Marshall Scholars visit Cardiff University

50 of the USA’s most gifted students have visited to learn about contemporary Welsh culture and the role played by Cardiff University.

The visitors were all participants in the Marshall Scholarship programme, which allows the USA’s most talented young scholars to study for a UK degree. It is designed to give students an understanding of contemporary Britain, strengthening ties between the nations’ future leaders. The University signed an agreement with the Marshall Foundation in 2006.

Part of a wider schedule organised by Welsh Government, the visit included an introduction to the Welsh language by Professor Sioned Davies, Head of the School of Welsh, and a session by Dr Richard Clarkson, Senior Lecturer at the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute.

Professor Nora de Leeuw, Pro Vice-Chancellor, International and Europe, said: “We were delighted to host some of the USA’s brightest prospects..."

The guests also heard of the University’s role in the Welsh economy, learning about the approach to innovation and unique development of a Social Science Research Park (SPARK), which will be home to interdisciplinary research addressing major societal challenges.

Professor Rick Delbridge, Academic Lead for SPARK and Dean of Research, Innovation and Enterprise, said: “The University is bold in its commitment to innovation for societal benefit, embracing economic, cultural and other forms of public value. That commitment to the public good is highly relevant to the creation of SPARK.

"We want SPARK to be the test-bed for innovations that can make Wales an international leader. It’s difficult to imagine a better audience for this vision than the Marshall Scholars.”