Bethan at Beacon for Wales event
16 March 2010
Bethan speaking with exhibitors at the event
BETHAN Jenkins met experts from Welsh universities at the National Assembly’s Senedd building last week, to find out how universities in Wales are leading the way in working with the public.
The Higher Education and the Welsh Public exhibition, organised by the Beacon for Wales, highlighted the many ways in which Welsh universities bring their knowledge to the wider world. Every university in Wales was represented at the event.
Speaking about the event, Bethan said: “It was really exciting to meet the experts and find out how local universities interacts with the public. Although we all appreciate that universities do vital work in teaching and advancing our knowledge of important areas such as medicine, I was really surprised to find that they are also at work behind the scenes helping local communities with their own specific problems.
“The academics that I met were part of a new generation that recognises that the knowledge they hold can benefit the whole of society, whether that means supporting small businesses, charities, and community groups or even informing government policies.”
Bruce Etherington, Beacon for Wales Manager said: “This event provided the chance to show local politicians and opinion-leaders how we contribute to all areas of Welsh society, but just as importantly, we’ve had a chance to meet members of the public, school children and tourists on their visits to the Senedd, and share ideas with colleagues from every university in Wales.”
Beacon for Wales works across the country, helping universities work with, learn from and share knowledge with the public. It is a partnership between Cardiff University, University of Glamorgan, BBC Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and Techniquest funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, Research Councils UK and the Wellcome Trust who are providing over £1.2 million from 2008-2011. As part of its work, the Beacon for Wales has awarded funds (£210k) for 16 public engagement partnership projects across Wales.
For more information, visit www.engagingwales.org .
