Cardiff University expert in modern Asian history participant in influential Welsh research programme
28 May 2025
A Cardiff University lecturer in Modern Asian History is a participant in this year’s Welsh Crucible, an award-winning programme of personal, professional and leadership development for the future research leaders of Wales.
Dr Helena Lopes of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion is one of the 30 selected participants this year, alongside colleagues across the University.
Through a series of three 2-day residential workshops, future research leaders have the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
The first round of this year’s sessions, held at Cardiff University in May, included reflections on how to communicate research to wider audiences, exploring possible collaborations in policy-making, and understanding how researchers can work with media professionals. The programme will continue at the Universities of Aberystwyth and Swansea in June and July.
Dr Lopes said, “It is important to see the importance of Humanities scholarship recognised in an interdisciplinary programme invested in tackling major challenges and bring cutting edge research to the public sphere and make a positive impact in Wales.
It is vital to see the recognition that Humanities research matters in Wales and to have a voice in tackling the current challenges facing Wales and its role in the world.
She follows in the footsteps of previous School researchers selected for the programme, including Dr Jasmine Kilburn-Toppin, Dr David Doddington, and Dr Mansur Ali.
“In a moment of intense global connections, but also increasing polarisation and division,” Dr Lopes continued, “the role of historians, language experts, creative arts scholars and practitioners, and other Humanities researchers is crucial to foster understanding and help communities and societies have a greater awareness of what unites us as humans in a shared planet.”
Funded by a consortium of Welsh higher education institutions and Wales’s Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (Medr), Welsh Crucible brings together thirty researchers each year in order to explore how they can work together to tackle the current research challenges facing Wales.
After twelve years, the Welsh Crucible alumni network is now 330 strong.
Dr Lopes added, “I hope to see more Humanities scholars selected in future years.”
