Cardiff professors elected to Learned Society of Wales

Four Cardiff academics join the prestigious line-up

Four Cardiff University professors have been elected to the prestigious Learned Society for Wales, a keenly competed accolade which recognises academic excellence.

Professor Terry Threadgold, Professor Henry Peredur Evans, Honorary Professor Gerald Holtham and Professor Valerie O'Donnell were among 40 new Fellows to be enrolled to the Society's ranks, representing a broad range of academic disciplines.

The Society harnesses the expertise of its Fellowship to promote awareness of how the sciences and the arts, humanities and social sciences benefit society.Fellows assist the Society in this work by serving on its committees and working groups, and by representing it nationally and internationally.

Professor Threadgold,Professor Emerita of Communication and Cultural Studies, and formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor, Cardiff University, was recognised not just for her individual success but also as an inspirational figure for women who want to excel in their chosen profession.

Professor Henry Peredur Evans DSc FIMechE, Deputy Director and Leader of Tribology Research Group, Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, was recognised for his work undertaking the highest calibre of scientific enquiry at UK-level.

Professor Valerie O'Donnell FSB,Professor of Biochemistry and Co-director of Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University was also recognised for her work in scientific enquiry.

Mr Gerald Holtham,Managing Partner Cadwyn Capital and Honorary Professor, Cardiff University, was recognised for his contribution to public life in Wales.

Election to Fellowship of the Learned Society of Wales is through a rigorous five-stage election process. Entrants must have a demonstrable record of excellence and achievement in any of the academic disciplines or who have made a distinguished contribution to the world of learning.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the Society's President, said:                                                                 

"I am delighted to welcome such a wide range of outstanding individuals to the Fellowship this year. Each new Fellow is elected on the distinguished merit of their work. These new Fellows will help strengthen our capacity to support excellence across all areas of academic and public life, both in Wales and abroad.

"It is also encouraging that the proportion of female Fellows elected (35%) is the highest in the history of the Society. More women are reaching the highest levels of their discipline, and this is rightly being reflected in their election to the Fellowship of the Society."