Latest news with #ScienceandTechnologyMedal
Leader Live
08-08-2025
- Science
- Leader Live
National Eisteddfod honours speech tech innovator in Wrexham
Dewi Bryn Jones has received the Science and Technology Medal at the 2025 National Eisteddfod, held this year in Wrexham. The award recognises his pioneering work in Welsh language computing and speech technologies. Mr Jones leads the Language Technologies Unit at Canolfan Bedwyr, Bangor University, where he and his team have developed a wide range of digital tools and resources that make it easier for people to use Welsh on computers and mobile devices. Professor Delyth Prys, former head of the technology unit at Canolfan Bedwyr, said: "The award is thoroughly deserved by Dewi. "I would go so far as to say that without his contribution, we wouldn't have any Welsh software today." Mr Jones' work has had a significant impact on accessibility. His technologies support disabled users and those with additional needs to communicate in Welsh, ensuring the language remains inclusive and accessible in the digital age. Professor Deri Tomos, a previous recipient of the Science and Technology Medal, said: "This unit is absolutely vital to the future of the language. "Dewi lives and breathes the world of computing – it's a core part of his life, and I'm sure he's delighted to receive this honour." Born in Pwllheli, Mr Jones studied computer science at the University of York and has worked in Cambridge, Zurich, and Finland. While in Helsinki, he started translating and localising Netscape Navigator, one of the earliest web browsers. He later returned to Wales to join Draig Technology Ltd, where he helped develop To Bach, a tool for adding Welsh accents while typing. In 2002, he joined the Language Technologies Unit at Canolfan Bedwyr. He has since led the development of key Welsh language software, including the Cysgliad suite, which features the Cysill spelling and grammar checker and the Cysgeir electronic dictionary. Mr Jones said: "It's a great pleasure and honour to do this work and to be part of a team of others who are just as enthusiastic and talented – more talented than me. "It's a unit of software developers and language experts with a mix of skills to create all this work. "We're creating apps that work in Welsh and showing that it's possible to build resources that expand the use of Welsh and normalise the language in the tech world." He has also developed key databases and platforms for Welsh dictionaries, including the digital version of Geiriadur yr Academi and Y Porth Termau Cenedlaethol. More than 20 years ago, Mr Jones began researching speech technology for Welsh. He has developed synthetic voices for people unable to speak due to medical conditions, as well as for games and other digital products. In 2017, he created Lleisiwr, a tool that allows NHS Wales patients to generate a synthetic Welsh version of their voice before losing the ability to speak. A bilingual version followed in 2020. He is currently working with the NHS and a Scottish company to develop synthetic voices with different accents for children and young people in Wales. Many of his innovations are integrated into Macsen, the first Welsh-language voice assistant. Macsen can be controlled entirely in Welsh and offers news, weather, music, translation, and more. Mr Jones has also been instrumental in including Welsh in Mozilla's international Common Voice project, which crowdsources voice data to support speech technology in multiple languages. READ MORE: Fundraiser aims to make dreams of teenager battling rare heart cancer a reality He helped establish the Master's degree in Language Technologies at Bangor University, where he now lectures. He also supervised the first PhD in speech technology through the medium of Welsh and authored the first Welsh-language handbook on language and speech technologies. The Science and Technology Medal was first awarded in 2004. The inaugural winner was Professor Glyn O Phillips, a scientist from Wrexham and the founding head of the North East Wales Institute, now Wrexham University.
Powys County Times
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
AI takes centre stage at National Eisteddfod in Wales
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking centre stage this week. It's a key theme at this year's National Eisteddfod, with talks and events exploring its impact through technology, language, and daily life. The discussion is part of a wider programme in the Science and Technology Village, co-organised by M-SParc (the Menai Science Park), where a session titled "Is There AI?" will take place on Thursday at 2.45pm, chaired by Archdruid Rhys Iorwerth. Emily Roberts, outreach and community manager at M-SParc, said: "The National Eisteddfod is a broad celebration of Welsh culture, language, and identity – but in recent years, one area has really stood out as a place where tradition meets the future: the Science and Technology Village. "It's where innovation is presented through the Welsh language, where children learn through play, where older generations discover new technologies in an easy-to-understand way, and where everyone can enjoy amazing and unforgettable experiences. "This village is a vital part of the Eisteddfod, offering a platform for organisations, companies, and experts to share innovative ideas, the latest developments, and exciting research. "Whether it's about health, renewable energy, AI, or agriculture – there's something here for everyone: schoolchildren, young people, families, experts, and older generations alike. "Come and discover the future." The village aims to inspire visitors of all ages with hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to make science and technology accessible and fun. One of the highlights is the M-SParc Science Show, held at the Eisteddfod for the first time this year and focused on the theme of waves. Ms Roberts said: "What are waves – the energy – that bring us back together and weave into our everyday lives? "We'll be exploring sea waves, sound waves, and even the waves inside our own bodies. "There'll be a chance to understand your heartbeat and see live how music reaches our ears. "With something new for everyone of all ages to learn, we're encouraging people to come and remember why science is so fascinating – because it's part of all our lives, every single day. "The show is a lot of fun." The Science and Technology Medal will be awarded to Dewi Bryn Jones for his contributions to Welsh-language software and apps. A tribute to Professor Glyn O. Phillips, the first recipient of the medal in 2004, will also take place on Thursday at 3pm.
Leader Live
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
AI takes centre stage at National Eisteddfod in Wales
It's a key theme at this year's National Eisteddfod, with talks and events exploring its impact through technology, language, and daily life. The discussion is part of a wider programme in the Science and Technology Village, co-organised by M-SParc (the Menai Science Park), where a session titled "Is There AI?" will take place on Thursday at 2.45pm, chaired by Archdruid Rhys Iorwerth. Emily Roberts, outreach and community manager at M-SParc, said: "The National Eisteddfod is a broad celebration of Welsh culture, language, and identity – but in recent years, one area has really stood out as a place where tradition meets the future: the Science and Technology Village. "It's where innovation is presented through the Welsh language, where children learn through play, where older generations discover new technologies in an easy-to-understand way, and where everyone can enjoy amazing and unforgettable experiences. "This village is a vital part of the Eisteddfod, offering a platform for organisations, companies, and experts to share innovative ideas, the latest developments, and exciting research. "Whether it's about health, renewable energy, AI, or agriculture – there's something here for everyone: schoolchildren, young people, families, experts, and older generations alike. "Come and discover the future." The village aims to inspire visitors of all ages with hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to make science and technology accessible and fun. One of the highlights is the M-SParc Science Show, held at the Eisteddfod for the first time this year and focused on the theme of waves. The village aims to inspire visitors of all ages (Image: Aled Llywelyn) Ms Roberts said: "What are waves – the energy – that bring us back together and weave into our everyday lives? "We'll be exploring sea waves, sound waves, and even the waves inside our own bodies. "There'll be a chance to understand your heartbeat and see live how music reaches our ears. "With something new for everyone of all ages to learn, we're encouraging people to come and remember why science is so fascinating – because it's part of all our lives, every single day. "The show is a lot of fun." The Science and Technology Medal will be awarded to Dewi Bryn Jones for his contributions to Welsh-language software and apps. A tribute to Professor Glyn O. Phillips, the first recipient of the medal in 2004, will also take place on Thursday at 3pm.
North Wales Chronicle
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
AI takes centre stage at National Eisteddfod in Wales
It's a key theme at this year's National Eisteddfod, with talks and events exploring its impact through technology, language, and daily life. The discussion is part of a wider programme in the Science and Technology Village, co-organised by M-SParc (the Menai Science Park), where a session titled "Is There AI?" will take place on Thursday at 2.45pm, chaired by Archdruid Rhys Iorwerth. Emily Roberts, outreach and community manager at M-SParc, said: "The National Eisteddfod is a broad celebration of Welsh culture, language, and identity – but in recent years, one area has really stood out as a place where tradition meets the future: the Science and Technology Village. "It's where innovation is presented through the Welsh language, where children learn through play, where older generations discover new technologies in an easy-to-understand way, and where everyone can enjoy amazing and unforgettable experiences. "This village is a vital part of the Eisteddfod, offering a platform for organisations, companies, and experts to share innovative ideas, the latest developments, and exciting research. "Whether it's about health, renewable energy, AI, or agriculture – there's something here for everyone: schoolchildren, young people, families, experts, and older generations alike. "Come and discover the future." The village aims to inspire visitors of all ages with hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to make science and technology accessible and fun. One of the highlights is the M-SParc Science Show, held at the Eisteddfod for the first time this year and focused on the theme of waves. The village aims to inspire visitors of all ages (Image: Aled Llywelyn) Ms Roberts said: "What are waves – the energy – that bring us back together and weave into our everyday lives? "We'll be exploring sea waves, sound waves, and even the waves inside our own bodies. "There'll be a chance to understand your heartbeat and see live how music reaches our ears. "With something new for everyone of all ages to learn, we're encouraging people to come and remember why science is so fascinating – because it's part of all our lives, every single day. "The show is a lot of fun." The Science and Technology Medal will be awarded to Dewi Bryn Jones for his contributions to Welsh-language software and apps. A tribute to Professor Glyn O. Phillips, the first recipient of the medal in 2004, will also take place on Thursday at 3pm.
Rhyl Journal
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
AI takes centre stage at National Eisteddfod in Wales
It's a key theme at this year's National Eisteddfod, with talks and events exploring its impact through technology, language, and daily life. The discussion is part of a wider programme in the Science and Technology Village, co-organised by M-SParc (the Menai Science Park), where a session titled "Is There AI?" will take place on Thursday at 2.45pm, chaired by Archdruid Rhys Iorwerth. Emily Roberts, outreach and community manager at M-SParc, said: "The National Eisteddfod is a broad celebration of Welsh culture, language, and identity – but in recent years, one area has really stood out as a place where tradition meets the future: the Science and Technology Village. "It's where innovation is presented through the Welsh language, where children learn through play, where older generations discover new technologies in an easy-to-understand way, and where everyone can enjoy amazing and unforgettable experiences. "This village is a vital part of the Eisteddfod, offering a platform for organisations, companies, and experts to share innovative ideas, the latest developments, and exciting research. "Whether it's about health, renewable energy, AI, or agriculture – there's something here for everyone: schoolchildren, young people, families, experts, and older generations alike. "Come and discover the future." The village aims to inspire visitors of all ages with hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to make science and technology accessible and fun. One of the highlights is the M-SParc Science Show, held at the Eisteddfod for the first time this year and focused on the theme of waves. The village aims to inspire visitors of all ages (Image: Aled Llywelyn) Ms Roberts said: "What are waves – the energy – that bring us back together and weave into our everyday lives? "We'll be exploring sea waves, sound waves, and even the waves inside our own bodies. "There'll be a chance to understand your heartbeat and see live how music reaches our ears. "With something new for everyone of all ages to learn, we're encouraging people to come and remember why science is so fascinating – because it's part of all our lives, every single day. "The show is a lot of fun." The Science and Technology Medal will be awarded to Dewi Bryn Jones for his contributions to Welsh-language software and apps. A tribute to Professor Glyn O. Phillips, the first recipient of the medal in 2004, will also take place on Thursday at 3pm.
