Gareth Davies, Member of the Senedd for the Vale of Clwyd was thrilled to meet Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice Chancellor of Glyndwr University.
As the university develops and modernises, Gareth was eager to highlight his time at Glyndwr University studying a short course to progress in his career before coming a politician. Gareth was also keen to discuss how much the University has changed in the last 6-years. Although changes to the university's infrastructure have been positive, the Vice Chancellor highlighted how cost of living pressures have changed the working life of staff in recent years. In response, Gareth was glad to hear that the University has offered a pay rise of up to 5% for its staff.
At St. Asaph Campus, the Optic Centre works in conjunction with OPTiC, both in St. Asaph and provides cutting edge technology with requires specialist input from organisations in the local area. It is a matter of pride for Gareth that Glyndwr University has a speciality in photonics and optics and is providing groundbreaking research in this important sector. However, challenges to recruit staff has made it difficult to allow many projects to run fully. Gareth was worried to hear that the number of students from Germany has dropped 50% and the University feels this is providing severe challenges. Equally, such challenges are made worse by a small research and development sector in Wales and an end to EU funding.
Speaking after the meeting, Gareth said ''Glyndwr University is a shining example to research and development that North Wales has to offer to Wales and the world, especially in Allied Health Courses and training. Equally, I was glad to hear that there is a focus on training, developing and retaining staff through its courses in order to keep jobs and local people in their area. This is unique to Wales and its development and shows that the Vale of Clwyd, and North Wales, is a research and economic hub''.
ENDS.
