R&D sector calls on members of Holyrood and the Senedd to help research thrive

“We welcome this work by CaSE to engage with new Members of the Senedd early to highlight the importance of Research & Development in Wales. Research is essential to our work at BHF Cymru to accelerate progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease, and to tackle the stark health inequalities that drive cardiovascular outcomes in Wales.”

“Every constituency in Scotland is impacted by cardiovascular disease and patients, and their loved ones understand better than most why continued investment in Research and Development is vital to help us find better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat these conditions.

“With more than 17,000 people still dying from CVD each year, this project with CaSE is important to help BHF Scotland engage with MSPs to make the case for greater investment in cardiovascular research, so it better reflects the scale of the disease burden.”

“I am proud that Cardiff University has sponsored CaSE’s Championing R&D in the Devolved Nations project. The findings highlight the importance of helping more people understand how our R&D will improve their lives, support our local communities, and create opportunities for future generations. As a civic anchor institution, we have a responsibility to champion the value of R&D with both the public and policymakers. The insights from this project will help shape our engagement and advocacy work in the years ahead.”

“With the number of cancer cases set to rise, the need for bold, sustained investment in research has never been more urgent.

“Scotland has world-leading expertise but we need an ambitious approach that backs long-term R&D funding, equips people for the jobs of the future, and strengthens collaboration in order to accelerate breakthroughs and ensure they reach patients faster.

“By building on Scotland’s diverse strengths and deepening collaboration with businesses and entrepreneurs, we can attract greater UK and international investment and drive research-led growth to secure Scotland’s place at the forefront of global cancer research.”

“With the number of cancer cases set to rise, research has never been more vital. Wales has a strong track record of producing high-quality cancer research, but our research base is falling behind other UK nations and must be supported to grow.

“We need ambitious long-term commitment from the Welsh Government, alongside increased and sustained investment with all political parties championing this.

“If ambitions are realised, it will hold the promise of kinder, more effective cancer treatments, better understanding of diagnosing the disease and its progression, and better ways to prevent it. And the economic impact cannot be overlooked, as a stronger research base attracts stronger investment from across the UK and further afield.”

”Scotland is home to incredible research expertise; I’d encourage all of our elected representatives to take the opportunity to learn more about how research led in our universities already improves people’s lives. Our new Scottish Health and Biomedical Institute partnership will harness even more of that potential to help people live well for longer, and working with the University of Glasgow and other partners strengthens what we can deliver together.”