The Anglesey National Eisteddfod Science and Technology Medal is awarded to Deri Tomos, Llanllechid, Gwynedd, for his lifelong contribution to science through the medium of Welsh.
The honour was announced at the recent meeting of the Eisteddfod Council in Aberystwyth.
Originally from Cardiff, Deri came to Bangor as a research fellow in the University after graduating and completing his doctorate at Cambridge. He was appointed a lecturer in Bangor in 1985, and within ten years had received a Personal Chair at the University. He has also spent time as a research fellow in Adelaide, Utah and Heidelberg.
Deri is also an inspiring teacher who has contributed greatly to a wide range of degree schemes including Biochemistry, Biology and Biomedicine. He was responsible for developing much of the Welsh medium provision for these degree courses, and faced considerable opposition at the time.
Before his retirement, he ensured that the provision could continue by gaining sponsorship from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol for a Welsh medium lectureship. Deri is also chair of the Natural Sciences Panel and an active member of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Academic Board. He was also an integral part of the Cymdeithas Wyddonol (Scientific Society) in the 1980s.
Deri has done more than anyone to popularise Science through the medium of Welsh. An excellent communicator, he is a well-known voice and face on radio and television. His recent series, ‘Labordy Deri a Bryn’ on Radio Cymru was very well-received and his television work include ‘Dibendraw’ and ‘Darwin, y Cymro a’r Cynllwyn’.
Deri has also published many short articles in publications such as Y Faner and Y Gwyddonydd, and for the past ten years he has written the Science column for Barn. His most recent contributions include Welsh language scientific explanations for Wicipedia. This is likely to be one of the priorities during his retirement – a valuable resource for the future.
Deri Tomos’ contribution to Welsh medium science has been extensive, and he is one of the stars of science in Wales and an important ambassador for the field.
Deri will receive the honour at a special ceremony on the Eisteddfod Maes in August.