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WCRC engagement

Engagement is an essential element of our work and we take part in several events throughout the year to both promote the research we support and to help to inspire the next generation of cancer researchers.

Health and Care Research Wales annual conference

WCRC attends the annual Health and Care Research Wales conference to talk to the public and other Centres from around Wales about the research we support. By running interactive activities we raise awareness about cancer research taking place across Wales. The next event is taking place on the 8 October 2026.

Genomics after dark

In November 2023 the WCRC hub team and two of our researchers attended the Genomics after dark event at Techniquest Cardiff. The event aims to raise awareness about genetics and genomics and how it impacts health for members of the public. WCRC ran an interactive stand with a ‘jumping genes’ activity and two of our researchers ran activities to help to explain their research on telomeres.

Grangetown career and role models week

In March 2024 and February 2025/2026 we took part in Grangetown career and role models week; an event aimed at people of all ages in the local community. Our researchers ran a stand of interactive activities focused on highlighting the work we support and promoting careers in cancer research. We had lots of interesting conversations with visitors and hopefully encouraged some of them to consider cancer research as a future career choice.

Science in Health Live!

Science in Health Live! is an annual event run by Cardiff University’s School of Medicine for A-Level students from across Wales and is designed to give students an insight into the science behind medicine, showing them the range of career options open to them in healthcare, biomedical and scientific fields. In March 2024, 2025 and 2026 the WCRC hub team and our researchers ran an interactive stand at the event where visitors could have a go at making a paper virus. During the events we talked to over 400 students about careers in cancer research and raised awareness of the work happening within the WCRC.

Swansea University careers in cancer research talks

In March 2024 WCRC Researchers Dr Mat Clement and Dr Claire Donnelly attended Swansea University to talk to 3rd year medical students about their research and career paths to help to encourage the next generation of cancer researchers. The event was well received by visitors with one Research Officer in attendance stating the talks: “provided me with a valuable opportunity to explore the ongoing research initiatives taking place within the Wales Cancer Research Centre (WCRC), enabling me to expand my knowledge base and connect with peers who share similar interests.”

In2STEM work experience

In July 2024 three researchers from the Wales Cancer Research Centre facilitated year 12 work experience placements through In2Stem, a programme that empowers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering insights into STEM careers and research. The students took part in a number of activities including practical lab skills, a tour of a the clinical trials unit and a radio imaging seminar.

Cross Party Group on Medical Research

in July 2024 and September 2025 members of the Wales Cancer Research Centre attended the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Medical Research event at the Senedd, designed to showcase medical research in Wales to members of the Senedd. The event featured around 25 research organisations and institutions, emphasising the crucial role of medical research in enhancing the Welsh economy and healthcare sector.

National Eisteddfod

The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe, held in a different part of Wales every year. WCRC attended the event in Rhondda Cynon Taf as part of the Cardiff University team for two days between 7-8 August in 2024, on 6 August in Wrexham in 2025 and 5 August 2026 in Cardigan using games and activities to engage with people and help to teach them about the research the WCRC supports.

Minority Ethnic Communities Fair

The WCRC PPI team attended the MEC Health Fair in October 2024 & 2025 and ran several interactive activities to engage with visitors, aiming to raise awareness of cancer research and public involvement in healthcare decisions. The activities included an anatomical body labelling game, a cancer awareness quiz, and a fun poll using pompoms to gather opinions on PPI. 

Researcher Networking Day

In October 2025 the WCRC hosted its annual Researcher Networking Day bringing together 20 funded researchers and alumni for an in-person event designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange. Attendees delivered a series of quick-fire presentations providing a snapshot of current cancer research activity. The programme also highlighted key resources with contributions from the PPI team and the Wales Cancer Biobank as well as a session promoting the Early and Mid-Career Researcher Network.

Sutton Trust Summer School

Working with Cardiff University’s Widening Participation Team, in July 2025/26 WCRC researchers delivered two engaging sessions designed to give students a taste of what it is like to work in cancer research and demonstrate how science, technology and data are helping researchers tackle cancer. Students got hands-on with a strawberry DNA extraction activity and also had the opportunity to try their hand at coding, exploring how researchers use data and computational approaches to support new discoveries in cancer.

Be a Scientist

WCRC attended the Be A Scientist event in 2025 and 2026 as part of Cardiff Science Week helping to inspire the next generation of scientists! Visitors made DNA bracelets, played VR games and learned about cancer research with the help of our anatomical body ‘Ted.’

Upcoming events

  • WCRC Researcher Network Day 2026
  • Health and Care Research Wales Conference 2026
  • MEC Health Fair 2026

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