Recognising lifetime contribution and excellence

Professor Sioned Davies presented with a Special Lifetime Contribution Award at the 2018 Cardiff University Celebrating Excellence Awards.

In a ceremony held in the Great Hall of the Students’ Union on Wednesday 21 November 2018, Professor Sioned Davies was honoured for her 40 years of academic excellence, in teaching and research, and for her 20 years as Head of School of Welsh.

Professor Davies was the first female Professor of Welsh and has played an integral role in the development of the discipline and contributed significantly to the growth of literary, linguistic and teaching studies in Wales.

Under her leadership, the School of Welsh has developed in terms of size and quality and Professor Davies was key to the development of a number of initiatives including the innovative Welsh for All programme and the School’s provision as part of the National Sabbatical Scheme.

Professor Davies is an expert in Medieval literature and in particular the Mabinogi. In 2007, her translation into English of the Mabinogi stories received international acclaim and since then the book, recently re-published, has sold more than 50,000 copies and introduced the fairy tales to new and diverse audiences.

After receiving her award, Professor Davies said: “It is a tremendous honour to receive this award. I have been very lucky to spend almost 40 years working at Cardiff University and have received all manner of opportunities during my career. It is a great pleasure to work with the dedicated and energetic staff at the School of Welsh.”

Dr Dylan Foster Evans, Head of the School of Welsh, added: “On behalf of the School community – staff, current students, and alumni – I would like to congratulate Sioned on this recognition. It is highly deserved. Without a doubt, Sioned’s contribution to the Welsh discipline, and to Wales, is something to celebrate. Everyone who has worked with her is grateful for her energy, her expertise and her support over the years.”

Professor Davies remains a committed member of the School’s staff and is currently working on a new project concerned Medieval Welsh prose.