Research on Wales’ most pressing challenges to be showcased at National Eisteddfod

Cardiff University experts and students will be discussing some of the big issues affecting Wales at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

The events which take place on the Maes between August 5 and 12 in Boduan, North Wales, cover a range of academic disciplines, including politics, biosciences, journalism, literature and medicine.

Talks and lectures include a discussion with Dr Dylan Foster Evans of the School of Welsh on a joint project with Snowdonia National Park Authority and the Welsh Language Commissioner to collect and standardise some of Eryri’s place names. (Thursday 10 August, 10am)

Professor Richard Wyn Jones of the Wales Governance Centre will explore the origins of the book, The Welsh Criminal Justice System: On the Jagged Edge, outlining the arguments presented between its pages and the latest data. (Thursday 10 August, 2.30pm)

Professor Arwyn Jones of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences will discuss the lessons learned following COVID-19. (Sunday 6 August, 2.45pm)

Students from the School of Medicine will be recording their latest ‘Paid Ymddiheuro’ Podcast, which will be a panel discussion looking at women’s health and the menopause. (Monday 7 August, 3.30pm)

Welsh Learner of the Year 2022 Joe Healy will talk about his learning journey with School of Journalism, Media and Culture lecturer Siân Morgan Lloyd. (Friday 11 August, 2pm)

There will also be a number of hands-on activities for children and adults on the Cardiff University stand.

The Medicines Discovery Institute will be explaining the process of identifying new drugs for diseases of the brain with a series of fun experiments and displays. The amazing properties of blue green algae will be on show, and Cardiff University medical students will be available to take blood pressure readings and give advice.

Cardiff University Dean for the Welsh Language Dr Huw Williams said: “The talks and activities on offer at this year’s Eisteddfod offer visitors insights into the incredible work academics and students are doing to address some of the most important issues facing people in Wales today.

“We are really excited to share in the week’s festivities and contribute to this celebration of Welsh language and culture, and we look forward to showcasing our commitment to Welsh-medium education.”

A Cardiff University alumni reception will take place on Thursday 10 August at 3.30pm and is a chance for the wider University community past and present to share a drink and some memories.

On Friday 11 August there will also be a celebration for the inaugural Welsh-language Sabbatical Officer for the Students’ Union, with Deio Owen and guests gathering to wish him well with the new post.

Professor Williams added: “In particular it’s fantastic to be able celebrate Deio’s new role as Cardiff University Students’ Union’s first vice-president of Welsh language, community and culture.

“This appointment will help us no end in expanding the Welsh-language student experience, and engaging more of our wider student community around Cymraeg.

“We’d encourage anybody who’s considering Cardiff as an option for study to come over and talk to one of our team about what we have to offer.”

For the full programme of events, click here.

Professor Laura McAllister of the Wales Governance Centre and Professor Marion Loeffler of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion will also both be honoured for their achievements and commitment to Wales by being admitted to Gorsedd Cymru. They will receive the awards on the Maes next week.