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A message from the Head of Development and Alumni Relations
As we enjoy the beauty of North Wales during this autumn season, we’re pleased to share the latest news from the University and our alumni community.
Wherever you’re now based around the world, your legacy continues to shape our community and we thank you for being part of Bangor University’s journey and for keeping engaged with us.
As you’ll read below, the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s autumn Bangor Fund telethon campaign is currently in full swing. Our team of student callers have been delighted to hear your stories about your time in Bangor and to tell you about the ways in which donations from our alumni help today’s students. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to speak to our students – it really does brighten our day to hear how affectionately our alumni speak of their time here at the University.
BANGOR UNIVERSITY NEWS
Bangor Fund telethon campaign underway
Managed by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, the autumn Bangor Fund Telethon campaign is currently underway. During the campaign, student callers connect with alumni to share updates from campus, reflect on Bangor memories and highlight the impact of alumni support.
Last spring, alumni pledged £62,000 over the next five years, enabling the Bangor Fund to provide extra bursaries, field trips, sustainability projects, well-being initiatives and employability activities that provide added value to the student experience.
Persida Chung, Development Officer, shared:
“The Telethon provides a great opportunity for student callers to connect with past generations of Bangor University students, to share news and experiences while strengthening the wider University community. We are particularly grateful to all alumni and honorary fellows who generously took the time to share their insight into their post-Bangor lives and careers. The advice and words of encouragement given to our students as they are about to make significant decisions hold immense value to them.”
Alumni are encouraged to share news of the Telethon with fellow alumni in their networks and to celebrate the continued generosity that helps Bangor students thrive. Learn more about the Bangor Fund here. If you would like to receive a call from one of our students please email alumni@bangor.ac.uk
Bangor University Brass Band celebrates its 15th anniversary
Bangor University’s Brass Band celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and to mark this milestone, alumni from the past 15 years are reuniting with current members of the band for a spectacular alumni concert.
The evening will feature some of the band’s favourite performances from over the years, including classic pieces such as Men of Harlech, Highland Cathedral, and Puttin’ on the Ritz, along with some fun, feel-good pop hits like Runaway Baby and I Gotta Feeling.
The concert will be held on Saturday, 29 November, 6:00pm – 8:00pm in Bangor University’s Prichard Jones Hall. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked here.
Graduate Outcomes Survey: opening soon for recent graduates
The Graduate Outcomes Survey is about to open for those who completed their degrees between 1 August and 30 October 2024.
This national survey is important as your responses will help our current and future students gain an insight into career destinations and development as well as help us to evaluate, plan and promote our courses, services and facilities. Remember, you could be surveyed at any point between 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.
In the coming weeks, some graduates may also be contacted by staff from their academic schools. These calls are intended to signpost career support available through the Student Success team, and staff may also remind you about the survey.
We appreciate your time and input—it makes a real difference.
Special screening of 'Joy' to celebrate Bangor alumnus
We were delighted to hold a very special screening of ‘Joy’ in Pontio last week, which followed a Q&A session with one of its stars and Bangor University Honorary Fellow, Joanna Scanlan.
‘Joy’ tells the story of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), pioneered by Bangor University alumnus Sir Robert Edwards, which led to the birth of the world’s first ‘test tube baby’ Louise Joy Brown.
The film is told through the perspective of Jean Purdy, a young nurse and embryologist who joined forces with scientist Robert Edwards and surgeon Patrick Steptoe to unlock the puzzle of infertility by pioneering IVF. Since then, millions of babies have been born worldwide thanks to IVF – a testament to the life-changing impact of their work.
We were privileged to be joined by acclaimed actor Joanna Scanlan for a Q&A session before the free screening. Joanna plays Jean Purdy’s ultra-religious mother Gladys in ‘Joy’ and gave her insights into working on the film to a full house in Pontio's cinema.
Dr Nia Jones Dean of Medicine and Deputy Head of School at Bangor University who hosted the Q&A said: “Sir Robert Edwards’s work continues to inspire generations of scientists and students not only in Bangor, but also world-wide. His legacy reminds us how curiosity, perseverance, connection and compassion can come together to change and create millions of lives. Welcoming actress Joanna Scanlan back to Bangor to celebrate his story through the film ‘Joy’ not only honours his remarkable contribution to science but also reflects our enduring connection between creativity, research, and humanity.”
Hundreds join to celebrate 1,500 years of heritage
Last month saw the return of the Bangor History Festival, seeing hundreds taking part in the vibrant celebration of the city’s 1,500-year heritage.
The two-day event, organised by Bangor City Council and Bangor University in partnership with local organisations, offered a packed programme of talks, tours, workshops, and exhibitions exploring the city’s rich past and its role in Welsh history.
Attenborough's Animals: An Accessible Adventure
Alumnus Ryan Eddowes (Zoology with Herpetology, 2015) is embarking on a project to celebrate the incredible legacy of Sir David Attenborough as he approaches his 100th birthday next year. Ryan’s mission is to identify and document every species named in Sir David’s honour, exploring the conservation efforts in place to protect them and share their remarkable stories..
Ryan was born with Bilateral Congenital Talipes Equinovarus — “clubfoot” - a condition where your feet turn inward, affecting mobility. After nearly three decades of pain, Ryan underwent a below-the-knee amputation on his right leg in 2024 and, as someone with a physical disability, this challenge will also highlight the vital role of accessibility and inclusion in conservation. This project aims to show that adventure and conservation are possible — and meaningful — for everyone.
Ahead of his mission, Ryan contacted Sir David – himself a Bangor University Honorary Degree recipient - for his blessing and was delighted to receive a letter in return wishing him all the best!
You can see Ryan’s introductory video here.
Good luck Ryan!
Bangor University researchers listed among worldwide top 1%
Five leading researchers at Bangor University are listed among the world’s most highly cited researchers, placing them among the top 1% of researchers worldwide, according to the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers 2025 List.
The researchers have each demonstrated significant and broad influence in their chosen field or fields of research as measured by the visibility of their research. Clarivate use an approach based on the number of times the work of a researcher is referenced by their peers. Citation based metrics like this are one of the ways that you can gain some sense of the visibility and influence of research.
Proposal to establish new Dental School in Wales
Bangor and Aberystwyth Universities have developed an initial joint proposal for the Welsh Government to establish a new Dental School.
Working with the health boards and Cardiff University, the aim of the high-level plan is to create new dental training opportunities, addressing the need for enhanced dental education and services in north and mid Wales.
The plan is to focus on the needs of primary and community dental care across rural and semi-rural Wales, including the needs of Welsh speakers.
North Wales to once again stand at the forefront of the nuclear industry
Bangor University is pleased to welcome the announcement that Wylfa on Anglesey has been chosen as the site for the UK’s first Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the UK. This decision represents a momentous step forward for the UK’s clean energy future, and for North Wales, which stands once again at the forefront of the nuclear industry.
The Nuclear Futures Institute (NFI) at Bangor University has played a key role in supporting nuclear in North Wales since it was established in 2017. Under the founding leadership of Professor Bill Lee FREng FLSW, and through the tireless work of our researchers, partners, and collaborators, the Institute has become a hub of nuclear innovation and expertise in Wales and the UK.
Wylfa, situated on Ynys Môn, is an ideal site for such innovation. It boasts a strong nuclear heritage, robust grid connections, and a skilled local workforce shaped by more than half a century of safe nuclear operations. From the original Wylfa Magnox power station to Trawsfynydd in Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales has been home to generations of highly skilled professionals who have contributed to the UK’s nuclear success story.
AI Growth zone for North Wales
Bangor University has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that North Wales will host one of the country’s new AI growth Zones, designed to accelerate innovation, attract investment and create jobs.
The University has extensive expertise in AI and data across its disciplines including the highly successful Welsh Large Language Model, developed by Bangor University in partnership with University College London and NVIDIA . This project exemplifies how AI can transform lives, support public services across Great Britain, and help preserve the Welsh language and culture.
Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor, said: "Securing the AI Growth Zone status for Anglesey and Gwynedd is incredibly exciting. It recognises the region’s potential as a centre for innovation and sustainable economic growth. When combined with the powerful offer of the University’s research base, the investment in the Albert Gubay Business School and the highly successful Menai Science Park we are uniquely positioned to lead in developing the skills, partnerships and technologies that will shape the future of AI creating high value business and career opportunities across the region."
Bangor University marks one year of Ecosia switch with over 18,000 trees planted
A year after Bangor University adopted Ecosia as its default search engine, staff and students have helped plant an estimated 18,141 trees across global reforestation projects.
The move positioned Bangor at the head of a growing number of higher education institutions pioneering environmentally responsible digital choices. Ecosia uses profits generated through web searches to fund tree-planting in biodiversity hotspots, restoring landscapes, supporting communities and helping to tackle climate change.
