News

The latest news from the Learned Society of Wales

Dame Elan Closs Stephens becomes President of the Learned Society of Wales

20 May, 2026

Professor Dame Elan Closs Stephens has become the first woman President of the Learned Society of Wales. She took up the position at the Society's Annual General Meeting on 20 May. Dame Elan was born in Gwynedd and is one of Wales’ most distinguished public servants, with vast experience within the media, poli... Read More

Welsh Arts and Humanities research contributes to historic BSL Bill

19 May, 2026

On 11th March 2026, Deaf communities in Wales celebrated the passing of a historic British Sign Language Bill in the Senedd. Among those celebrating was a group of researchers that had received seed funding from the Learned Society of Wales to expand and consolidate their network in 2023. Members of that group provide... Read More

Congratulations to Rhun ap Iorwerth, Wales’ new First Minister

14 May, 2026

We congratulate Rhun ap Iorwerth on becoming Prif Weinidog (First Minister) of Wales. His achievement in leading Plaid Cymru to recent success in the Senedd elections marks a notable moment in Wales' political journey. We have enjoyed positive working relations with former First Ministers in the past and look forwa... Read More

Gorsedd Honours for two LSW Fellows

8 May, 2026

Two Fellows of the Learned Society of Wales will be admitted as Honorary Druids of the Gorsedd at this year’s Eisteddfod. LSW President Professor Hywel Thomas and Dr Aled Eirug will receive blue robes from the Gorsedd, or Council of Bards. This association of poets, writers and others who have made a contribution... Read More

Research career stories: forging a research career outside academia

7 May, 2026

The range of careers for researchers outside academia are wide and varied, with the benefits of research skills required far beyond the world of higher education. Made in Wales: Researcher Career Stories is a programme run for early career researchers by the Wales Concordat Network. The Network includes representat... Read More

Language Symposium marks latest chapter in Celtic Academies Alliance journey

6 May, 2026

The Royal Society of Edinburgh has officially taken over the secretariat role of the Celtic Academies Alliance, marked at a symposium on languages in Wrexham on Wednesday 29 April. The Celtic Academies Alliance Languages Symposium united researchers and policymakers from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and Wale... Read More

Independent researcher sought to lead project on needs of Early and Mid-Career Researchers

30 April, 2026

The Learned Society of Wales is seeking an independent or freelance researcher to lead a research project and survey of how early and mid-career researchers self-identify, and the challenges they face at their various career stages. The project will explore how researchers view their future careers, including wheth... Read More

Welcome to our new Fellows: Wales has the talent to thrive

28 April, 2026

The announcement today of the Learned Society of Wales’ 44 new Fellows is an opportunity to celebrate the depth and breadth of Welsh research, innovation, leadership and creativity. Over half (52%) of our new Fellows are women. We actively work towards a Fellowship that reflects Wales's diversity and are delighte... Read More

New prize for early career researchers launched as Colloquium booking opens

16 April, 2026

A new prize, named after Professor Hywel Thomas, the outgoing President of the Learned Society of Wales, will recognise the work of an early career researcher or research team in Wales. The announcement of the prize is made as bookings open for the fourth Early Career Researchers (ECR) Colloquium. We will award ... Read More

The next Welsh Government must prioritise research and innovation, argues Learned Society of Wales

30 March, 2026

Wales must make better use of the world-class research and innovation from its higher education institutions and recognise that funding research is an investment and not a cost. This is the message from the Learned Society of Wales' submission to the Welsh Government's call for submissions on the future of tertiary... Read More

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