25th Anniversary of the Specialist Unit for Review Evidence
16 December 2025
A specialist unit that has helped inform evidence-based decision making in Wales has celebrated its 25th anniversary.
The Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE), based at Cardiff University, undertakes systematic and literature reviews, bringing to the forefront reliable evidence to inform policy and practice in health and social care fields across Wales.
Since its inception, SURE has tackled diverse areas of work including palliative care, mental health and well-being of children, digital therapies, case management in homelessness, and child protection.
A celebratory event held at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, brought together academics, government and those at the forefront of the NHS in Wales to help SURE mark a quarter of a century of providing evidence in partnership within Wales, across the UK, and globally.
Mala Mann, Information Specialist and Systematic Reviewer who manages SURE, said: “We gathered at the Senedd, joined by stakeholders, partners and collaborators, to celebrate this significant milestone in the history of SURE.”
SURE’s legacy of work has been influential and impactful in health and social care decision-making, which has been positive and beneficial to a variety of communities in Wales, the UK and globally.
“Marking 25 years since the unit opened, not only are we able to look back to reflect on our established portfolio of impact work but also look forward to the future impacts that we will continue to make.”
The anniversary event was chaired by Gareth Owen (Interim Director of Operations, University Library Service) and sponsored by Julie Morgan MS. It highlighted examples of successful partnerships and research collaborations since SURE was established, showcasing work and long-standing research relationships with centres including the Marie Curie Research Centre, Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, the Children's Social Care Research and Development Centre and Centre for Healthcare Evaluation, Device Assessment, and Research (CEDAR).
Dr Alison Cooper, Academic GP at Cardiff University and Associate Director of the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to reflect on the SURE team’s longstanding collaborations, which have contributed to conducting rapid and rigorous evaluations to inform evidence-based decision making in Welsh Government, the NHS and Social Care Wales.
“Notably, SURE has contributed to a review on the impact of the pandemic on LGBTQ+ communities that was used to inform the Welsh Government LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales. Another review showed that the risk of death involving COVID-19 was three times greater for disabled people than non-disabled, and findings informed the Welsh Government’s Disability Rights Taskforce.”
These examples highlight how evidence synthesised by the SURE team has directly resulted in evidence-informed health and social care decisions and changes in practice to improve care for the people of Wales.
“The Evidence Centre is delighted to continue the longstanding collaboration with the SURE team to help inform health and social care decision makers in Wales.”
