Aberystwyth University celebrates exceptional impact of its research

Dr Christine Marley from the Institute of Biological, Environment and Rural Sciences, and one of last night's winners, being presented with her award by Professor Colin McInnes, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation.

Improving palliative care and increasing access to justice for domestic abuse victims are two of four research projects that have won awards for their impact in the UK and abroad.

Scientific innovation to unlock the medieval mysteries of wax seals and the removal of imported soya for livestock are also projects that have also been recognised with accolades.

Four academics were presented with Exceptional Impact Awards at Aberystwyth University’s Fellows Dinner last night (13 July) as part of Aberystwyth University’s Graduation ceremonies. The awards commemorate how research can affect lives in a positive way.

Dr Christina Marley and her wider team at the Institute of Biological, Environment and Rural Sciences were presented with the Award for Exceptional Impact in Science Research 2021. The research sought to reduce levels of imported soya for livestock feed and its environmental impact.

The work enabled Waitrose and its food producers to understand and overcome barriers to adopting homegrown protein, contributing to a 17% reduction in soya imports.

Dr Sarah Wydall from the Department of Law & Criminology received the Award for Exceptional Impact in Social Science, Arts & Humanities Research 2021. Wydall is Director of the Dewis Choice Initiative, which challenged assumptions that gendered domestic violence only happens to women under 45.

The Initiative delivered a co-produced justice and welfare service and has influenced the UK Domestic Abuse Act.

Dr Rachel Rahman from the Department of Psychology received the Award for Exceptional Impact in Science Research 2020 for using telemedicine to improve rural access to health services. Her team worked with Hywel Dda University Health Board to develop one of the UK’s first home-based support services for palliative care patients. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was not part of routine service provision.

Dr Elizabeth New from the Department of History & Welsh History was presented with the Award for Exceptional Impact in Social Science, Arts & Humanities Research 2020. She helped develop forensic equipment to make new discoveries about wax sealing by finger and handprints in the medieval period.

The work has since expanded heritage preservation and interpretation, and led to breakthroughs in understanding the practice of sealing and implications for ideas of personal identity.

Professor Colin McInnes, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, said: "Aberystwyth University is world-renowned for the quality and distinctiveness of our research, which makes a positive impact every day, whether locally, nationally or internationally.

"Universities play a critical role in improving our society, the environment and the economy. Today's winners, and the wider work of the University, reflect the breadth and innovation of our academic work and show how seriously we take that responsibility."

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