Astrophysicist first Cardiff student to complete PhD viva in Welsh
17 July 2026
An astrophysicist is the first graduate to have completed their PhD viva through the medium of Welsh at Cardiff University.
Graduating on July 13, Dr Cai Stoddard-Jones celebrated completing their doctoral project, which explored the behaviour of a comet orbiting between Jupiter and Saturn, whilst also encouraging young people across Wales to engage with science.
Originally from Anglesey in North Wales, Cai came to Cardiff to study an MPhys in Astrophysics before undertaking a PhD at the School of Physics and Astronomy. Their research focused on comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 (29P), an unusual comet that experiences dramatic outbursts from its icy surface. By analysing telescope observations collected over the past 15 years, Dr Stoddard-Jones was able to track a complete orbit of the comet around the Sun and investigate the causes of its explosive and remarkably regular activity.
Alongside research, the project featured a significant education and public engagement element.
Dr Stoddard-Jones worked with schoolchildren across Wales, running workshops about comets and involving pupils in gathering observational data to support their research.
The project provided a better understanding of how young people, particularly those in rural Welsh-speaking communities, engage with STEM subjects.
For Dr Stoddard-Jones, ensuring Welsh had a place within their research was deeply important. Their viva examination was conducted entirely in Welsh.
They said: “I wanted to do my viva in Welsh as I'm more comfortable speaking in Welsh.”
Growing up in a rural area, I had no experience of engaging in real science or contact with professional scientists and researchers, so I wanted to give kids that opportunity.
“Welsh is also my first language, and I believe more should be done to encourage research and work through the medium of Welsh.”
