Shadow Welsh Education Minister Paul Davies AM met higher education experts at the National Assembly last week to find out how universities in Wales are leading the way in terms of working with the public.

The 'Higher Education and the Welsh Public' exhibition, organised by the Beacon for Wales, celebrated the many ways in which Welsh universities bring their knowledge out into the wider World. Every university in Wales was represented at this prestigious showcase event.

Visitors were invited to become a spaceman and find out about Welsh space research at Cardiff University, or meet members of a Community Hub and find out how an art project at UWIC is helping to break down barriers between different ethnic groups.

Speaking about the event, Preseli Pembrokeshire AM Mr Davies said: "It was really exciting to meet the experts and find out how universities are interacting with the public. Although we all appreciate that universities do vital work in teaching and advancing our knowledge of important areas such as medicine, I was really surprised to find that they are also at work behind the scenes helping local communities with their own specific problems.

"The academics that I met today were part of a new generation that recognises that the knowledge they hold can benefit the whole of society, whether that means supporting small businesses, charities, and community groups or even informing government policies."

Bruce Etherington, Beacon for Wales Manager said: "This event provided the chance to show local politicians and opinion-leaders how we contribute to all areas of Welsh society, but just as importantly, we've had a chance to meet members of the public, school children and tourists on their visits to the Senedd, and share ideas with colleagues from every university in Wales."