Professor Siwan Davies Honoured with National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal 2026

Celebrating Excellence in Research Leadership and Educational Impact through a Career

Professor Siwan Davies has been chosen to be awarded the National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal 2026 due to her prize-winning scientific research, leadership in climate change research, Welsh-medium education and as an advocate of the inclusion of women in STEM.

This is an award given in recognition of a career which has combined scientific excellence, academic leadership and a strong commitment to outreach work by making science accessible to wider audiences. Professor Davies who works as Pro vice-chancellor for Research, Innovation and enterprise at Swansea University has established herself as a leading voice in science research not only in Wales but also around the world.

A Distinguished Contribution to Climate science

Professor Davies is an emerging leader in physical geography and climate change research focusing on Earth surface processes, studying the contemporary dynamics of vulnerable ecosystems.

Her work has investigated climate variability impacts on tropical, cold and fire prone environment. This work has led to a better understanding of the extent to which climate change and human activity is transforming natural systems.

Her research and communication with the public have also been influential in conveying to non science audiences an understanding of the urgency of climate change.

Taking Climate research to the Public

It is important to note that Professor Davies has made a great contribution to the development of Welsh-medium higher education and scientific communication.

Firstly, through her research, it has been proven that world-class science and education can be conducted in the Welsh language. That is why students and researchers do not need to give up their cultural identity while studying STEM disciplines.

Furthermore, she has been supporting work which aims at the development of Welsh-medium education in higher education in order to ensure that the Welsh language has a stronger place in academic and scientific settings.

Supporting women in STEM

Another contribution made by Professor Davies is the encouragement of women to study STEM disciplines.

Through her initiatives, she has been promoting the development of mentoring, networking, and professional development among women researchers and students.

By means of her work, she makes a strong message to future scientists: we need diversity, equity, and inclusion because our community will be stronger if we are diverse.

Inspiring the Next generation

Professor Davies’s prize is so much more than a personal recognition. It underscores the need for defining research excellence, educational leadership, language and Public engagement and inclusivity.

One such career is her own, which shows how scientists can play a role well beyond their areas of expertise- in education, in society and at the very start of the careers that they are helping to mold.

But her story “ from scientist to science ambassador” shows that even without grants, scientific curiosity combined with public engagement and community leadership can play an important role for young scientists who are interested in climate research and STEM careers.

A well- deserved Recognition

National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal 2026 is a significant recognition of Professor Siwan Davies who has made important contributions to scientific research and education.

Through her work in the area of climate science, she has been able to help us understand environmental change. In addition, through her dedication to Welsh medium education and women in STEM, she has helped many people, who have been underrepresented in the sciences, advance in their careers.

Congratulations to Professor Siwan Davies for winning the National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal 2026. Through her great contributions to climate science, Welsh-medium education, science communication, and women in STEM, she has continued to inspire scientists and future generations of researchers.