School of Social Sciences professor wins prestigious medal for outstanding research in Wales

A professor at the School of Social Sciences has won a prestigious award celebrating outstanding research by women in science, medicine, engineering, technology or mathematics.

The Learned Society of Wales’ Hoggan Medal was awarded to Professor Susan Baker for the international contribution her work has had in addressing the challenges of climate and environmental change.

Her interdisciplinary approach tackled marine pollution, food security, habitat restoration, and biodiversity conservation issues with sustainability at heart of her work.

She has worked with indigenous people and fishing communities to optimise biodiversity and conservation for a sustainable future.

On winning the award, Professor Baker said:

Her influence and collaboration have extended across the Welsh Government, the European Union and the United Nations.

For almost 40 years, she has helped voices from diverse communities across the world be heard by policymakers.

Professor Baker’s social science background in Philosophy, Politics and Economics prefaced her work in natural sciences, studying at the National University of Ireland and the European University Institute, Florence, Italy.

She began her environmental research in natural systems in Sweden and in the Arctic with weekly meetings with colleagues from the Schools of Plant Ecology and Forest Ecology, linking the social and natural sciences.

On accepting the Award, she concluded, “My research has brought me all over the globe, but it has always brought me back to Wales.

“Receiving this medal makes me feel truly at home in my adopted country, embraced and welcomed.

“It is especially meaningful that this honour comes from the first nation to adopt sustainable development as an organising principle of governance.

“This recognition from the Learned Society of Wales symbolises our shared commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations.

“I’m profoundly grateful to all who have given me the opportunity to learn and contribute to - however modestly - guiding society towards sustainable development and a just future for society and nature.”

She is currently tackling climate change, working on integrating Sami and Inuit knowledge into land use governance in the pan arctic region.

Professor Baker is joined by 3 other Cardiff University medal winners at this year’s Learned Society of Wales awards.

Congratulations to all of our winners.

Find out more about Professor Baker.