The chance to celebrate the breadth and impact of research from Wales is here again as the Learned Society of Wales launches the award of its annual medals, for 2023. 

Our medals are central to what we do. They promote the excellence of researchers in and from Wales, across all disciplines, including people at the start of their careers. Past recipients have come from within industry as well as higher education. 

“There is strong evidence of just how successful Wales’ universities are at delivering impactful research, in both humanities and sciences. Our medals showcase some of that success.”

Olivia Harrison, Chief executive

The medals are awarded at a special ceremony held in the autumn. Our 2022 medallists describe why receiving one of our medals is so valued.

Anyone can nominate someone to receive a medal.

We award the following six medals: 

• Our Frances Hoggan Medal recognises and celebrates the contribution of outstanding women connected with Wales in the areas of science, medicine, engineering, technology or mathematics
• The Menelaus Medal is awarded for excellence in any field of engineering and technology to an academic, to an industrial researcher, or to an industrial practitioner who has a connection with Wales.
• Our Hugh Owen Medal is named in honour of Sir Hugh Owen (1804-1881) and celebrates outstanding educational research in Wales.
• The Dillwyn Medals focus specifically on early career researchers and highlight academics who will go on to be leading figures in their fields.

Olivia Harrison, Chief Executive of the LSW, said: “We know that a culture of high-quality research and innovation is at the heart of Welsh Government’s strategy for growth and prosperity. 

“Higher education clearly has a critical part to play in helping meet these objectives. 

“There is strong evidence of just how successful Wales’ universities are at delivering impactful research, in both humanities and sciences. 

“Our medals showcase some of that success. Furthermore, our Dillwyn medals, awarded to early career researchers, show our commitment to creating a supportive culture for researchers at the start of their careers.” 

If you know someone you think should receive one of our medals, the nomination process is straightforward. 

The deadline for nominations is 30 June.