Wales showcases best practice in research at national conference

Representatives from Health and Care Research Wales attended the NHS Research and Development (R&D) Forum Conference in Newcastle this week to share the research activity happening in Wales.

The event, sponsored by Health and Care Research Wales, brought together more than 850 research staff from across the UK over two days and featured presentations from Carys Thomas, Head of Policy, Research and Development Division, Welsh Government and Dr Nigel Rees, Head of Research and Innovation, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Focussing on inclusion and diversity in study recruitment, Carys introduced the final plenary session on day one, she said: “inclusivity requires focus and effort through every aspect of research design and delivery, it was a pleasure to talk to NHS R&D Forum delegates about this important topic.

“Attending events like this is a vital way for us to learn from colleagues across the UK, to share what we’re doing in Wales and to inspire UK-wide collaboration.”

Welsh research also took centre stage during the event’s workshops with a session focussed on a study investigating how artificial intelligence could be used safely within 999 call-centres to support staff with decision-making.

Dr Rees, who delivered the session on the ASSIST study, said: “it was great to be at the NHS R&D Forum to showcase all the brilliant work that’s going on in Wales.”

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, who chaired the Conference Programme Development Group and opened the event on day two, said: “Research has no boundaries, geographical or otherwise, so it’s important we work with our UK-wide colleagues on how we set up and deliver research. It’s fantastic that we’re all at the event together.”

Next year the NHS R&D Forum Conference will be returning to Wales, where it was last held in 2018, taking place at the Celtic Manor, Newport in May.

Dr Williams continued: “It’s really exciting, we’re delighted to be welcoming everyone from across the UK to Wales in 2024.”

Keep up to date with research events happening across Wales and beyond by signing up to the Health and Care Research Wales bulletin.