Elite research selection for Aberystwyth academics

Dr Praboda Rajapaksha, Dr Yasir Saleem Shaikh, Dr Thomas Wilson

Three academics from Aberystwyth University have been selected to join a prestigious professional development programme that supports emerging research leaders.

Dr Praboda Rajapaksha and Dr Yasir Saleem Shaikh, both from the Department of Computer Science, along with Dr Thomas Wilson from the Department of Life Sciences, are among a small cohort chosen to take part in this year’s programme.

The Welsh Crucible is a programme that brings together researchers from diverse disciplines and institutions to foster new collaborations, develop leadership skills and explore innovative approaches to addressing major societal challenges facing Wales and beyond.

Dr Praboda Rajapaksha is a Lecturer in Health Data Science whose research focuses on data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, with particular interests in natural language processing, generative AI and digital twin technologies. She is currently collaborating with Hywel Dda University Health Board to explore the use of patient digital twin technologies to support the transformation of healthcare delivery across mid and west-Wales. She is also collaborating with IBERS on plant health diagnosis projects using artificial intelligence.

Dr Yasir Saleem Shaikh, a Lecturer in Computer Science, carries out research on smart cities, vehicular and wireless networks, intelligent transportation systems, privacy preservation and the Internet of Things. His work spans the application and network layers of emerging digital infrastructures and has contributed to international research on connected and autonomous systems, sustainable urban mobility and future communication technologies.

Dr Thomas Wilson is a researcher in the Department of Life Sciences specialising in mass spectrometry‑based metabolomics. His research focuses on understanding links between diet, metabolism and health, using advanced techniques to improve nutritional assessment, and identifying biomarkers of dietary intake and ageing.

Commenting on their selection, Professor Angela Hatton, Pro Vice‑Chancellor for Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation at Aberystwyth University, said:

“We are delighted to see three of our academics selected for this valuable and well-regarded scheme. It offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging research leaders to develop interdisciplinary thinking, build lasting networks and explore new ways of addressing complex societal challenges. Their selection is not only a testament to their individual excellence, but also reflects Aberystwyth University’s long tradition of pushing the boundaries of knowledge through world‑leading research that changes lives for the better, and strengthens Wales and the wider world.”

Participants will take part in a series of intensive residential workshops alongside peers from universities and research organisations across Wales.

The Welsh Crucible is an initiative funded by a consortium of Welsh higher education institutions and Medr, the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research.

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