Learned Society of Wales Awards

Three researchers from Cardiff University have picked up medals from the Learned Society of Wales.

The Society’s Dillwyn Medals are awarded in recognition of outstanding early career research. Dr Rebecca Melen from the School of Chemistry was one of two academics awarded the Dillwyn medal for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

In her career to date, Dr Melen has made an outstanding contribution to chemistry, in the areas of catalysis and energy.

Upon receiving the award, Dr Melen said: “I would like to thank the Learned Society of Wales. My research is in the area of catalysis and catalysts work by lowering the energy barrier for a chemical reaction thereby making reactions much more efficient. I must really thank my research group for all that they’ve done to help me succeed in this area.”

Dr Stuart Fox and Dr Luke Sloan, both from the School of Social Sciences, were awarded the Dillwyn medals for Social Sciences, Economics and Business.

Dr Fox’s work has considered young people’s political engagement, specifically during the EU Referendum and Brexit and the 2017 general election. His recent research has also explored youth volunteering and whether it can help to engage more young people with politics.

Dr Fox, a research associate at the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research, Data and Methods (WISERD), said: “The life of an early career researcher can be extremely challenging and unpredictable, and it is immensely gratifying to see such hard work recognised. I am extremely grateful to my colleagues for nominating me and providing invaluable support and guidance throughout my academic career, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to help develop the next generation of social researchers in Wales.”

Dr Sloan’s work has explored how social media, particularly Twitter, can be used to further social research. His work in this area goes beyond asking what Twitter can tell people to ask more complex questions about the ethics and methodology of this research.

Dr Sloan said: “I am humbled to receive this award. This is a wonderful surprise and very much appreciated.”