معرفی
Mererid Hopwood is a Professor of Welsh and Celtic Studies at Aberystwyth University, leading as Chair of the Department since 2021. She previously held roles at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Her expertise spans Welsh literature, poetry, translation, and language education. A celebrated poet, she has won major awards including the National Eisteddfod Chair, Crown, and Prose Medal, as well as the Tir na n’Og Prize for children’s literature and the Hay Festival Poetry Medal. Her work bridges creative writing, language advocacy, and peace studies, with collaborations in theatre, dance, and international festivals. She serves on boards such as the Learned Society of Wales and the Wales Millennium Centre, and chairs the Waldo Williams Society. Her research focuses on Welsh literary heritage, ecological themes, and curriculum development.
Education:
- BA Cyfanrhydedd from University of Wales, Aberystwyth
- PhD from University College London
Research Interests: Poetry, translation, children’s literature, peace literature, and language pedagogy. She emphasizes Welsh cultural identity and global ecological urgency through creative and academic projects.
Awards:
- National Eisteddfod of Wales’ Chair (2001), Crown (2003), Prose Medal
- Welsh Book of the Year (2016) for Nes Draw
- Tir na n’Og Prize (2018) for children’s writing
- Hay Festival Poetry Medal (2023)
Grants & Projects: Led the Cerdd Iaith project funded by the British Council, exploring language and music. Currently directs research in her department and collaborates internationally on cultural sustainability initiatives.
Labs/Teams: Member of the Barddas working group, editorial board of Y Traethodydd, and academic board of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
