Eirwen Meiriona Gwynn
Science > Medicine

Eirwen Meiriona Gwynn is famous because she was the first woman to gain a PhD in Physics at University College of Wales, Bangor. She later went on to become an award winning writer.

Eirwen Meiriona Gwynn
  • 1927: The family moved to Llŷn.
  • 1934: Eirwen won a scholarship to study Physics at University College of Wales, Bangor.
  • 1938: After graduating, Eirwen stayed in Bangor to research X-ray crystallography.
  • 1942: Eirwen was the first woman to gain a PhD in Physics at University College of Wales, Bangor.
  • 1943–50: During this period the danger of Eirwen’s research into X-rays became apparent when she had to have treatment for an ovarian growth.
  • 1970: She won a BBC prize in a drama writing competition.
  • 1987: Published 'Bwyta i Fyw' (Eating to Live).
  • 1985: She was honoured as a Derwydd member of the Gorsedd of Bards.
  • 1999: Her autobiography, 'Ni’n Dau: Hanes Dau Gariad' (The Two of Us: the story of two lovers) is published.
  • 2002: Received and University of Bangor Fellowship.
  • 2006: Awarded the National Eisteddfod Science and Technology medal and was President of The National Scientific Society until her death.

Place of Birth: Liverpool, England

Date of Birth: 01 December 1916

Date of Death: 26 January 2007

‘She was the first woman to gain a doctorate in Physics from Bangor University. She was a tireless and sincere communicator.’ – National Eisteddfod of Wales.

External Links

Wikipedia - Eirwen Meiriona Gwynn

Dictionary of Welsh Biography - Eirwen Meiriona Gwynn