Swansea Bay University Health Board showcases best of Research and Development

Swansea Bay’s Research and Development (R&D) showcase has returned for the first time since before the pandemic.

The day-long event, held in Morriston Hospital’s Education Centre on Tuesday (3 September) saw ten speakers discussing eight different projects, ranging from developing a simple blood test to detect colorectal cancer, to empowering non-clinical staff to become principal investigators (PIs) and leading research.

Acting Executive Medical Director Raj Krishnan delivered the welcome address and Professor Dean Harris, consultant colorectal surgeon and Deputy Director of Swansea Bay’s Research and Development programme, played host to around 60 guests.

Also present was Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, which supports R&D within Swansea Bay.

Professor Harris said he was ‘delighted’ to chair the relaunch of the event, adding: “It’s very important to highlight the achievements that we have in the R&D setting as a health board for the wider staff to encourage more and more people to think about getting involved with the research and taking on trials themselves.

“We hope this will be a success and that we can make it an annual event, showcasing even more departments.”

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support and Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, added: “It was fantastic to be able to attend the Swansea Bay University Health Board R&D day and to see the breadth and depth of projects and the very talented staff leading on them. Health and Care Research Wales is committed to working with all of the Welsh health boards to embed and integrate research into all aspects of health and care services in NHS Wales, and I would like to personally thank Dean and the organisers of the event for their efforts in showcasing such an excellent range of activity.”