Pictured: Professor Elizabeth Treasure vice chancellor, Elaine Davies, Ioan Matthews.

Aberystwyth University introduces Defi Fet Scholarship.

Aberystwyth University School of Veterinary Science is offering a new scholarship for students to study veterinary science in Welsh.

The scholarship, named the 'Defi Fet Scholarship', has been created in memory of late veterinary surgeon DGE Davies, who practised in the Llandysul area.

Established following a donation from Davies' family to the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, successful applicants will receive £2,500 over the five year study period to study at Aberystwyth, in Wales' first School of Veterinary Science.

Recipients of the Defi Fet Scholarship will undertake over half of their farm and clinical work experience in Welsh, and will have full access to the university's Welsh-medium learning provision.

Elaine Davies, daughter of DGE Davies, said on behalf of her family: "My father would be delighted to see the veterinary department in Aberystwyth and, even more, to think that young Welsh speakers have the opportunity to train in this key area in their own language. 

“It is important that we build a new generation of vets who know their people and who can offer their services in Welsh. 

“Offering a good education and providing a service to a community were two cornerstones of Dad's life and being able to offer this scholarship is a perfect memorial to him."

Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University, Professor Elizabeth Treasure, commented: “Expanding and normalising Welsh-medium provision is absolutely at the heart of our mission as a university and for our School of Veterinary Science. 

“We thank Elaine Davies's family for its generosity and the Coleg Cymraeg for the important partnership. This will strengthen our Welsh-language offer even further. 

“It will also strengthen the relationship between our students and Welsh vets, creating an additional incentive to work in Wales once they graduate.”

Anyone wishing for further details on the scholarship should contact scholarships@aber.ac.uk for more information. 

Image (C) Aberystwyth University (sourced from Facebook)