University research and innovation celebrated at St David’s Day European event
3 March 2024
The university has showcased examples of its leading research and innovation at an event that was part of Welsh Government’s St David’s Day Brussels 2024 programme.
Hosted by the Wales Innovation Network (WIN) and Welsh Higher Education Brussels and supported by the Global Wales (funded by Taith) programme, the event highlighted the strength and breadth of research and innovation taking place in Welsh universities.
The event also emphasised Wales’ dedication to working with partners across Europe and celebrated the association of the UK to the Horizon programme.
Professor Roger Whitaker, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research Innovation and Enterprise, said: “It was great to see the work of our researchers being showcased to a European audience and to see the impact we are having in Wales, the UK and across the world."
Now the UK is associated with Horizon Europe it is vital that we renew our relationships with European partners, develop new ones, and work to make the most of the opportunities this association will provide over the coming years.
Cardiff projects in mental health, compound semiconductors and the low carbon-built environment were part of the event’s 14 exhibits alongside projects from other Welsh universities.
In a speech to attendees, which included key stakeholders, university leaders, and thought leaders in the research and innovation sector including Matthias De Moor, General Representative of Flanders to the EU, the First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Mark Drakeford highlighted Wales' readiness to actively participate in Horizon Europe, using its rich talent, resources, and ideas to drive forward groundbreaking research initiatives that benefit economy and society.
He said: “One of the most remarkable characteristics of our universities is how well they deliver research considered to have an internationally excellent impact. Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of this success – innovation does not happen in isolation."
While the pandemic and Brexit have affected the global connections of many researchers, Welsh universities remain committed to collaborating with European partners. Now we are fully associated with the Horizon Europe programme, we have a major opportunity to strengthen international partnerships, attract global talent and carry out cutting-edge science and innovation that deliver tangible benefits to society in Wales and beyond
The event provided an opportunity for the Wales Innovation Network (WIN) to show the work that it carries out to European partners. WIN is an innovative collaboration between Welsh universities which facilitates collaborative working across universities in Wales, harnessing the diversity of research and innovation in Wales to create economic and societal impact for this and future generations.
