A packed programme of talks and activities showcasing Cardiff University's breadth of expertise will be on show at this year's National Eisteddfod.
This year's festival, the largest of its kind in Europe, is being held in Wrexham from 2-9 August.
Highlights include a discussion of Professor Diarmait Mac Giolla Chríost's new book, Fieldnotes from Celtic Palestine, at the Societies tent on Thursday 7 August. Professor Mac Giolla Chríost, based at the School of Welsh, will reflect on the similarities between the Israel-Palestine conflict and the historical conflict in Northern Ireland. He will be interviewed by Dr Huw Williams of the School of English, Communication and Philosophy.
Also at the Societies tent on 8 August, Keith Bush KC (honoris causa), Fellow in Welsh Law, will present on '"Penyberth, Petition and Politics" - the winding road to the Welsh Courts Act 1942'; and on9 August, Professor Richard Wyn Jones of the Wales Governance Centre will be discussing Welsh politics with BBC Journalist Vaughan Roderick.
At Societies 2 on 7 August, Emeriti Professor Wyn Jones and Professor Bill Jones will deliver the annual lecture, exploring Wrexham's contribution to identity and the Welsh press on the American continents.
In the Literary Pavillion on 4 August, Dr Rhiannon Marks of the School of Welsh, will chair a panel discussion ' Beyond the Crown, Chair and Medal ', which will consider how competing in Eisteddfod competitions can lead to success beyond winning some of the main literary prizes. On8 August Dr Marion Löffler of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion will join a session on 'Remembering Geraint H. Jenkins' – one of Wales' brightest historians.
At the Cardiff University tent on 6 August, Dr Dewi Alter from the School of Welsh will be talking about his new book on the relationship between history writing and Welsh identity between 1559 and 1740.
The Cardiff University tent will also be packed with interactive activities from a variety of academic areas; the School of Engineering will give visitors the chance to learn about the role of an engineer. The School of Pharmacy will explore how music is sensed in the brain, while students from the School of Medicine will be giving people the chance to test their blood pressure.
The Wales Cancer Research Centre is asking people to become a cancer researcher for the day. There will also be a range of puzzles on offer for children (and all ages), as well as a live 'mock court' debate.
In addition to these events, Professor Simon Ward, director of the Medicines Discovery Institute at Cardiff University, will be presented with an Honorary Blue Robe for services to the sciences in Wales.
Dean for the Welsh language for Cardiff University Dr Angharad Naylor said: "Cardiff University academics and students are looking forward to being involved with this year's National Eisteddfod."
I extend my congratulations to Professor Ward on being recognised for his contribution to the sciences in Wales. He has been at the forefront of promoting the importance of discussing science in Welsh and I hope his award will inspire the next generation of researchers in Wales.
"Congratulations also to two of our students. Gwilym Morgan, a Welsh and French undergraduate student, will be honoured as part of Gorsedd Cymru, following his success as winner of the Learner's Medal at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2023; and also Elin Bartlett, studying Medicine, who will be presenting the floral tribute during the main ceremonies."
Cardiff University will also host a special reception for alumni on the6 August at 4:30pm, featuring an interview with former Welsh international footballer and Vice-President of UEFA Professor Laura McAllister (PhD 1995, Hon 2013).
