Science and Technology Medal at a special ceremony at the Eisteddfod in Cardiff in August.

The Eisteddfod described Dr Jones as an “inspiring lecturer who has contributed greatly to a wide range of degree courses such as Ecology, Zoology, Biology and Microbiology”.

He was also praised for his research work on the effects of climate change on biodiversity.

Dr Jones was appointed as a senior lecturer at Cardiff in 2000 following research periods at other institutions including Imperial College London.

Since his appointment, he has helped develop Welsh language provision in degree courses at the School of Biosciences, and has over the years provided opportunities to the University’s medical students to study through the medium of Welsh.

Since 2011, Hefin has been the Dean of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, which supports the provision of Welsh-medium education at Welsh universities.

He is also a very familiar presence on Welsh language radio and television, and has written extensively on scientific matters in a wide range of Welsh-language publications.

Dr Jones said: “I am very honoured to receive this medal. Presenting science in my first language has always been incredibly important to me. The awarding of a Science Medal at the Eisteddfod highlights that the Welsh language is a vibrant, living and contemporary means of communication to be embraced, not doubted, and used not only in historical and literary discourse, but also in discussions on the most recent scientific, technical and medical developments.”

This year’s National Eisteddfod takes place in Cardiff Bay from 3-11 August.