Delighted to return to the Learned Society of Wales’ Early Career Researcher Colloquium hosted in Cardiff 3-4 July 2025, an annual fixture that never fails to energise, provoke, and connect.
These kinds of events live and breathe through the energy in the rooms and corridors—and the LSW ECR Colloquium 2025 was no exception. A particular highlight was keynote from Dr Emma Yhnell (Cardiff University), whose compelling narrative of influence, authenticity, and “doing things differently” struck a powerful chord. Her call to break boundaries and make space for meaningful, inclusive change—within and beyond academia—set the tone beautifully.
It was a real privilege to chair the flash talks on A Wales Of Vibrant Culture an Language, exploring music, language, identity, and storytelling in Welsh contexts—ranging from the informal rhythms of North Wales gig venues to Tiger Bay FC’s resonant cross-cultural legacy. The research energy in the room was palpable, underpinned by a generous spirit of exchange and curiosity.
I was further delighted to share the LSW grant-funded Llanelli Ecosystem Mapping research, conducted with David Timbrell-Hill (Llanelli Chamber and Commerce) and Nick Pearce (Foothold Cymru) earlier this year, under the ‘A Prosperous Wales‘ theme. The work aims to surface community-rooted potential, challenge extractive logics, and foreground local voices in shaping sustainable, entrepreneurial futures. It was gratifying to see the research contribute to a wider conversation on place-based possibility—delivering on a promise made to bring Llanelli’s innovation landscape into fuller view.
Beyond the formal sessions, the colloquium offered the joy of reconnecting with bridge-builders across Wales and beyond—fellow early-career researchers, cross-disciplinary collaborators, and new international colleagues. The vibrancy of these gatherings lies not only in the content but in the spirit of shared inquiry and mutual recognition they foster.
Thank you to the Learned Society of Wales and the team at Cardiff Metropolitan University for a superbly curated event. See you all for LSW ECR 2026 in Aberystwyth!
Linked Posts
From Mapping to Momentum: Strengthening Llanelli’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem – Emergent Thinkers™
Update on Mapping to Momentum: What We Learned, What Comes Next – Emergent Thinkers™
Steps in the Right Direction: Reimagining Llanelli’s Future Together – Emergent Thinkers™
Emergent Thinkers™ 
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