USW Vice-Chancellor elected as Learned Society Fellow

USW Vice-Chancellor Dr Ben Calvert is one of 41 new Fellows elected to the Learned Society of Wales.

The new Fellows include academics from across Welsh and UK universities, writers, researchers, and leaders from the world of higher education, as well as law, medicine, and the media.

In the year in which the Society launched its new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitment, more than 50% of the new Fellows are women.

They are joined by Professor Hannah Fry, who becomes the Society’s latest Honorary Fellow.

Professor Fry, whose research focuses on complex social and economic systems, has established a reputation for her exceptional science communication, using data and numbers in accessible ways to explore the realities and lived experience of everyday life.

Alongside Professor Fry’s wide-ranging interests, the new Fellows’ specialisms range from electric vehicle infrastructure to food packaging and heart disease to Welsh-language “pop” music and pretty much everything else in-between. 

“I am delighted by the breadth of world-class expertise in our new Fellows,” said Professor Hywel Thomas, President of the Learned Society of Wales. 

“The range of specialisms is fascinating and the quality of the research exceptional. It demonstrates how many outstanding people Wales can boast, contributing their ideas, passion, and expertise, deepening our research ecosystem and benefitting society in Wales and beyond.  

“The Learned Society of Wales is little more than a decade old but we are playing a growing role in creating a productive and supportive environment for high-class research in Wales, while providing an informed voice in policy debates.  

“I am delighted to welcome our new Fellows to the Society and look forward to their active involvement with us in the years ahead.” 

Dr Calvert added: “I am honoured to have been elected as a Fellow and look forward to playing my part through the Society to inspire others in their educational journey, promote debate, and to champion expertise.”

The new Fellows bring the size of the Fellowship to 687.