USW co-sponsors National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Village with Cardiff Capital Region

The University of South Wales (USW) is co-sponsoring the Science and Technology Village at the 2024 National Eisteddfod this summer, alongside Cardiff Capital Region (CCR).

The National Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s biggest cultural festivals, attracting 170,000 people each year to celebrate Wales’ culture and language, while looking to the future with science and technology. This year is also the first time the festival has taken place in Pontypridd since 1893.

The Science and Technology Village is a firm fixture in the festival, attracting 60,000 visitors each year with an iconic large dome that seats 100 people. USW and CCR will be based in one of the wooden cabins in the Village to discuss and promote careers in the world of technology. This will include promoting upskilling opportunities for individuals into technology, cyber and digital skills in South East Wales and advising young visitors on career paths in science and technology.

As sponsors, USW and CCR will also have speaking slots in the SaTV Dome to discuss the range of study opportunities that the university offers, as well as CCR's plans for a low carbon future that will include elements from the developing Aberthaw Power Station project and other projects such as EV chargers.

USW was named Cyber University of the Year for four years in a row (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), and has celebrated leading honours at the Wales STEM Awards, thanks to its commitment to innovative research, impactful partnerships and widening participation in the field of science and technology, particularly in encouraging more women and girls into STEM careers.

The University is also investing in a new academic building on its Treforest Campus, set to provide teaching, research, and support space for the Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace, Informatics and Electronics, and Computer and Data Science.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this year for the proposed new building, which will contain state-of-the-art electronics and hydraulics labs, a flight simulator, a robotics lab, clean and industrial research spaces, collaborative teaching spaces, virtual reality capability, and exhibition spaces.

Dr Ben Calvert, Vice-Chancellor of USW, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the Science and Technology Village with Cardiff Capital Region at this year’s Eisteddfod, and are proud to support the festival as it comes to Pontypridd for the first time in more than 130 years.

“At USW we are passionate about making STEM subjects accessible to everyone and inspiring the next generation of science and technology professionals to make their mark in this hugely varied, exciting sector. Partnering with CCR at the Eisteddfod is a unique, exciting opportunity to showcase some of our groundbreaking work in bringing STEM education to life with an interactive programme of activities for visitors of all ages.”

Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Chair of the CCR Committee said: “We are excited to be co-sponsoring the Science and Technology Village at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

“We want our space to be as accessible and family friendly as possible, and strongly encourage any young people thinking about their career path, whether this be science and technology related to come along and speak to our Skills and Talent Team who will be more than happy to advise. We are thrilled to be sharing this sponsorship with the University of South Wales, allowing us both to demonstrate real support and leadership in cultural, language and STEM subject areas.”

Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the University of South Wales and Cardiff Capital Region to showcase their ambitions and share what they both offer the science and technology world, while also connecting with our local communities in a meaningful way. Their presence will complement what our own County Borough Council is doing at the Eisteddfod and that’s good news for the people of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

“This is also an excellent time to engage with the people of Wales on our vision for a low carbon future for South East Wales, as we make our way towards NetZero.”