Collaboration to the fore at first joint medical research symposium in west Wales

Researchers from across south, mid and west Wales came together at the first joint symposium on medical research between Swansea Bay and Hywel Dda University Health Boards to share learning, best practice and networking opportunities.

The event held at Pentre Awel in Llanelli, featured overviews of both health boards’ Research and Development (R&D) portfolios with four speakers from each organisation also showcasing their involvement in research studies and trials.

Among these were Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Leads Dr Suresh Kumar Gopala Pillai and Trudy Smith, who gave presentations on research into emergency and intensive care medicine, and reproductive health and childbirth respectively.

Dr Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda University Health Board gave an overview of the health board’s new strategic research plan for 2025-30, and also included breakout sessions on regional research priorities, barriers to innovation adoption and building sustainable partnerships.

Speaking at the event, Mr Mark Henwood, Executive Medical Director at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “It’s been really inspiring being here today and a lot of what we are doing it about collaborating and seeing what both health boards can do.”

Professor Steve Bain, Assistant Medical Director, Research & Development at Swansea Bay University Health Board added: “We were pleased to come together at this joint event to celebrate the best of research between the two health boards, and we look forward to working collaboratively in the future across research, development and innovation.”