Health and Care Research Wales has said Wales’ profile as a world leading centre for research excellence is set to be further boosted this week when their representatives travel to the US to meet research and development leads from US-based life science companies.

Health and Care Research Wales representatives will travel alongside colleagues from NIHR (England), NHS Research Scotland and HSC Research and Development (Northern Ireland) in order to combine the research strengths of the four nations and promote the UK as a global hub for research and medical innovation.

The four day visit, organised by the Department for International Trade, will see Health and Care Research Wales representatives engage with leading life science companies and attend seminars and networking events at locations across the US. The visit aims to underpin Health and Care Research Wales’ support for translational and applied health and social care research in Wales and promote NHS Wales’ expertise across the full range of clinical specialities.

Professor Jon Bisson, Director of Health and Care Research Wales, said “Wales offers expertise across a full range of clinical specialities. Our universities are home to world-leading researchers, many of whom work collaboratively with the NHS and industry to create therapies and technologies that will bring life-changing benefits to patients. In addition to this, through partnership working with our colleagues across the UK, a streamlined environment has also been created to ensure a proactive response to the industry; ensuring studies are commenced in a timely manner. As Director of Health and Care Research Wales I am confident that through dedicated study management and commercial expertise, NHS Wales can play a significant role in the delivery of high quality research for worldwide patient benefit.”