University staff and alumni named as Fellows of the Learned Society of Wales

Cardiff University staff and alumni are among those named as Fellows elected to the Learned Society of Wales.

The 41 new Fellows include academics from across Welsh and UK universities, writers, researchers and leaders from the world of higher education, as well as law, medicine and the media.

In the year in which the Society launched its new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitment, over 50% of the new Fellows are women.

They are joined by Professor Hannah Fry, who becomes the Society’s latest Honorary Fellow.

Cardiff University staff to be elected are:

• Professor Alan Parker, Professor of Translational Virotherapies at the School of Medicine;
• Alice Gray (BSc 2013), Senior Communications Officer in the University’s press office and Freelance Science Presenter/Writer;
• Professor Carol Featherston, Sustainable Transport Lead, School of Engineering;
• Professor Cathy Holt (BEng 1988, PhD 1993), Director of Biomechanics research at the School of Engineering;
• Dr Dawn Knight, Reader in Applied Linguistics at the School of English, Communication and Philosophy;
• Professor Liana Cipcigan, Leader of Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence, School of Engineering;
• Professor Rossi Setchi (PhD 2000), Professor in High-Value Manufacturing at the School of Engineering;
• Wendy Sadler (BSc 1994), Senior Lecturer, School of Physics and Astronomy.

Cardiff University alumni to collect the honour include:

• Kellie Beirne (BA 1997, MSc 2003)
• Sheila Hunt (MScEcon 1984)
• Andy Evans (BSc 1983)
• Dr Roger King (PhD 1988)

Professor Hywel Thomas, President of the Learned Society of Wales said: “I am delighted by the breadth of world-class expertise in our new Fellows.

“The range of specialisms is fascinating and the quality of the research exceptional. It demonstrates how many outstanding people Wales can boast, contributing their ideas, passion and expertise, deepening our research ecosystem and benefitting society in Wales and beyond.

“The Learned Society of Wales is little more than a decade old but we are playing a growing role in creating a productive and supportive environment for high-class research in Wales, while providing an informed voice in policy debates.

“I am delighted to welcome our new Fellows to the Society and look forward to their active involvement with us in the years ahead.”

The new Fellows bring the size of the Fellowship to 687.