“Whenever I think of Newport, I recall a world-famous Transporter Bridge and the muddy river banks. The International Convention Centre (ICC) now joins that list. I can immediately see why this splendid venue has been chosen for the 2025 Wales Cancer Research Conference. It is impressive. The smiling WCRC staff greet me with my lanyard and then I am in. There is positive vibe as the other delegates pour in and those research conversations are already happening.
This will be a chance to meet, a chance to share research ideas, that is what this is all about. It is what a ‘Centre’ should do for those who surround a subject. In this case that subject is Cancer Research. I am here as a Public Research Partner (RP) at the WCRC. We are included in the event and everything that matters. I have a stand displaying our PPI wares, outlining how we assist with contributions and commentary on research. It is an unmissable opportunity to meet others. Alongside me is Julie Hepburn, the lead RP and the one to answer all the hard questions.
Though this day is also about the transfer of knowledge and after the rallying on stage opening address by Professor Mererid Evans, the first lecture is by Professor Serena Nik-Zainal. A powerhouse on her subject. I can still see the slides now, so elaborate and presumably meaning more to most others. An ICC feature I really liked was the floor to ceiling glass windows that brought the surrounding Springtime woodland into the hall. On this sunny day that was special. The keynote speaker was followed by Brian Webber who gave a remarkable patient’s perspective on the disease and on a treatment response woven through a research study.
As someone who has given talks I regularly check for ‘audience engagement.’ That connection was high today, which points to good content selection. This is no mean feat when you consider the range of attendees with their laboratory to clinic backgrounds. The NHS, universities, charities and Welsh Government are all represented today. Funders and fund seekers enjoying a day where progress is publicised and the ‘still to do’ is not ignored.
The conference programme worked well. Helped by the venue and by the unity that this overall cancer research quest engenders. The disease is all about people and we all know someone affected by it.
From our PPI Stand I could see the displayed research posters outlining lots of what is being done or considered. Encouraging stuff.
The finale for myself was to present a prize on stage for the PPI content of a poster. Amy Case was the deserving recipient.
Later I shared an early evening lift back to the train station with our very entertaining on stage ‘debater,’ Dr Ben O’Leary. He had many essays to mark on the train back to London, that said a lot about the day too.”