Faculty members from all over Wales attend inspiring showcase event in Cardiff

Researchers from across Wales gathered for an inspiring Health and Care Research Wales Faculty Showcase, a day dedicated to highlighting the diverse and rewarding paths that careers in research can have. The event aimed to encourage those considering a future in research by sharing real success stories, overcoming challenges, and proving there is no single route to success.

Keynote speakers Professor G J Melendez-Torres, Associate Dean for Research Inclusion, NIHR Academy, Exeter University and Professor Amanda Daley, NIHR Research Professor, Loughborough University set the tone for the day, with presentations asking those in the room to consider their research revolution and to be bold and brave and to take any opportunities they are offered. 

A standout moment of the day came during the "If I can see it, I can be it" panel of Faculty members. Researchers from different disciplines shared their unique journeys, some had entered research straight from university, while others had transitioned from entirely different careers. One panellist spoke about the moment they had a funding grant accepted after many failed attempts, while another described how a key turning point in their career was finding their tribe – their support, funding and mentors. Their stories served as reminders that research careers are open to people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Attendees left feeling energised and inspired, with many expressing a newfound confidence in their own research ambitions. 

Professor Monica Busse, Director, Health and Care Research Wales Faculty, reflected: 

It was an exciting day of networking and learning that there’s more than one way to have a career in research. It is really exciting to see the wonderful widespread connections that have formed over the last two years through the Faculty’s initiatives. We hope this will go from strength to strength in creating new opportunities for health and social care researchers in Wales."

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