Posted on 28 May 2010
Dr Lyn Evans and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
The worlds of Science and Art came together on Friday, May 28 2010, in Cardiff’s St. David’s Hall, where two men at the zenith of their respective fields, received an honorary degree from the University of Wales. The physicist, Dr Lyndon Evans, and portrait painter, David Griffiths, this year’s recipients of the accolade, attended an awards ceremony in recognition of their achievements.
Dr Lyn Evans has forged a career building a machine to replicate the eternal mystery of the “big bang”, whilst David Griffiths, the portrait painter, has made his name painting the portraits of celebrities and Royalty figures. Both men have strong ties to Wales, though they have both led very different yet distinguished lives.
Born and raised in Aberdare, Dr Lyn Evans attended the then University of Wales Swansea to study physics at undergraduate level, where he would go on to achieve a PhD in 1970. In 1971, he joined Geneva’s European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) as a research fellow, where he has been working ever since. Dr Evans has devoted the last 15 years of his career leading an international team in the construction of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
The LHC operation has captured the imagination of onlookers across the globe and if it achieves its objectives, it will take us through a locked door of understanding particle physics and their effect on the forces of nature. He has received many accolades and awards throughout his career, including a CBE in 2001.
On receiving his Honorary Degree, Lyn Evans said:
‘It’s been 41 years since I received a degree from the University of Wales and to receive an honorary degree after all this time is the ultimate accolade. After having lived out of Wales for so long, I’m glad the University hasn’t forgotten about me!’
Having been born in Liverpool, David Griffiths grew up in the North of Wales. Having graduated from The Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, he soon established himself as one of the nation's foremost artists. He has painted portraits of many of the most eminent figures in contemporary society including many celebrities and Royalty figures. It was his portrait of HRH Prince Charles on the occasion of his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969 which brought recognition to David Griffiths as a talented portrait painter and it remains one of his best-known pieces.
On receiving his award David Griffiths said:
‘It is both an honour and privilege to receive this award which, I would like to think, recognises the long and distinguished tradition of portrait painting in Wales. If it is also supportive of one's efforts to maintain the highest standards of figurative art, then I hope it will be an encouragement to students to develop their own observational skills through portraiture.’
Professor Marc Clement Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales commented:
‘The University is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of two people who may be from very different disciplines, but have demonstrated both the immense talent and unremitting hard work which it takes to gain such resounding success in their fields. It is a particular pleasure to award these degrees during celebrations for our new international graduates, providing them with inspiring examples of achievement to aim for in their own careers.’
/Ends
Notes to Editors:
Past University of Wales Honorary Graduates include: Desmond Tutu (1998); Dame Judi Dench (2001); Gareth Edwards (2000); Seamus Heaney (2000); Anthony Hopkins (1988); John Humphreys (1998); Aung San Suu Kyi (1998).
* A comprehensive list of past honorary graduates can be provided on request.
For more information on the University of Wales: www.wales.ac.uk|/
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