Clinical research in North Wales celebrated at regional symposium
Bangor University welcomed colleagues from across the region on Friday, 21 November for the North Wales Clinical Research Symposium, a half-day event showcasing the breadth, impact and potential of clinical research in North Wales.
Supported by the Learned Society of Wales, the Symposium brought together academics, clinicians and healthcare professionals to explore opportunities for collaboration and to highlight current research activity. The event opened with a welcome from the Vice-Chancellor, who emphasised the University’s commitment to research that improves health and wellbeing across North Wales.
Keynote speakers included Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department of Health and Social Care and Chief Executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Gareth Cross, Co-Director, Health & Care Research Wales and Deputy Director of Science, Research and Evidence, Welsh Government.
It is wonderful to see the energy and interest in clinical research across this symposium today. There are clearly so many opportunities at North Wales Medical School to ensure that research that matters to patients and the public can become an integral part of health and care. Bangor University has real areas of excellence in a range of other disciplines, and the teams are harnessing this expertise to deliver ground-breaking innovation. I look forward to seeing how we can drive forward research to improve health outcomes for all.
A panel discussion chaired by Dr Emily Holmes, Director of Research at the North Wales Medical School, featured Directors from the School’s research centres. The session explored the North Wales Medical School’s growing role in shaping the future of clinical research and supporting early-career researchers.
Dr Nia Jones, Dean of Medicine and Deputy Head of the North Wales Medical School, said, “The first Research Symposium, hosted by the North Wales Medical School, was a fantastic opportunity to bring together researchers, clinicians, and educators to collaborate, exchange ideas, and drive innovation. Following inspiring presentations by our keynote speakers, the morning offered excellent networking and a strong platform for ongoing collaboration, emphasising that research is for every clinician and aligns closely with the values of the School. By working together, we can strengthen and expand research opportunities across Wales and, through our shared values, improve patient care for the future.”
The event concluded with a live-streamed Q&A session, ‘How can I get involved in clinical research?’, led by Dr Nicola Williams, National Director of Research Support & Delivery, Health & Care Research Wales, and clinician researchers at BCUHB. The session offered practical advice for colleagues keen to contribute to research alongside their clinical responsibilities.
Olivia Harrison CEO of the Learned Society of Wales, said, “We are delighted that our Fellows Event Support is supporting this excellent symposium highlighting the vital benefits that clinical research will bring to Wales and beyond. Not only will this event bring a wide range of people together from across Wales, but we look forward to seeing the practical outcomes it inspires.”
