This year’s National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal is awarded to Twm Elias, Nebo, Gwynedd, for his lifelong contribution to science through the medium of Welsh.
There is no one quite like Twm Elias. His contribution to science and to nature and botany in particular, is second to none, and his enthusiasm and energy is infectious.
Originally from Clynnog between Caernarfon and Pwllheli, he graduated in Agricultural Botany at Bangor University, before following a postgraduate course looking at the physiological attitudes of grass growth.
He then moved to Aberystwyth University where he looked at the natural variation in winter-hardship among grasses and clovers across Wales, until he was appointed to his perfect job, as a field lecturer in Plas Tan y Bwlch, Snowdonia National Park’s Study Centre in Maentwrog. He remained there working as a senior lecturer until his retirement in 2014.
The world of nature and science would be far poorer without Twm Elias’ expertise and work. With his wide-ranging vision and tireless activity, he played a key role in setting up a number of important societies and websites.
He was the first secretary of Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd, and is still the secretary of Cymdeithas Llafar Gwlad, almost forty years since its inception. His contribution to societies like Cymdeithas Gwaith Maes (Field Work Society) for schools and Partneriaeth Garddio Bywyd Gwyllt Eryri (Snowdonia Wildlife Gardening Society) are particularly valuable, practically promoting biodiversity among the public. His contribution has been vital to the development and success of a number of important organisations here in Wales.
He is a natural broadcaster; his vast knowledge and warmth when next to the microphone or in front of the camera has entertained audiences in both Welsh and English for many years. A stalwart of the popular radio programme, Galwad Cynnar, he manages to answer every question and query thrown at him, reviving old Welsh names and terms long forgotten.
His many lively and interesting articles in magazines such as Llafar Gwlad have entertained readers for years, and he has also written a number of books, with his six-volume Blodau Cymru (Welsh Flowers) and the four volume, Enwau Creaduriaid a Phlanhigion, which he co-edited with expert Duncan Brown, among the most important publications on nature in Wales.
Twm Elias’ contribution to nature and botany in Wales over the years has been immeasurable, and he richly deserves to be honoured with the Science and Technology Medal at this year’s National Eisteddfod. He will be honoured on the Pavilion stage during festival week.