Professor Kerry Hood speaking at conference

Health and Care Research Wales invests in leaders across Wales to shape the research of the future

1 April

Health and Care Research Wales has announced its next cohort of Senior Research Leaders and Specialty Leads from across academia and the NHS in Wales, to act as ambassadors for research into diseases, treatments and services that can change people’s lives and drive improvements in patient care.

14 Senior Research Leaders, who will take up the role for the next three years, will play a vital role in developing the health and care research community in Wales, mentoring early career researchers and developing the next generation of research leaders

31 Specialty Leads have also been appointed for the next three years, who will provide strategic support within specialties such as cardiovascular disease, critical care, stroke, diabetes, cancer and mental health and represent Wales at a UK level.

The Specialty Leads will champion and support research delivery by building networks of principal investigators within their specialty and supporting the uptake of studies throughout Wales, as part of the Health and Care Research Wales Support and Delivery Service.

Professor Kieran Walshe, Director of Health and Care Research Wales, said:

“Our Senior Research Leaders are among the most prominent and prestigious health and care researchers in the country. We look to them to provide leadership and to act as ambassadors and advocates for health and care research.

“We are currently establishing a new Health and Care Research Wales Faculty, designed to provide expanded and more integrated opportunities for research career development. Our new Senior Research Leaders will play a central role in this new faculty.”

Dr Nicola Williams, Director of Support & Delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, said:

“The pandemic has demonstrated just how important research has been and as we move forward, it’s important that Wales plays a part in the recovery of the UK’s clinical research portfolio, helping to address some of the new challenges faced by the NHS and social care.

“Our Specialty Leads are experienced and high-calibre clinical leaders who are able to command the respect of colleagues across the UK and who also champion research in their area of expertise in Wales.

“Ensuring a Welsh voice at the UK specialty discussions is essential as we look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

Health and Care Research Wales Senior Research Leaders 2022-2025:

  • Professor Sinead Brophy, Professor of Public Health Data Science, Swansea University
  • Professor Monica Busse, Director of Mind Brain Neuroscience Trials, Cardiff University
  • Professor Colin Dayan, Professor of Clinical Diabetes and Metabolism, Joint Research Office Director, Cardiff University and Cardiff & Vale University Health Board
  • Professor Adrian Edwards, Professor of General Practice, Cardiff University
  • Professor Deb Fitzsimmons, Professor of Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Director, Swansea Centre for Health Economics (SCHE), Co-Director, Health and Care Economics Cymru (HCEC), Swansea University
  • Professor Donald Forrester, Professor of Child and Family Social Work, Director of the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE), Cardiff University
  • Professor Liam Gray, Professor of Neurosurgery, Cardiff University
  • Professor Kerry Hood, Director of Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University
  • Professor Dyfrig Hughes, Professor of Pharmacoeconomics and Director of Research, Bangor University
  • Professor Ian Jones, Director National Centre for Mental Health, Professor of Psychiatry, Cardiff University
  • Professor Ronan Lyons, Professor of Public Health, Swansea University
  • Professor Graham Moore, Professor of Social Sciences and Public Health, Cardiff University
  • Professor Jane Noyes, Professor of Health and Social Care Services Research and Child Health, Bangor University
  • Professor Jonathan Scourfield, Professor of Social Work and Deputy Director of the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE), Cardiff University

In recognition of their important role and the contribution they make to building and supporting the health and social care research community in Wales, Senior Research Leaders receive a discretionary annual award of up to £20,000 which is invested in their research activity.

Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Leads 2022-2025

Each of the specialties align with the 31 National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) therapeutic areas: