Faculty webinar: Reflections on my Emerging Researcher Award and the journey as a co-Principal Investigator with Dr Savita Shanbhag

Dr Savita Shanbhag reflects on her journey from a Cancer Lead GP with questions on “why not this way” to securing a Health and Care Research Wales Faculty Emerging Researcher Award and the resulting benefits in success with applying for research funding as a co-Principal Investigator (co-PI). 

Savita Shanbhag works as GP Cancer Lead in Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDUHB). Her role includes promoting early diagnosis in patients with cancer and improving communication between Primary and Secondary Care, at health board and national level. Savita has experience in leading and managing research and innovation projects that involve changes to cancer pathways in HDUHB since 2016.  

Savita has been a lead or co-investigator in various research and innovation projects. She actively represents Primary Care views on oncology pathways at health board and Wales-wide meetings, ensuring these views are integrated into broader healthcare strategies. Her leadership and contributions have been recognised with accolades, including the Hywel’s Applause Innovation Award in HDUHB in 2022. 

Her Emerging Researcher Award has aided collaboration and networking with research colleagues. She is working with academic teams in Wales and England on research projects to aid cancer screening and early diagnosis of bowel cancer. Savita has been successful as a co-PI with Cancer Research UK early detection and diagnosis primer award in 2025. 

Submit your question for Savita to answer during the webinar.