Position: Post-Doctoral Research Associate,
Rural Wales Local Policy and Innovation Partnership (LPIP)

E-mail: elen.bonner@bangor.ac.uk

Elen Bonner has a strong interest in the sustainability of rural communities, with a particular focus on the relationship between the economy, migration, and the Welsh language. During her PhD, she conducted a systematic review of the evidence on the impact of various economic dimensions on the Welsh language, as well as developing a unique typology explaining factors influencing Welsh speakers' decisions regarding migration. She has presented her research in a variety of forums and has regularly contributed to meetings with Welsh Government and local government officials.

Currently, Elen works as a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Local Policy and Innovation Partnership (LPIP) for Rural Wales. In her role, she supports the ‘responsive research’ element of the project, investigating some of the most pressing challenges faced by rural communities. Previously, she worked as a researcher on a project funded by the Arfor Challenge Fund, aimed at addressing challenges in recruiting bilingual staff. Other projects she has contributed to include research on community use of the Welsh language and the impact of the tourism sector on the Welsh language.

These experiences have helped her develop strong research skills, including conducting a literature review, research tool design, qualitative data collection and analysis, and presenting research to diverse audiences.

Elen is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and has previously contributed to university teaching provision as a Welsh-medium Sociology tutor. She is also an Associate Lecturer with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.