Professor Hywel Thomas CBE FREng FRS FLSW MAE has been confirmed as the next President of the Learned Society of Wales, following a ballot of Fellows.

On 20 May he will succeed Sir Emyr Jones Parry, who has led the Society through a period of significant growth and achievement since 2014.

Professor Thomas brings to the role a wealth of experience in higher education, research and innovation.

He is Professor of Civil Engineering at Cardiff University, the founder Director of the Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC) at the University, and a UNESCO Professor in the Development of a Sustainable Geoenvironment. He is a Distinguished Research Professor at Swansea University. He also leads FLEXIS, a £24 million project for energy systems research in Wales. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), and a Member of Academia Europaea, the Academy of Europe.

In 2017 he received a CBE for services to academic research and higher education.

Professor Thomas said: “I’m delighted to have been elected as President of the Learned Society, which plays such a vital role in celebrating and sharing academic excellence. I very much look forward to working with our Fellows and staff to promote research and inspire learning.

“I’m also grateful to Sir Emyr, who has played an incredibly important role in developing the Society’s work over the past six years.”

Sir Emyr Jones Parry said: “Hywel’s election is excellent news and fitting recognition of his many qualities. His experience will be invaluable to lead the Learned Society to further success.”