The Cross Party Group on Medical Research
The Cross Party Group on Medical Research drives improvement in the medical research environment in Wales. Read our report on their recent findings and inquiries.
What is the Cross-Party Group on Medical Research?
The Cross-Party Group on Medical Research, formerly chaired by Angela Burns MS, now chaired by Russel George MS, has operated within the Senedd since November 2018.
The Group brings together Members of the Senedd, third sector, industry, patients, and clinicians to drive improvement in the medical research environment in Wales. BHF Cymru acts as the Secretariat for the Group.
Latest report on how medical research benefits the people of Wales
In November 2023, the Cross-Party Group for Medical Research published a report on how medical research benefits the people of Wales, particularly the Welsh economy.
The report recommended that:
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patients have equitable access to clinical trials
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research is prioritised as a key economic driver through supporting universities and incentivizing collaboration
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research is integrated into workforce planning.
As the largest independent funder of medical research into heart and circulatory diseases in Wales, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) will continue to champion the importance of medical research for Wales.
Previous reports
Reid review 2018
In January 2017 the Welsh Government commissioned Professor Graeme Reid to investigate Government funded research and innovation in Wales. Following on from Professor Reid’s review the Cross Party Group on Medical Research held an inquiry.
Unfortunately, the findings of the Group were disappointing. It has been five years since the Reid Review and with the exception of the Welsh Research and Innovation Office in London — Reid’s recommendations have gone largely unimplemented.