Emergent Thinkers™

On Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending the Learned Society of Wales (LSW) Medals Ceremony at The Senedd, Cardiff, as an ECR Ambassador. It was an extraordinary evening celebrating research excellence in Wales, with medallists spanning disciplines from STEM and education research to the humanities and social sciences. Each recipient represented the pinnacle of academic dedication, embodying the LSW’s mission to advance knowledge and innovation for Wales’ economy and society.

The evening was more than just a celebration of academic achievement; it was a reminder of the profound power of research to transform lives. The honourees’ speeches resonated deeply with me, weaving personal narratives of resilience, serendipity, and perseverance. Professor Susan Baker, whose groundbreaking environmental work earned her the Hoggan Medal for women in STEMM, shared a deeply personal journey of how her research was seeded through serendipitous encounters and shaped in the stolen moments of her life, where she disciplined herself to engage with critical academic reading—particularly while caring for her mother. Her reflections illuminated the non-linear nature of research pathways, showing how moments of thought and connection amidst life’s demands can lead to profound insights.

Professor Baker’s work delves into the intricate interrelationships between social and ecological systems, addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Inspired by the principles of complex adaptive systems, her research illustrates how progress emerges through interconnectedness and adaptability. These systems thrive on dynamic interactions, where individuals and collectives evolve to meet change. Professor Baker’s reflections underscored the necessity of flexibility and resilience, reminding us that sustainable development requires rethinking our relationship with the natural world and embracing opportunities for emergent solutions, even in uncertain contexts.

Similarly, Professor Gary Beauchamp, recipient of the Hugh Owen Medal for educational research, advocated for the value of being a pioneer. His reminder that ‘it’s good to be the non-conformist’ resonated strongly with me. In a world where academia can feel rigid, his words affirmed the importance of challenging norms, asking ‘why,’ and elevating voices that might otherwise go unheard.

The Menelaus Medal for 2024 was awarded to Professor Stuart Taylor for his groundbreaking contributions to heterogeneous catalysis, driving innovations in energy, sustainability, and environmental protection. His work on environmental catalysis has not only advanced life support systems and emission control technologies but also led to life-saving applications across industries such as deep-sea diving, mining, and firefighting.

One particularly moving moment came during Dr. Alix Beeston’s reflections as a Dillwyn Medal winner in Humanities. Her work on marginal voices—unfinished texts and creative labour often sidelined—struck a personal chord. Alix’s insights about paying attention to those who are left out of dominant narratives mirrored my own struggles navigating a system that can feel unyielding, especially when resources are scarce. In her words, I found a renewed sense of purpose to continue contributing in whatever ways I can, even when formal support is limited.

Hearing the medallists’ stories was a reminder of how many of the qualities that define their incredible journeys—resilience, adaptability, and a deep passion for their work—are also shared by many early career researchers. While I wouldn’t compare my own path to theirs, I found their reflections deeply inspiring and grounding, highlighting the common challenges and triumphs that many researchers encounter. It was humbling to see how their persistence and commitment have led to such significant contributions, and it gave me hope that, with dedication and integrity, others like me can continue to make a difference in their own ways.

The ceremony highlighted how passion and integrity underpin the researcher’s path, transcending financial or institutional recognition. As I reflected on my own journey, I felt a renewed sense of connection to the broader research community. Though the road ahead may be uncertain, the stories shared by these medallists reaffirmed the value of perseverance and the importance of holding onto the belief that our work, no matter how small it may seem, can contribute to a better future.

In a time when academia faces funding cuts and increasing pressures, the medallists’ stories serve as a powerful affirmation that research has the potential to make profound, positive impacts. Their contributions, rooted in a deep sense of purpose, remind us all to keep asking ‘why’ and to keep striving to leave the world a little better than we found it.

A credit to the LSW team for a wonderful ceremony.

More details on the full list of excellent medallists can be found at Research from Wales Celebrated as Society Reveals its 2024 Medallists – The Learned Society of Wales

To many to list amongst the exceptional honourees, I had the privilege of meeting some truly inspirational attendees. Among them, I want to call out my wonderful philosopher fellow and contributor to my co-edited/authored book – Phenomenology in Action for Researching Networked Learning, Professor Lucy Ostler, whose brilliance, warmth, and insights are an absolute treasure. I also very inspired by Agnes Xavier-Phillips JP DL, whose phenomenal energy and commitment to making an impact is evident. Building on these new and meaningful connections is something I’m truly excited about, and I look forward to collaborating and learning from the remarkable individuals we have in Wales.

Congratulations once again to all the medallists—Llongyfarchiadau eto i’r meddalwyr i gyd—for their remarkable achievements and inspiring contributions.