On Wednesday 17 September, a celebration and launch event took place at Cardiff University’s Hadyn Ellis Building to launch a new partnership between Cardiff University, Velindre University NHS Trust, and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The aim of the partnership is to improve and co-ordinate the provision, planning and development of cancer research in Wales.
Those who attended the event heard about plans to ‘accelerate’ cancer research; the collaboration means that the three different organisations can bring their expertise together, building on Wales’ reputation as a leading place in the world to conduct and participate in cancer research.
The event brought together cancer experts, including scientists, consultants, researchers and medical professionals from across the UK at Cardiff University’s Hadyn Ellis Building.
It is hoped that the partnership will attract skilled researchers and professionals to Wales, encourage investment and offer new treatment options for patients and their families.
David Fluck, Medical Director at Cardiff University Health Board said
“The partnership is an opportunity to bring our world leading research together. Colleagues across our organisations have unique skills and experiences that can benefit the work of each other. It’s great to build on the unique expertise we have in Wales, and in Cardiff.
We are stronger together. I’m excited to see how our joint work progresses.”
Prof. Alan Parker, Head of Solid Cancers and Director of the Wales Applied Virology Unit (WAVU) at Cardiff University said:
“The CCRP launch was an inspiring event. I left with the sense that we had collectively drawn a line in the sand—a fresh start where we put our best foot forward, united as one team committed to delivering bench-to-bedside research in Cardiff.
There was a shared determination to channel our efforts into developing new medicines and best practices for patient benefit, while also nurturing, attracting, and empowering top talent. By fostering the next generation of cancer leaders here in Cardiff, we can continue to drive our ambition forward with renewed energy and purpose.”
David Donegan, Chief Executive Officer of Velindre University NHS Trust said:
“The Cardiff Cancer Research Partnership marks an important step forward for cancer research in Wales.
By uniting our strengths across academia and clinical care, we’re creating a powerful platform to accelerate innovation, attract investment, and ultimately bring more cutting-edge trials to Welsh patients.
This is about turning collaboration into cures. In recent years, Velindre has led a number ofinternationally significant research initiatives that are making a difference to cancer patients around the world’”
For more information about the Cardiff Cancer Research Partnership, visit: www.ccrp.org.uk