Statement on the the Cross Party Group on Medical Research report

Professor Kieran Walshe, Director of Health and Care Research Wales and Welsh Government’s chief adviser on health and care research, said: “We very much welcome the efforts that have been made by cross party Members of the Senedd to produce this report which highlights the importance of clinical research within the wider health and social care system.

"The pandemic has vividly demonstrated that research is absolutely key to finding treatments and driving improvements in care, and our aim is to ensure that we build on the collaborations and innovations of the last 12 months to drive forward the wider health and care research agenda in Wales.

"At Health and Care Research Wales we aim to make the most efficient use of our resources and to maximise Welsh engagement in UK and international research funding schemes. We also run our own funding schemes, and engage in cross-funder and partnership schemes with others as part of our efforts to drive forwards research in Wales that makes an impact.

"We know there is much more to be done and we are working to ensure that investments in health and care research in Wales enable more patients from across Wales to have access to research and clinical trials, and that research makes a real difference to the lives of patients, their families and their communities.  A particular focus for us will be to increase knowledge transfer between researchers and policymakers, and to make sure there are sustainable and fulfilling career pathways for researchers, clinical academics and clinicians engaged in research.”