On 19 October, the Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC) welcomed current and former WCRC-funded researchers to its Researcher Networking Day for a day of knowledge-sharing, professional development and collaboration across Wales.
The event brought together researchers at different career stages to share their work, learn about developments across Welsh cancer research and build connections with colleagues working in different research areas.
The programme featured a series of quick-fire research talks, showcasing the breadth of work supported by WCRC. Dr Claire O’Neill from the Health and Care Research Wales Faculty also shared valuable advice on avoiding common pitfalls in fellowship and personal award applications, while Dr Huw Morgan reflected on his journey towards an independent research career.
Public involvement and engagement were central to the day, with attendees meeting WCRC’s new Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Research Partners and taking part in small-group discussions exploring the role of PPI in cancer research.
Molly Fenton, WCRC’s PPI Lay Lead Research Partner, reflected on the importance of bringing researchers and public partners together in person:
“It was a fantastic day, and I’m incredibly proud of our PPI representatives Julie, Bob and Carole, who asked important questions from a public and patient perspective. Seeing them all in person was definitely a highlight.”
The discussions provided an opportunity for PPI representatives to share their perspectives, explore individual experiences and offer guidance to researchers on involving patients and the public in their work.
Feedback from the day highlighted the value of both the research presentations and the opportunity for more focused discussion. One attendee commented in the anonymous feedback form:
“I enjoyed hearing about all the fantastic work going on – it’s really inspiring. I also really valued the small-table PPI discussions, which were a great way to share our individual situations and gain personalised advice and guidance.”
The Researcher Networking Day provided a valuable opportunity for WCRC-funded researchers and alumni to reconnect, exchange ideas and develop relationships that can support future research collaborations.
A huge thank you to all the speakers, researchers, PPI Research Partners and facilitators who contributed to the day, and to the WCRC team for organising the event.
WCRC is funded by Welsh Government through Health and Care Research Wales, supporting cancer research and collaboration to improve outcomes for people across Wales.