Tributes
Dr David Grant, Vice-Chancellor, Cardiff University
“This is not just a triumph for Cardiff University, but for our entire community.
“The Violence and Society Research Group is a perfect example of how academic excellence can bring practical benefits. The team’s discoveries about the causes and consequences of violence have been recognised around the world as breaking new ground in research. This pioneering approach has then been put to work through the Cardiff Community Safety Partnership, creating a safer environment on our streets in a way which has now been adopted throughout the UK.
“Clearly, we at Cardiff University are delighted that Professor Shepherd and his team have achieved our fourth success in the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes - one of the most prestigious awards in higher education. We also believe that this is a success in which the NHS, South Wales Police, Cardiff Council and all our local partners can take pride.”
South Wales Police Chief Constable Barbara Wilding
“The University Violence and Society Research Group has been one of the key members of the Community Safety Partnership and together we have made great strides in tackling city centre violence and making Cardiff city a safer place. I am delighted that the research group has been the recipient of this prestigious award. Together with our partners we are now looking forward to extend this work throughout the whole of the South Wales area.”
Cllr Judith Woodman, Cardiff Council Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice
“I am delighted the Violence Research Group is being recognised with this prestigious award. The work undertaken has made a great deal of difference.
“The partnership of the group which has seen health, the Police and ourselves working closely together with licensees and academics to tackle violent crime has made our city safer for everyone and it is fantastic this success is being acknowledged.”
The Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, Welsh Assembly Government First Minister
“I would like to congratulate heartily Professor Jonathan Shepherd and his team because their work has made a real difference to so many people who live in and travel to the capital city of Wales to enjoy its attractions by night and day. It is important that these people feel safe and the University's research into the cause of violent injury and possible pathways to reduction of harm is helping to achieve that. The Cardiff Violence Protection Group has been established to oversee this research and take it forward.
“The results of their work speak volumes – a 40 per cent decrease in violence levels in the Cardiff area.”
The Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Home Secretary (in a letter to Professor Shepherd)
“Your inspirational leadership of this approach has clearly been key to engaging all the right partners in working together and provides a model for others to follow. I am very keen to see the approach you have pioneered in Cardiff replicated elsewhere.”
David Francis, Chair of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and All-Wales Champion for reducing violence and aggression against NHS staff
“I want to congratulate Professor Shepherd and his Cardiff University colleagues on this achievement. It represents many years' hard work and has resulted in many less injured people. This is an excellent example of partnership work, with the University and the Health Board working alongside local authority and police partners to make our streets safer and in supporting victims of violence and improving protection for staff from aggressors. Professor Shepherd’s work has been central to this success.”