News

Gwrych Castle: the story behind the new location for I’m a Celebrity

Posted on 26 October 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Mark Baker (MA 2008, PhD 2014) discovered the beauty and complexity of Gwyrch Castle at the age of 11 and has devoted much of his life to protecting and restoring it, as well as publishing his first book about it at the age of 13. Mark describes how the castle not only caught his imagination, but also the eye of ITV producers of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.

The value of a degree in humanities – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 20 October 2021 by Alumni team

Tim Edwards (BA 2005, MA 2007) is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, but his career path was far from pre-determined and he had no idea what he wanted to do when he first stepped onto campus as a religion and theology student. He explains how studying a humanities degree opened him up to a wealth of new experiences, a successful career, and life-long confidence in the skills he learned at Cardiff University.

Coming back to Cardiff to help build its future

Posted on 28 September 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

James Kelly (MEng 2017) is an engineering alumnus who went from studying within the University walls, to building brand new ones as a construction manager. He came back between 2019 and 2021 to help construct ‘Abacws’, the new computer science and informatics, and mathematics building. His return to campus was one full of pride, excitement, and challenges.

#TeamCardiff London Marathon runners raising money for Cardiff University research

Posted on 22 September 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

London Marathon is one of the world’s most popular running events and raises millions for charities every year. After its postponement in 2020, the world is more eager than ever for this year’s event, which takes place Sunday 3 October 2021. With only a few weeks left to train, this year’s #TeamCardiff runners are making the most of the challenge.

Starting a podcast: top tips from the pros – Bossing It

Posted on 21 September 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Podcasting is everywhere these days, with individuals and businesses alike creating audio edibles for listeners to eat up while on their commute, daily walk, or doing chores. Cardiff University alumni have (of course) jumped straight in, setting up their own successful podcasts and sharing what they’re passionate about with the world. How did they do it? Well, we picked their brains to find out...

Meet the Researcher – Oliver Scourfield (BSc 2018, MSc 2020)

Posted on 16 September 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Oliver Scourfield (BSc 2018, MSc 2020) is a research assistant in the Gallimore/Godkin lab in Cardiff University’s School of Medicine. His research focuses on malignant mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lungs, generally caused by asbestos exposure, which in the majority of cases proves fatal.

Insight placements: an easy win for any business

Posted on 9 September 2021 by Alumni team

Beth Addison (BSc 2019) took part in a Cardiff University Insight with Microsoft, and after just one week discovered a desire to work in the field of tech. She was guided through the organisation by Microsoft’s Higher Education Lead and Cardiff University alumnus, Elliot Howells (BSc 2016), and she’s now two years into her role as an Azure Solutions Specialist for Retail, Hospital and Travel with Microsoft.

£10k bursary in memory of fallen Second World War airman, to support future students

Posted on 7 September 2021 by Alumni team

Donald Philip Glynn Miller (BSc 1940) graduated as a Bachelor of Science in mining engineering from the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, a founding college of Cardiff University.

Abacws: A new home for the Schools of Mathematics, and Computer Science and Informatics

Posted on 26 August 2021 by Alumni team

Due for completion this autumn the new ‘Abacws’ building will bring together the School of Computer Science and Informatics and the School of Mathematics into one world-leading facility. This six-storey building has been designed in collaboration with students and academic staff to create interdisciplinary, flexible, and creative workspaces, with innovative teaching areas.

Empowering rural communities through palliative education – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 18 August 2021 by Alumni team

Dr Abhijit Dam (MSc 2014) is the Hon. Medical Director at Kosish, the first rural hospice in India since 2005. He pioneered developments in palliative care and created a course for young women in rural communities, teaching them to provide palliative care for the elderly and terminally ill.

Life lessons from Leonardo da Vinci – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 14 July 2021 by Alumni team

Rose Sgueglia (BA 2008, PGDip 2009) is a writer, journalist and marketing consultant based in Cardiff. She founded Miss Squiggles, a digital magazine and content agency and her work has been published in GQ, La Repubblica, Yahoo and WI Life. Here she describes the unexpected life lessons she learned from a man who lived over 500 years ago.

Examined Life: Agnes Xavier-Phillips JP DL (LLB 1983)

Posted on 23 June 2021 by Anna Garton

Agnes Xavier-Phillips JP DL (LLB 1983) is a woman who’s not afraid to say yes to an opportunity. During her career she’s worked as a teacher, nurse, lawyer, and now volunteers her time and expertise to support a range of organisations.

Why being a School Governor is so rewarding – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 23 June 2021 by Alumni team

When Richard Ayling (BA 1968) retired from the business world, he still wanted to put his skills and experience to good use and discover a new way to contribute to society. Here, he describes the challenging and highly rewarding path he found himself on after applying to be a School Governor.

Queen’s Birthday Honours

Posted on 22 June 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Members of the Cardiff University alumni community have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Over a third of the Members of the Senedd are former Cardiff University students or staff

Posted on 24 May 2021 by Anna Garton

Of the 60 Members of the sixth Senedd, 22 have close links to Cardiff University and are either alumni, Honorary Fellows, or former staff members.

Creating a happier work environment in a post-pandemic world

Posted on 19 May 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Cardiff University alumna, Megan Wesley (BA 2015) is cofounder and director at Libratum, a ‘wellness in the workplace’ company she created with her mum before COVID-19 hit. Megan explains why now, more than ever, wellbeing is so important and shares some of her top tips for employees and employers to help them create a positive place to work.

Why I joined a start-up (and why you should too) – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 13 May 2021 by Alumni team

Alex Moir (BA 2018) is a marketing executive who, after graduating and working in bars in London to make ends meet, landed his dream job by taking a chance on a start-up company. Here he explains why he thinks start-ups can be a great way to get your career going.

10 tips to put the fun back in fundraising

Posted on 6 May 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

COVID-19 rules across many parts of the UK and the world are changing. Many of us are starting to venture out into the world of doing stuff and, to help get you going, we’ve got some simple (and easy) fundraising ideas.

Sign up for #5kMay

Posted on 29 April 2021 by Anna Garton

This month, the creators of the 5k lockdown challenge, Run For Heroes, have launched a new virtual running event, #5kMay. Find out how to support Cardiff University research by participating in your own 5k this May.

Meet the new Head of the School of Engineering

Posted on 28 April 2021 by Anna Garton

After twelve years at the School of Engineering, Professor Jianzhong Wu was appointed Head of the School in September 2020, amid the pandemic. We spoke to him about leading the School through these challenging times, his priorities, and ambitions for the future.