Introducing the six new Fellows elected to the Learned Society of Wales in 2023 who play leadership roles in the professional, educational and public sectors
Kellie Beirne FLSW
Director Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and Interim Chief Executive, SE Wales Corporate Joint CommitteeCardiff Capital Region
Kellie Beirne is Director of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, tasked with delivering a £1.2bn investment programme across ten local authorities in south-east Wales. A Council Member of Research England, Kellie Beirne brings vast experience of academia and the public, private and charity sectors, as her volunteer membership of the Prince’s Trust in Wales shows.
"‘I am thrilled and honoured to be joining the ranks of the Learned Society of Wales and look forward to working to further the society’s aim of promoting research and inspiring learning that can benefit our nation."
Dr. Ben Calvert FLSW
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive OfficerUniversity of South Wales
Now Vice-Chancellor of University of South Wales, Dr. Ben Calvert has played a central role in Welsh Higher Education leadership for several years. As Chair of the Welsh Government HE Covid Guidance Group, he steered the sector in its response to the crisis. He was recently named Chair of Global Wales, evidence of his standing within both government and HE.
"'I am honoured to have been elected as a Fellow and look forward to playing my part through the Society to inspire others in their educational journey, promote debate and to champion expertise'
Dr. Charles Mynors FLSW
Lawyer & AuthorLaw Commission of England and Wales
Charles Mynors is an experienced barrister, with a unique combination of qualifications, in architecture, planning, surveying, law, and historic buildings; and he was for many years a diocesan chancellor. He has written a number of books, which are considered standard reference sources. Charles has a particular interest in law reform, and is now working for the Law Commission on a Welsh Government project to simplify the legislation on planning and the historic environment – which is the first step towards producing an accessible, bilingual statute book for Wales.
Judge Ray Singh FLSW
Manager / CoordinatorGlamorgan House Family Development Centre
Judge Ray Singh was the first ethnic minority judge in Wales. He has served as Deputy and Resident District Judge. Over the past 50 years, Judge Singh has worked tirelessly with different public and private organisations to address racism. Most of his work has focussed on fair treatment and equality for women, children and ethnic minorities.
Professor Sir Steve Smith FLSW
HM Government International Education Champion and Prime Minister’s Special Representative to Saudi Arabia for EducationHM Government
Professor Sir Steve Smith is the UK Government International Education Champion and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative to Saudi Arabia for Education. He was previously Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter from 2002-2020. His impact on the academic community extends beyond the UK, as evidenced by his presidency of the world academic body in his field (the International Studies Association) and Universities UK. He was awarded a knighthood for his contributions to higher education at both local and national levels.
"I am delighted and honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales. I worked in Aberystwyth for a decade and have incredibly positive memories about that experience. I look forward to deepening my understanding of Welsh higher education through my Fellowship."
Professor Laurence Williams FLSW
Ser Cymru Professor Nuclear Policy and RegulationBangor University
Professor Williams, Ser Cymru Professor of Nuclear Policy and Regulation at Bangor University, is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts in nuclear safety regulation. He has held positions in various universities and has had a long career in government service including being Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Nuclear installations, and has made significant contributions to the development of policies and standards in nuclear safety, security, and regulation in the UK and worldwide.
"I an delighted and honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales."