Health and care research from across Wales showcased at the Senedd
4 July
More than 25 research organisations came together for an event in Cardiff Bay this week hosted by the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on medical research.
The Group brings together Members of the Senedd from all parties, third sector, industry, patients, and clinicians, and aims to drive improvements in the medical research environment in Wales.
Organisations who attended included Health and Care Research Wales and many of its partners, including the National Centre for Mental Health, SAIL Databank, Wales Cancer Research Centre, the National Cardiovascular Research Network and the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre.
The event, which was sponsored by ABPI Cymru, also showcased the breadth of research that is contributing to new treatments from charities such as the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research Wales, the Dementia Research Institute and the MND Association.
Members of the Senedd who attended from all political parties and parts of Wales, were keen to take back information about research to share with their constituents, and also spoke to representatives from NHS organisations including Swansea Bay and Cardiff and Vale University Health Boards as well as Velindre University NHS Trust.
In November 2023, the CPG published a report on how medical research benefits the people of Wales, particularly the Welsh economy. There were a number of recommendations where work is ongoing, including improving access to clinical trials; prioritising research as a key economic driver by supporting universities and incentivising collaboration, and integrating research into workforce planning.