A NEW Aberystwyth University research centre dedicated to developing a greater understanding of contemporary politics and society in Wales completed its launch year with a reception in Cardiff Bay.

The Centre for Welsh Politics and Society (CWPS) brings together geographers, modern historians, political scientists and psychologists to tackle some of the pressing social and economic issues that face Wales today.

The reception, hosted by Ceredigion Assembly Member and National Assembly for Wales presiding officer Elin Jones AM, took place at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay.

Leading CWPS researchers working on the centre’s three main themes – governance, participation and civil society; language, culture and identity; and global connection – were on hand to discuss their work.

Speaking ahead of the event, Prof Michael Woods, co-director of CWPS, said: “The reception in the Pierhead is a great opportunity for us to tell Cardiff-based politicians, civil servants and civil society leaders about the excellent research being conducted in the centre, and to demonstrate that Aberystwyth University is contributing to the social and political life of the whole of Wales.”

His fellow co-director, Dr Anwen Elias added: “The reception tops a busy first year for CWPS and we are grateful to Elin Jones AM for her sponsorship of the event.”