DECIPHer’s Dr Caitlyn Donaldson has received the Learned Society of Wales’ inaugural Hywel Thomas Prize, in recognition of her mentorship, community building, and service at institutional and national levels.
The prize, awarded at the Society’s fourth annual Early Career Researchers (ECR) Colloquium in Aberystwyth, ‘recognises individuals or teams who champion ECRs and who work to improve Wales’ broad research culture beyond their own career or institution’.
Caitlyn is a Research Associate at Cardiff University, based across DECIPHer and the Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health. She joined DECIPHer in 2019 as a PhD student. Her research focuses on children and young people’s mental health outcomes within the context of primary and secondary schools, with a particular interest in the transition from primary to secondary school. Within DECIPHer, she also runs the PhD student mentoring group.
DECIPHer PhD student Nicole Gelfert, who nominated Caitlyn, said: ‘Caitlyn’s work has strengthened research culture by creating inclusive, supportive outlets for ECRs to connect, develop, and flourish. She has taken the initiative to organise and facilitate a monthly mentoring group for DECIPHer PhD students for the past two years. These sessions normalise the inherent challenges of the PhD journey, reducing isolation and fostering peer connection. Caitlyn creates session content tailored to students’ needs that helps make academia and research more accessible, particularly for students who are the first in their families to attend university and those from abroad. Caitlyn makes the “hidden curriculum” explicit, offering insight into Viva preparation and postdoctoral opportunities. Thanks to her vision and commitment, our centre has a vibrant cohort of PhD students who are highly engaged and encouraging of one another.’
Caitlyn also serves as an ECR representative on the Cardiff University School of Social Sciences Research Committee, raising issues on behalf of ECRs, helping to create an equitable and inclusive research culture at the school level. Beyond the University, she has served as an ECR representative on the Learned Society of Wales’s Advisory Group for Researcher Development since December 2024, ensuring that the LSW’s work aligns with the needs of ECRs. More recently, Caitlyn was selected for the NIHR Mental Research Incubator’s Peer Coaching Programme, exploring common ECR challenges with programme peers and working collaboratively to address them.
Professor Graham Moore, DECIPHer Centre Director said: ‘Caitlyn has become a mentor to our large and diverse group of PhD students, as well as international visiting students. In addition to inspiring others through her own research excellence, she has made an invaluable contribution to the positive and supportive research culture of the centre through this mentoring.’
Caitlyn said about her award: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the inaugural Hywel Thomas Prize for research culture and community leadership. Supporting the development of PhD students and early career researchers is something I care deeply about, and this award reflects the collaborative communities we are building together.’
‘Caitlyn has been an exceptional mentor throughout my PhD, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment within our research centre. Her support made the transition from undergraduate and master’s study much less daunting.’
Caitlin Jackson, DECIPHer Second-Year PhD Researcher
‘Caitlyn has played a vital role in nurturing a positive and supportive research culture here at DECIPHer, regularly taking the initiative to assist colleagues and demystify academic processes for newer
researchers. Her willingness to respond to countless questions with patience, insight, and kindness has made a tangible impact on the confidence and development of those around her. ‘
Dr Abbey Rowe, DECIPHer Research Associate
