Among these, the Dillwyn Medal for Outstanding Early Career Research in the Creative Arts and Humanities was presented to Dr Amanda Rogers, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography at Swansea University (pictured below with Sir Emyr Jones Parry, President of the Society). This was in recognition of her research on the geographies of the performing arts, particularly theatre.

Dr Rogers’s work to date has examined issues of diversity and equality, and analysed the international migration of performers. Her current research focuses on the revival of Cambodian arts after the Khmer Rouge genocide, and their contemporary use to provide a new image of the country.

Speaking about the award, Dr Rogers said: “I am very pleased and honoured to be recognised with the Dillwyn Medal. It is rare to receive this level of public recognition for your research and I hope that this acts as inspiration for other young researchers. I am lucky to work with supportive colleagues in the Department of Geography, and I’m immensely grateful to all those who have participated and collaborated in my research.”

Sir Emyr Jones Parry, President of the Learned Society of Wales said: “Isn’t it good to see such Welsh talent? Let’s welcome its recognition, and congratulate the winners. It is wonderful to see female early career researchers recognised by our inaugural Dillwyn Medals, particularly fitting given the pioneering innovations of Mary, Thereza and Amy Dillwyn.”

Recognising merit is a significant aspect of the work of the national academy of Wales.  Celebrating achievement is important for all the individuals honoured, for the academic sector from universities to schools, and for Wales.

The medals were created to inspire and recognise the long, and often overlooked, legacy of Welsh achievement, while also celebrating the exceptional researchers of today. In this, the ‘year of legends’, the medals highlight the work of today’s Welsh researchers, which in turn will inspire those in the future.

Sponsored by Airbus Corporate Technical Office, the Dillwyn medals are named after the prodigious Swansea-based Dillwyn family, whose pioneering exploits in Welsh science, culture, politics and industry during the nineteenth century continue to serve as an impressive and inspiring legacy for young researchers. 

The Dillwyn family’s association with Wales dates back to the 18th century and the arrival of the Abolitionist campaigner, William Dillwyn. His son, the talented botanist Lewis Weston Dillwyn, published several important scientific studies in addition to producing fine artistic pottery and porcelain.

Lewis, who was a Fellow of the Royal Society, created his home at Penllergare where he developed “a cultural climate in which all his children, boys and girls, could flourish, and could pursue their scientific and artistic interests without limitations of time and expense.” 

For a full list of this year’s awardees, visit https://www.learnedsociety.wales/outstanding-welsh-research-talent-celebrated/.