New Wrexham Talks Research public lecture series announced
Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
The Research team at Wrexham University is celebrating the return of their popular public lecture series, Wrexham Talks Research by announcing its programme for this upcoming academic year.
This year’s Wrexham Talks Research public lecture series will offer members of the public the opportunity to attend free talks by experts on a vast range of fascinating topics – from how Wrexham AFC’s rapid rise – both on and off the pitch – is influencing local and global communities to socially engaged research on alcohol and drugs, and more.
The first lecture of the series, taking place on Monday, October 20 – starting at 5.30pm, will be continuing from last month’s Wrecsam National Eisteddfod, where members of the University community showcased and celebrated the institution’s vibrant Welsh language offer, through a host of engaging activities and talks.
Delivered by Olivia Neen, Welsh Language Skills and Academic Tutor at Wrexham University, the lecture will explore the significance of the Welsh language, its historical and cultural foundations, and the Welsh Government’s target of reaching one million speakers by 2050.
Based on recent research, the session will highlight young people’s experiences and views of Welsh language education, as well as discuss Welsh in the modern workplace, and practical suggestions for how individuals and educators can contribute to the language’s growth.
Wrexham Talks Research speakers for 2025/26.
Other talks taking place as part of the series, include:
- Access All Areas: Disability and the Arts in Wrexham – delivered by Dr. Grace Thomas, Senior Research Fellow in Arts Engagement, on Tuesday, November 25.
- You’ve got a Friend in me: Peer-to-Peer Reflective Supervision in Policing – being led by Dr. Tegan Brierley-Sollis, Lecturer in Policing, Criminology and Trauma-Informed approaches, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
- Wrexham is the Name: Wrexham AFC in the Community, Nation, and Worldwide – being jointly delivered by Sara Hilton, Senior Lecturer in Football and Coaching Science, and Dr Chris White, Lecturer in Health, Mental Health, and Wellbeing, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
- Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll: Why I don’t do Random Control Trials – delivered by Professor of Alcohol Studies, Wulf Livingston, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
- Art, Place, and the Power of Community-Centred Approaches – led by Professor Alec Shepley, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Art and Society, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Frances Thomason, Head of Research Services at Wrexham University, said: “Our public lecture series are a key part of our commitment to being open and engaged with the world around us – and we are delighted to share our programme for the upcoming academic year.
“Our public lectures are designed to spark discussion, invite debate, and shine a light on research that matters – from the local to the global.
“At Wrexham, we’re proud of our research, which is practical, creative, makes a real difference and informs our teaching.
"Our new vision and strategy sets about our commitment to being a civic university – one that works closely with our community, supports innovation, and helps shape a better future for everyone. Whether it’s improving lives locally or contributing to global challenges, we believe research should be inclusive, collaborative, and focused on real-world impact.
“However, public lectures are only possible with public voices, so we look forward to welcoming members of the public along and hearing their perspectives.”
The free lectures take place at the University’s Plas Coch campus in Wrexham, and are open to all. Those who come along will be able to enjoy complimentary food and refreshments, whilst networking with attendees and speakers, before the lecture gets underway, and then followed by audience questions.
- More information about the Wrexham Talks Research public lecture series can be found here, including how to book your place for each lecture via the Wrexham University Research team’s Eventbrite page.
