Geographer honoured for outstanding research and teaching

Dr Cerys Jones from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University won the Eilir Hedd Morgan Prize, presented by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol

A talented Aberystwyth geographer has received an award for her exceptional contribution to scientific research and Welsh-medium teaching.

Dr Cerys Jones has been presented with the Eilir Hedd Morgan Prize by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

The annual award was established in memory of Dr Eilir Hedd Morgan, a respected scholar who passed away in 2013 at the age of 29.

It recognises the outstanding contribution of a young academic to innovative research and Welsh-language teaching in the field of science.

Dr Cerys Jones graduated with a first-class honours degree in Physical Geography and Mathematics in 2008.

She went on to complete a PhD at Aberystwyth University, supported by a Welsh-Medium Teaching Postgraduate Scholarship from the Centre for the Development of Welsh-medium Higher Education.

Since 2013, she has worked as a lecturer in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, teaching extensively through the medium of Welsh.

On receiving the award, Dr Jones said:

"I would like to thank Eilir Hedd’s family and the Coleg Cymraeg for this honour. The award recognises pioneering research and teaching in the field of sciences, so I am honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth University.

"I'm passionate about giving all students the best experience to ensure they gain essential skills and the ability to continue using their Welsh in the sciences."

The award was presented at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham on 6 August 2025.

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