Cardiff Cancer Research Partnership (CCRP) launches in Cardiff

24 September 2025

On Wednesday 17 September, a celebration and launch event was held at Cardiff University's Hadyn Ellis Building to launch a new partnership between Cardiff University, Velindre University NHS Trust, and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

The aim of the partnership is to improve and co-ordinate the provision, planning and development of cancer research in Wales.

Those who attended the event heard about plans to 'accelerate' cancer research; the collaboration means that the three different organisations can bring their expertise together, building on Wales' reputation as a leading place in the world to conduct and participate in cancer research.

The event brought together cancer experts, including scientists, consultants, researchers and medical professionals from across the UK at Cardiff University's Hadyn Ellis Building.

It is hoped that the partnership will attract skilled researchers and professionals to Wales, encourage investment and offer new treatment options for patients and their families.

David Fluck, Executive Medical Director of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said:

"The partnership is an opportunity to bring our world-class research together. Our employees have unique skills and experiences across the institutions and those can benefit each other's work. It is great to build on the unique expertise we have in Wales, and in Cardiff."

"We are stronger together, and I am looking forward to seeing how the collaboration develops."

Professor Alan Parker, Head of Solid Cancer and Director of the Wales Applied Virology Unit at Cardiff University, said:

"Launching the partnership was an inspiring event. I had the feeling that we had drawn a line in the sand together and started a new chapter where we take our best step forward, and that as one team committed to achieving research in Cardiff."

There was a common decision to channel our efforts to develop new medicines and best practices for the benefit of patients, while nurturing, attracting and empowering the best talent. By nurturing the next generation of cancer leaders here in Cardiff, we can continue to drive our ambition forward with renewed energy and purpose.

David Donegan, CEO of Velindre University NHS Trust, said:

"The Cardiff Cancer Research Partnership marks an important step forward for cancer research in Wales.

By joining our strengths across academia and clinical care, we are creating a powerful platform to accelerate innovation, attract investment, and ultimately bring more innovative trials to Welsh patients. The aim of all this is to work together in order to heal patients. In recent years, Velindre has led a number of research initiatives of international importance that are making a difference to cancer patients around the world.

For more information about the Cardiff Cancer Research Partnership, visit: www.ccrp.org.uk