Learned Society of Wales honours Cardiff Met academics and governors

Cardiff Metropolitan University academics and governors have become Fellows of the Learned Society of Wales.

Professor Nick Clifton and Professor Delyth James, along with Board of Governors members Professor Paul Matthews and Menai Owen-Jones join 56 other high-profile Fellows from across Wales and the world.

Fellows are drawn from academia, the public and health service, and Wales’ wider civic and cultural life. They are chosen because of their expertise and experience, and their research and knowledge leadership; making their election a prestigious honour both personally, and for their associated institution.

The four new Cardiff Met Fellows reflect the LSW’s breadth of interest, with impressive impacts on the social sector, business, health sciences and Welsh policy development.

Professor of Economic Geography and Regional Development, Nick Clifton serves as the Research Excellence Framework (REF) Coordinator for the Cardiff School of Management and sits on several of the University's strategic academic committees. Nick’s research has informed national and regional policy for organisations including the Welsh Government, Innovate UK, and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

“I am deeply honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales,” said Professor Clifton. “It’s a privilege to be recognised alongside so many distinguished individuals who are contributing to the advancement of knowledge and public life in Wales.

Throughout my academic career, I’ve been passionate about using research to explore and inform the challenges and opportunities facing regions, small businesses, and innovation ecosystems - especially here in Wales.

This Fellowship reflects not only my own work, but also the collaborative and impactful research culture we have fostered at Cardiff School of Management.”

Professor Delyth James is a world-leading academic whose interdisciplinary work bridges health psychology, pharmacy, and clinical practice. As a registered pharmacist with over two decades of frontline clinical experience, she has dedicated her academic career to addressing the behavioural and systemic challenges in how people use medication.

Dividing her time between Cardiff Met and Swansea University, Professor James has attracted nearly £2 million in research and scholarship funding and has published more than 100 outputs. Her contribution to education, clinical service transformation, and professional training has had a tangible and lasting impact across the healthcare sector.

Speaking about becoming a LSW Fellow, Delyth said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and am extremely grateful to my nominee and to those who supported my application through the rigorous process.

“Many of my fellow colleagues at Cardiff Metropolitan University are also deserved of this recognition and I look forward to providing encouragement and advice where possible in order to support their election in the future.

“As a Fellow of the LSW I hope to contribute to the development of their Early Career Researcher (ECR) community, particularly those aligned with the healthcare professions to drive research and innovation and help build the capability and capacity of the clinical academic workforce in Wales to the benefit of society and its economy.”

Joining Professors Delyth James and Nick Clifton in Fellowship are Cardiff Met Board of Governors members Professor Paul Matthews, Chief Executive of Monmouthshire County Council, and Menai Owen-Jones, an accomplished social entrepreneur and strategic advisor. Both have made significant contributions to public service and civic leadership in Wales and are valued voices in the University’s governance and strategic direction.

The combined strength of the entire Learned Society of Wales Fellowship helps the organisation meet its charitable aim to advance the use of research and innovation for the benefit of Wales’ economy and society.

Reflecting on the election of the Fellows, Professor Hywel Thomas, President of the LSW, said: “We face a huge number of challenges, from climate change to political turmoil to emerging health threats. The answer to so many of these problems will be found in research and robust civic institutions. That expertise is evident in our new Fellows. I’m delighted to welcome them to the Learned Society of Wales.”