A writing competition in memory of a renowned Welsh journalist has been launched at Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Media and Culture.
Former Western Mail reporter Gareth Vaughan Jones was instrumental in exposing the Holodomor – Great Famine – in Ukraine during the 1930s.
Jones was also a famous researcher and author who reported on tensions in Europe, as well as the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany. He met his death in 1935 at the hands of supposed Chinese 'bandits' in Inner Mongolia.
This year's Gareth Jones Memorial Travelling Scholarship was launched at the University's conference, Against the Grain: Investigative journalism and links between Wales and Ukraine in an age of propaganda and disinformation.
A representative for Y Werin which administers the scholarship, Dr Stuart Robb, who announced the award in front of students and journalists from both countries, said: "The Gareth Jones Memorial Travelling Scholarship was founded with the intent of supporting future generations to become global citizens. Y Werin is grateful to the support from JOMEC and the Western Mail for the launch of the 2024/25 scheme, particularly given Gareth Jones' relationship with the Western Mail and the role the paper took in establishing the scholarship scheme.
"It is hoped that 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."
Lesya Hasydzhak, General Director at the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide, Ukraine, said: "Today, in the 10th year of the war that Russia is waging in Ukraine, using as a weapon not only rockets and hunger but also propaganda - 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. His name is a symbol of dignity, of the triumph of truth and professional ethics. The more voices speak the facts and open the eyes of the world, the stronger the world will be in the face of the threat of totalitarian and misanthropic regimes."
The award is open to all graduates of universities in Wales, particularly those who wish to pursue a career in journalism or international affairs.
The winner will receive £2,500 to fund travel to help them write a feature on the topic of Wales and the World, which will be published in the Western Mail.
Western Mail editor Catrin Pascoe said: "There is no doubt that 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 - it feels particularly timely and poignant given the war in Ukraine and the everlasting need for factual reporting. I look forward to reading their entries."
The one-day conference was hosted by the School of Journalism, Media and Culture in partnership with the School of Journalism at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and supported by the National Union of Journalists.
Conference organiser Dr Tom Allbeson, a senior lecturer in media history, said: "Academics and practitioners from across Europe were present in person or online to discuss the importance and challenges of investigative journalism. 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.
"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."
