Prof. Mark Taubert delivers keynote presentation at prestigious international conference in Japan

24 August 2026

Prof. Mark Taubert, Clinical Director and Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Velindre University NHS Trust and Cardiff University School of Medicine, was recently invited to showcase work on Future Care Planning at a major international conference in Japan.

Mark delivered a keynote presentation at the Sapporo Conference for Palliative and Supportive Care (SCPSC), held in Sapporo in July. The invitation followed a request from conference organisers to present the innovative Future Care Planning work being developed and implemented in Wales.

The SCPSC is regarded as one of the most significant events in the global palliative care calendar and is often described as the 'Olympics of Palliative and Supportive Care Conferences.' Held every three years, this year's conference welcomed more than 1,200 registered participants from 30 countries, bringing together experts, researchers, and clinicians from across the world.

Speaking about the opportunity, Mark said:

"What a privilege to present our Future Care Planning Cymru work from Wales at the fifth SCPSC 2026 in Sapporo, Japan. There was huge interest in this topic worldwide, and similar challenges in talking about the latter phases of life. I have learned a lot from my Japanese hosts. Arigatou gozaimasu."

The presentation focused on the ongoing Future Care Planning Cymru programme, which supports people living with serious illness to discuss and record their wishes, priorities and preferences for future care. The initiative has received national recognition in recent years, earning multiple awards including a Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Palliative Care Award, an NHS Wales Award, and contributing to a BAFTA Cymru-winning documentary featuring a Velindre patient.

During his keynote address, Mark highlighted examples of how future care planning is being implemented, with a particular focus on Wales and the collaborative work led by Velindre and Cardiff University. He also emphasised the importance of developing a clear and consistent understanding of future care planning to support health and social care professionals working in frailty, supportive care, and palliative care settings.