PhD scholarships to boost Welsh-language research

Three Cardiff University students have been awarded scholarships by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol to pursue doctorate degrees and contribute to undergraduate learning modules delivered through Welsh.

Rhidian Thomas, Ben Screen and Sara Orwig will continue their studies at the University, having recently completed their undergraduate studies.

Llandysul-born Rhidian will focus on the impact of climate change on the relationship between fish that are native to Wales and species that are alien to Welsh waters. His research will be conducted in the School of Biosciences.

Automatic translation and language technology will be at the centre of Ben Screen's research. Hailing from Blaenau Gwent and studying in the School of Welsh, he hopes to add to the limited body of research on the potential of language technology to support the proliferation of the Welsh language.

Sara Orwig from Bangor, also studying in the School of Welsh, will be exploring code exchange in Welsh literature, and its implications from the perspective of linguistic and cultural identity. She will study under the supervision of Professors Sioned Davies and Diarmait Mac Giolla Chriost.

Dr Hefin Jones, Dean for Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and a Senior lecturer in the University's School of Biosciences, congratulated the awardees:

"As the Dean of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol who is also a member of staff at Cardiff University, I'm extremely pleased that we now have three other research students joining the cohort of eight research students who are funded through Coleg Cymraeg.

"What is really exciting is that these students come from a wide range of disciplines - from Welsh and computing to Biology and Social Sciences. Language does not restrict you to particular topics. I wish them the very best for the beginning of their research careers – these are the lecturers and researchers of the future!"