Cardiff University honours renowned Welsh journalist Gareth Jones with new scholarship

Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media, and Culture has honoured journalist Gareth Jones 90 years after he exposed the Holodomor famine, by introducing new scholarship.

Former Western Mail reporter, Gareth Jones, played a significant role in exposing the great famine under the control of the Soviet Union in 1930’s Ukraine.

According to the Welsh Centre of National Affairs, his role in this ultimately led to his murder in 1935 in Mongolia when he was kidnapped by bandits.

His other accomplishments include reporting on increasing tensions in Europe and the rise of the Nazi party.

Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media, and Culture hosted a one day conference in partnership with the School of Journalism at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, where they announced the launch of the Gareth Jones Memorial Travelling Scholarship.

Senior lecturer at JOMEC and conference organiser, Dr Tom Allbeson said: “The event drew inspiration from the challenges faced by journalists reporting on the Russian invasion today, as well as the historical legacy of murdered Welsh journalist, Gareth Jones.”

He added: “We also remembered the many reporters and writers killed in the current conflict including Victoria Amelina, killed by a Russian missile strike on a Kramatorsk café in June 2023. We hope the event has strengthened cultural ties through highlighting a shared commitment to journalism as well as being a reminder of the risks faced by journalists.”

Speaking with The Mirage, Dr Stuart Robb said: “The Gareth Jones Memorial Travelling Scholarship was founded with the intent of supporting future generations to become global citizens.”

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“This year will not only be an opportunity to remember the importance of Gareth Jones and the lessons that we can learn from his life and relentless pursuit for truth, but will also serve to inspire and give opportunity to students, graduates, future investigative journalists and those called to take lead roles in international affairs in the years to come.”

The General Director at the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide, Lesya Hasydzhak also noted:”The power of the true word, objective reporting and deep scientific thought is precious. In this context, the role of researchers and journalists is crucial.”

“It is very valuable that in Cardiff, in the heart of Wales, in the homeland of the brave and honest Gareth Jones, a scholarship program is established in his name for these professionals.”

In honour of Gareth Jones’s relentless pursuit of the truth and dedication to professional dignity and ethics, the award is available to all university graduates in Wales who hope to pursue a career in journalism.

The winner of the award will receive £2,500 to fund travel and to support the graduate in writing a feature on the topic of “Wales and the World”, which will then be published in the Western Mail.

Western Mail editor Catrin Pascoe said: “Gareth Jones’ journalistic integrity continues to inspire our work at the Western Mail each day. We remain very proud of his legacy 90 years on.”

“We are also delighted to be able to support this important scholarship and help young aspiring Welsh journalists progress in their careers… given the war in Ukraine and the everlasting need for factual reporting.”

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