Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Aberystwyth University has successful renewed its Fairtrade status with the Fairtrade Foundation. The University worked closely with Aberystwyth’s Student Union and the Arts Centre to secure this status which supports the development, working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. Rebecca Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student and Staff Services at Aberystwyth University, said; ”We’re delighted to have been awarded this status once again this year. Our Fairtrade provision is important in helping to raise awareness amongst our students, staff and visitors of the need to ensure a better future for producers in the developing world. “All campus restaurants and cafes serve Fairtrade tea and coffee and offer a range of Fairtrade snacks and drinks and the number of products available has been increasing year on year. We consider it very important that we continue to stock and promote Fairtrade products to ensure the continued success of this range.” Jacob Ellis, Preside...

Professor Chris Thomas has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University with responsibility for Research and Academic Quality. The appointment was confirmed by the University’s Council and is central to the delivery of the University’s ambitious five-year Strategic Plan. Professor Thomas currently holds the Chair in Ecological Modelling in CIRRE (Centre for Integrated Research in the Rural Environment) and was appointed to the post in 2007 as part of the Aberystwyth/Bangor Strategic Alliance. He is former Director of International Development at IBERS and in his new role, will be Professor of Zoology at IBERS. As a member of the University’s Executive, Professor Thomas will play a key role in providing leadership for the robust delivery of academic quality processes, leading on ways in which academic quality can be further embedded into the academic life of Aberystwyth University. He will also be responsible for developing and articulating the University’s strategy in...

Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for the Welsh Language and Culture, and External Engagement at Aberystwyth University. Dr Morgan is currently Head of Policy Support for Ceredigion County Council and will take up his new post in early September. Originally from Ceredigion, he graduated in History and has a Diploma in Librarianship from Aberystwyth University, an MA in Early Celtic Studies and a doctorate in Historiography from Cardiff University. As a member of the University’s Executive, Dr Morgan will be responsible for developing and articulating the University's strategy in respect of Welsh language and culture, promoting the use of the language and advising on ways in which Welsh culture and language can be further embedded into the academic life of the University. Prof April McMahon, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University said: "I’m delighted to congratulate Dr Rhodri Llwyd Morgan on his appointment. He is very experi...