Award for professor
PROFESSOR Enlli Thomas, Professor and Director of Research and Impact, School of Education, Bangor University, has been awarded the Learned Society of Wales Hugh Owen Medal for contributions to educational research.
This is in recognition of her expertise on the Welsh language, bilingualism, and studies into teaching, learning and using Welsh.
The Learned Society of Wales’ annual medals were awarded at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. Unfortunately Professor Thomas was unable to attend in person, as she was at an international research conference.
The medals recognise outstanding contributions in research and scholarship. They are a celebration of the achievements of the individuals honoured and of the academic sector of Wales, from universities to schools.
The medals were created to inspire and recognise the long (and often overlooked) legacy of Welsh achievement, while celebrating the exceptional researchers of today.
This year, seven medals, all named in honour of significant figures from Wales’ history, were awarded.
Accepting the award, Professor Thomas said: “I’m extremely pleased to have been nominated for this prestigious award this year, and especially grateful to those who nominated me and to the Society for awarding me this wonderful medal and for the recognition of my work. It is a true privilege and an honour to have been able to work in an area that is very close to my heart for over 20 years – the acquisition of Welsh and bilingualism in children – and it is wonderful to be part of the national buzz as we develop strategies and evidence-based educational interventions in order to motivate more users of Welsh by 2050.”