A 'One Wales' approach to research development

Health and Care Research Wales is delighted to fund an exciting new initiative to provide opportunities for people across Wales to get involved with the design and development of trials research. 

Treialon Cymru is led by the Centre for Trials Research (CTR) at Cardiff University and links across the Health and Care Research Wales funded infrastructure and beyond.  As well as increasing the number of large-scale studies led from Wales, it will support people working in health and social care to be linked to a Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), and ensure that this work is meeting the needs of everyone in Wales. 

By utilising expertise from across Wales, Treialon Cymru aims to strengthen collaboration by working with Health and Care Research Wales infrastructure groups such as Health and Care Economics Cymru, Health Boards, Universities, the social care sector and other clinical trials units. 

In 2020 a formal review process of CTU funding in Wales was launched, which resulted in an external review and the development of one Health and Care Research Wales funded trials unit for Wales.  An application for future funding was awarded to the CTR for the provision of a sustainable, long-term business model for trials research in Wales.

Following a formal process, the Centre for Trials Research has developed and will lead on Treialon Cymru as a national initiative, bringing together expertise from across the Welsh research community.

Laura Bunting, Head of Research Infrastructure and Experimental Medicine at Welsh Government’s Research & Development Division, said: “Through Treialon Cymru we are taking truly collaborative approach to trials research, involving a wide range of stakeholders from across Wales in a national drive to ensure that today’s research leads to better outcomes for people across the health and social care spectrum. We are proud to support this new initiative and look forward to seeing the benefits of a one-Wales approach.”