Overview
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.
Additional Contact Information
Position: Post-Doctoral Research Associate,
Rural Wales Local Policy and Innovation Partnership (LPIP)
E-mail: elen.bonner@bangor.ac.uk
Qualifications
- Post-graduate Certificate in Research Methods
2021 - MA: Community Development
2017 - BA: Fine Art
University College for the Creative Arts, 2006
Publications
2024
- Published
Bonner, E., 1 Jun 2024
Research output: Non-textual form › Web publication/site - E-pub ahead of print
Bonner, E., Prys, C., Mitchelmore, S. & Hodges, R., 21 Mar 2024, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development. 17 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
Bonner, E. (Other), 17 Jul 2024
Research output: Non-textual form › Web publication/site - Published
Bonner, E., Prys, C., Hodges, R. & Mitchelmore, S., 7 Aug 2024, In: Current issues in language planning. 25, 4, p. 394-415 22 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - Published
Prys, C., Bonner, E. & Hodges, R., 12 Dec 2024, 63 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
2023
- Published
Hodges, R., Prys, C., Bonner, E. (Contributor), Orrell, A. (Contributor) & Gruffydd, I. (Contributor), 28 Jul 2023, 85 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
Activities
2025
Shaping the path forward: What next?
The panel explored the opportunities, challenges and good practice that can inform the next steps of economic and language policy and support for communities and businesses
in Wales. Panel members:
→ Professor Michael Danson:
Heriot-Watt University
→ Elen Bonner: Rural Wales
Local Policy and Innovation
Partnership
→ Lowri Gwilym: Welsh Local
Government Association
24 Mar 2025
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Invited speaker)
2024
Erthygl i Gwerddon Fach ar Golwg 360 https://golwg.360.cymru/gwerddon/2167096-taith-iaith-wlad-basg
24 Dec 2024
Links:
Presentation to the Welsh Language Programme Board (Welsh Government).
20 Nov 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)Presentation to the Welsh Council Partnership Board (Welsh Government). Chaired by Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language.
18 Nov 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)Online event arranged by the Arfor project to share best practice and research around youth migration. Speakers included: Dorthe Frydendahl, Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality, Denmark; Donald Weir, Highlands and Islands, Scotland; Elen Bonner, Â鶹Íø Univeristy; Huw Lewis, Aberystwyth University; Jade Owen, Menter Môn.
6 Sep 2024
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)A session led by Aberystwyth University at the Eisteddfod discussing the findings of evaluating the Arfor programme promoting entrepreneurship and economic development to support the Welsh language strongholds and the next steps of an economic agenda to support the Welsh language in Wales.
Panel Members:
Elen Bonner, Â鶹Íø;
Adam Price MS, Carmarthen East and Dinefwr;
LlÅ·r Roberts, Mentera;
Ioan Teifi, Wavehill.
Chair: Dr Elin Royles, Aberystwyth University.
9 Aug 2024
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)Arfor event at the Eisteddfod discussing Welsh language workplaces.
Panel members:
Elen Bonner, Â鶹Íø;
Catrin Llwyd, University of Wales Trinity St David;
Dr Arwel Williams, Â鶹Íø.
Chair: Professor Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones, University of Wales Trinity St David.
9 Aug 2024
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)Presentation: Understanding the migration decisions of Welsh speakers: Why a typology?
10 Jul 2024
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker)Invited speaker to present at the Welsh Baccalaureate Teachers and Advisors Conference organised by Â鶹Íø. The presentation referenced 'Pecyn Adnoddau Amlgyfrwng Cymdeithaseg' (Welsh medium multimedia sociology resource pack) created by Dr Rhian Hodges and Dr Cyngor Prys with support from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
5 Jul 2024
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)A series of co-produced workshops with public, private and third sector employers from Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Gwynedd and Môn discussing challenges and good practice in recruiting a workforce with skills in the Welsh language. As part of a project funded by the Cronfa Her Arfor Fund.
Jul 2024 – Sep 2024
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Contributor)
2023
Presentation with Dr Cynog Prys, Dr Rhian Hodges and Llywela Haf Owain at the University of the Basque Country.
8 Nov 2023
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)The event discussed contemporary research from Wales focusing on the topic
of out-migration and considering its relevance to the work of the ARFOR II programme.
There were presentations from Dr Huw Lloyd-Williams (Wavehill), Professor Mike
Woods (Aberystwyth University), Elen Bonner (Â鶹Íø) and Dr Lowri
Cunnington Wynn (Aberystwyth University).
3 Nov 2023
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)Presentation as part of an event led by Arfor at the Royal Welsh Show attended by Jeremy Miles, MS.
26 Jul 2023
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)Presentation: 'Stay, leave, return: A typology of Welsh speakers' migration decisions'.
29 Jun 2023
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker)
2022
Presentation: 'Dylanwad polisiau, gweithgareddau a thueddiadau economaidd ar y Gymraeg' (The influence of economic policies, activites and trends on the Welsh language).
30 Jun 2022
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker)Presentation: 'Dylanwad yr economi ar y Gymraeg' (The influence of the economy on the Welsh language'.
24 Jun 2022
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Speaker)