The Hywel Thomas ECR Prize for Research Culture and Community Leadership

Established as Professor Hywel Thomas comes to the end of his presidency with the Learned Society of Wales, this prize recognises his leadership and values, reflecting a commitment to research culture that is not only excellent, but also fair, collaborative, and people centred. During his time as President of the Learned Society of Wales, Professor Thomas championed early career researchers and supported work to strengthen equality, diversity and inclusion, recognising that thriving research communities depend on the ability of all individuals to participate and succeed. 

This prize continues that legacy by recognising ECRs who demonstrate leadership through care, inclusion, and community-building — supporting others while helping to shape a research culture that is open, accessible, and equitable. 

The prize will be awarded at the 2026 Early-Career Researchers Network Colloquium in Aberystwyth. Shortlisted nominees will be recognised at the event and receive a certificate. The prize winner will receive a certificate, a cash award, and formal recognition through the Society’s communications, including online and in-person channels. 

Professor Hywel Thomas is the third President of the Learned Society of Wales, taking up the role in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has led the Society through a period of significant development, including the establishment of the Early Career Researchers Network and continued progress in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across its work. 

An internationally recognised researcher, he is the founder of the Geoenvironmental Research Centre at Cardiff University and a Distinguished Research Professor at Swansea University. He served as a Bevan Commissioner, providing independent expert advice to the Welsh Government on innovation and improvement in health and social care in Wales. He also led FLEXIS, a £24 million project for energy systems research in Wales. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), and a Member of Academia Europaea, the Academy of Europe. 

In 2017 he received a CBE for services to academic research and higher education. In 2021, he was elected as a foreign member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the highest honour bestowed by the Chinese government to a foreign scientist for contributions and achievements in science and technology. In 2025, Professor Thomas received the Chinese Government Friendship Award, for his ‘important contribution to China’s socialist modernisation as well as exchanges and cooperation with other countries.’  

His leadership reflects a strong and ongoing commitment to supporting research talent in Wales, strengthening community, and shaping a research culture that is collaborative, inclusive, and forward-looking — values that underpin this prize.

The prize recognises contributions where ECRs support other ECRs and strengthen research culture and community in ways that are inclusive, collaborative, and impactful. 

This may include, but is not limited to: 

• mentoring, peer support, or sponsorship that is inclusive and responsive to different needs and backgrounds  
• building communities or networks that foster belonging and widen participation  
• leadership in promoting fair, transparent, and supportive research practices  
• initiatives that improve wellbeing and help address barriers within research environments  
• creating equitable opportunities for development, collaboration, and visibility  
• work that contributes to more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable research cultures  

We particularly value contributions that recognise the importance of community, shared responsibility, and the often-unseen work that enables others to thrive. 

At the Learned Society of Wales, we believe that research culture should reflect the diversity of the communities it serves. Equality, diversity and inclusion are therefore integral to how this prize is defined and assessed. 

We recognise that early career researchers experience research environments in different ways, and that barriers — whether structural, cultural, or practical — can shape access to opportunities and progression. Supporting ECRs means actively working to reduce these barriers and to create conditions in which a wider range of researchers can contribute and succeed. 

This prize values contributions that demonstrate thoughtful, inclusive approaches to leadership and community-building. This may include supporting underrepresented groups, improving accessibility, creating inclusive spaces and practices, or widening participation in research and development opportunities. 

Nominations are open to: 

• an individual Early Career Researcher  
• a group of Early Career Researchers  

We define an Early Career Researcher (ECR) as someone who is typically within 8 years of completing their PhD (or equivalent research experience), excluding any career breaks. This includes researchers working across academia, industry, the public sector, and not-for-profit organisations. We also welcome nominations from, and for, Independent Researchers. Please note that doctoral researchers (PhD students) are not eligible for this prize. 1 

Nominees should be based in Wales or making a clear contribution to the research environment in Wales. Eligible activity may take place across academia, the public or private sector, industry, not-for-profit organisations, or through cross-sector collaboration. 

¹ If you are unsure whether a nominee meets the ECR definition, including cases where individuals may still be undertaking doctoral study alongside employment or have non-linear career pathways, we encourage you to contact us at researcherdevelopment@lsw.wales.ac.uk to discuss your situation. While doctoral researchers are not typically eligible, we recognise that individuals may still self-identify as part of the ECR community in certain circumstances and we are happy to provide further guidance. 

Nominations can be submitted by someone inside or outside nominee’s organisation: 

• peers or colleagues  
• managers, supervisors, or mentors  
• collaborators or partners

To submit a nomination, please complete the online application form by Wednesday, 29th May 2026: The Hywel Thomas ECR Prize for Research Culture and Community Leadership

You will be asked to provide a short overview of the nominee’s contribution, evidencing how they have supported other ECRs and contributed to a positive and inclusive research culture.

¹ If you are unsure whether a nominee meets the ECR definition, including cases where individuals may still be undertaking doctoral study alongside employment or have non-linear career pathways, we encourage you to contact us at researcherdevelopment@lsw.wales.ac.uk to discuss your situation. While doctoral researchers are not typically eligible, we recognise that individuals may still self-identify as part of the ECR community in certain circumstances and we are happy to provide further guidance.

Following the application deadline, nominations will be reviewed, and shortlisted nominees will be contacted. Both nominators and nominees will be notified if an application is shortlisted.

If you do not hear from us by 17th June 2026, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.