Astrophysicist included in book about Welsh women

Professor Haley Gomez, a lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy, has been included in a book for children launched last week at the Urdd National Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod is a competitive festival with over 15,000 children and young people competing during the week in various competitions such as singing, dancing and performing, and attracts over 90,000 visitors.

The book, authored by Medi Jones-Jackson is written for Welsh speakers and is entitled Genod Gwych a Merched Medrus. It is aimed at children between five and nine years and is the first Welsh language book dedicated to Welsh women.

Medi has chosen 12 interesting and distinguished women from Wales to inspire the next generation of girls. There is a mix of contemporary and historical figures and the list includes Betsi Cadwaladr, Laura Ashley, Betty Campbell, Tori James, and Jade Jones. The book aims to mix the life stories of inspiring Welsh women along with facts and figures about their field of expertise. The stories are nicely illustrated by the artist Telor Gwyn in a way that is engaging for young children.

Professor Haley Gomez, who was awarded an MBE in 2018, has been at Cardiff University since her undergraduate degree, which she obtained in 2001. Her scientific research involves studying the formation and properties of cosmic dust. This is the solid material made in stars and of which planets such as the Earth are composed. For this research she uses state-of-the-art observatories on the ground and in space, and collaborates with leading astronomers worldwide. As well as her research, Haley is committed to communicating science to a wider audience and inspiring young people about physics and astronomy.

The book, published by Welsh language publishers Y Lolfa, was launched last week at the Urdd Eisteddfod, an event aimed at young Welsh people, in Cardiff Bay.