The Goodwin Memorial Scholarship: The Jewish Medical Heritage of Wales
The School of Arts, Culture and Language, Bangor University
Application Deadline: 14 July 2025
Start Date: 29 September 2025
Project Description:
Funded by the generosity of the Goodwin Family and in conjunction with the Jewish History Association of Wales, this research studentship will explore the contributions and experiences of Jewish medical practitioners (including but not limited to doctors, dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, etc.) in Wales from the eighteenth century onwards. It will investigate how Jewish immigrants entered the medical professions, examining their professional achievements and the challenges they faced, including issues of discrimination and integration. By analysing health board and professional bodies’ records, personal narratives and professional achievements, the significant impact of Jewish medical practitioners on the development of Welsh healthcare will be highlighted. Additionally, it will explore how cultural and religious identities, as well as waves of immigration, influenced medical practices, community interactions, and healthcare within Welsh Jewish communities, and beyond. The project contributes to a broader understanding of the multicultural dimensions of Welsh medical and social history, providing much-needed insights into the diverse backgrounds that have shaped the Welsh healthcare landscape. The project will be supervised by Professor Nathan Abrams.
The scholarship will cover Home Student fees (including the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland, currently £5,006) with an additional stipend for research activities (travel to conferences, archives, oral histories, etc). The studentship would suit a student with a degree in History, History of Science, Jewish Studies, Social Sciences, or cognate disciplines. The student will conduct qualitative and quantative research into Welsh medical history as well as the archival holdings spread throughout Wales.
UK students are eligible to apply for the Scholarship. You normally need to have achieved at least a 2.1 or equivalent in your first degree to be eligible. You need to apply to study at Bangor University and be made an offer to study before your fee status can be confirmed.
Please send a CV and cover letter to Nathan Abrams, n.abrams@bangor.ac.uk, who can also be contacted if you have any queries.