On Wednesday 27 January, the Society launched the Frances Hoggan Medal for women in STEMM at the Senedd.

The Society’s new medal, sponsored by Welsh Government will be awarded annually in recognition of an outstanding contribution to research in any area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) research, by a woman, resident in Wales, of Welsh birth or who otherwise can demonstrate a particular connection with Wales. The first award will be made in May 2016.

The medal is named in honour of Dr Frances Hoggan (née Morgan) (1843 –1927), from Brecon, the first British woman to receive a medical doctorate from a university in Europe. In addition to being a recognised clinical researcher Frances was also a campaigner and social reformer and became heavily involved during the 1880s in debates concerning intermediate and higher education in Wales, particularly with emphasis on the importance of opportunities for women.