THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON awarded Dr Emma Watts, a Post-doctoral Researcher in Tephrochronology in the Department of Geography at Swansea University, a prestigious medal in recognition of outstanding research.

Dr Watts’ work focuses on reconstructing the eruptive histories of volcanoes using a combination of proximal and distal field data, tephrochronology, geochemistry and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Dr Watts’ research helps scientists better understand past volcanic activity, improve knowledge of how volcanic systems evolve over time, and how plate tectonics influences these volcanic processes.

The President’s Awards recognise early-career geoscientists who demonstrate exceptional promise and are considered to have the potential to become future leaders in their field.

Dr Emma Watts will receive the award at a formal presentation ceremony at Burlington House in London on 17 June 2026 as part of the Society’s annual President’s Day celebrations.

On receiving the Medal, Dr Watts said: “Winning a President’s Award as a volcanologist is something I’m deeply honoured by. Our field relies so much on collaboration, persistence, and a shared fascination with how volcanoes shape the Earth. Being recognised by the Geological Society of London connects my work to a long tradition of scientists who have advanced our understanding of these powerful systems.”

“This award reflects not just my own efforts, but the guidance of mentors, the support of colleagues, and the collective work that goes into every dataset, field campaign, and model. It’s a reminder of why I chose volcanology in the first place and a motivation to keep contributing to the science and community with integrity, curiosity, and enthusiasm.”

The President’s Awards were established in 1980 by Professor Perce Allen and are awarded annually at the discretion of the incumbent President of the Geological Society. Each award is valued at £250.

Founded in 1807, the Geological Society of London is the UK’s national society for geoscience and one of the oldest geological societies in the world. It represents a global community of more than 12,000 Earth scientists, including geologists, geophysicists, and planetary geoscientists.

The Society aims to advance and share knowledge of planet Earth and beyond for the benefit of humanity. It does this by supporting Earth scientists, growing interest in the natural world, and connecting science, the profession and society.

Lib Dems warn jobs boost may be limited as turbines set to be built abroad

MILFORD HAVEN’S role in Wales’ flagship floating wind project remains unclear after new criticism emerged over the Port Talbot investment.

The UK Government has announced £64 million to turn Port Talbot into the UK’s first floating offshore wind hub in the Celtic Sea, a move expected to support thousands of jobs.

However, fresh political concerns have now been raised over how much of that economic benefit will actually stay in Wales.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have warned that the project risks becoming an assembly operation rather than a full industrial supply chain.

David Chadwick MP said: “Any job creation is a positive step for Port Talbot, but Labour need to be honest about what this actually contains.

“These turbines are set to be built using imported steel and only assembled locally, not manufactured. This means much of the real economic value will still go elsewhere.”

Milford Haven still waiting for clarity

The announcement has also left unanswered questions about Milford Haven’s role within the Celtic Freeport.

While Port Talbot has secured clear backing as the main construction hub, there has been no detailed explanation of what activity will be based in Pembrokeshire.

That lack of detail is significant.

Milford Haven already has deep-water access, established energy infrastructure, and a long-standing role in UK energy security—factors which many expected would place it at the centre of offshore wind operations in the Celtic Sea.

Jobs — but where is the value?

The UK Government says the project could unlock over £500 million in private investment and support up to 5,000 jobs.

But critics argue that if key components are manufactured overseas, Wales risks missing out on the higher-value parts of the supply chain.

That raises a broader concern for Pembrokeshire: whether Milford Haven will secure meaningful long-term work, such as maintenance, servicing, and logistics—or be left with only limited involvement.

Energy transition moment

For Milford Haven, the stakes are high.

The port has long been a cornerstone of Britain’s fossil fuel infrastructure.

Floating offshore wind represents the next phase of that story—but exactly how big a role the Haven will play is still to be defined.

With billions in investment expected in the Celtic Sea, local leaders are now likely to push for clearer commitments to ensure Pembrokeshire is not left behind in the transition.

HOSPICES throughout Wales are set to benefit from a £4.3m support package announced by the Welsh Government, aimed at helping both children’s and adult services cope with mounting financial pressures.

The funding will provide relief as hospices grapple with rising energy costs, workforce shortages and growing demand for increasingly complex care.

Alongside the financial support, landmark national commissioning guidance has been agreed for the first time, establishing a fairer and more consistent framework for how hospice and palliative care services are planned and funded. The reforms are intended to pave the way for a streamlined national commissioning model from April 2027, tackling longstanding inequities in access to care across the country.

Around 35,000 people die in Wales each year, with up to 29,000 having palliative care needs. Yet roughly a quarter of people currently lack access to a hospice or equivalent specialist palliative care support.

The one-off stabilisation grant brings total Welsh Government investment in hospices to more than £25m over this Senedd term.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, said: “Hospices provide valued and trusted care to thousands of people and families at the most difficult time in their lives. They enable people to spend their final days with dignity, comfort and compassion, surrounded by those they love.

“This grant will provide immediate support to help hospices continue their vital work. With the new commissioning guidance, we are laying the foundations for a fairer, more sustainable future for hospice care in Wales; one where funding is more predictable, services are commissioned based on need, and every person has access to high-quality end of life care.”

National Clinical Lead for Palliative and End-of-Life Care, Dr Idris Baker, said: “The new commissioning guidance is a major step forward, setting a clear and consistent approach to how hospice care is planned and funded across Wales.

“Hospices are a vital part of the palliative and end-of-life care system, bringing specialist expertise, compassion and support to people, families and communities when it matters most.

“This funding provides important stability for the sector now, while the guidance lays the foundations for a more sustainable and equitable future, helping ensure that access to high quality care is based on need, wherever people live.

“Our focus now is on implementation and the next phase of work to strengthen equity across Wales, including developing a whole system approach to specialist palliative care commissioning. By building on this progress, we can reduce variation, improve access, and ensure services work seamlessly together to meet the needs of people and families across all settings.”

Chief Executive Officer of City Hospice, Dr Liz Booyse, said: “This funding is welcome news for hospices across Wales. Like many in our sector, we have been navigating a challenging financial landscape.

“This stabilisation grant will support City Hospice as we continue to provide specialist care to patients and families who need us most.

“We also welcome the new commissioning guidance, and Welsh Government’s commitment to establishing a long term sustainable hospice sector in Wales, working in partnership with hospices, to ensure we can be there for our communities for years to come.”