Celebrating Innovation and Impact in Health and Social Care Research

Cardiff University researchers and teams have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to health and social care research at the recent Health and Care Research Wales Awards 2025, held during the organisation’s tenth annual conference at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.

The awards recognise innovation and impact across Wales’ research community, with Cardiff University earning several top honours this year.

Among the honorees were innovators advancing mental health support for mothers, a parent-led advisory group shaping social care research, a rising star tackling inflammatory diseases, and a dedicated trials team recognized for their engaging presence.

Cardiff School of Psychology researchers Dr Cerith Waters and Dr Jennifer Berrett, alongside Claire Traylor from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, received the Health and Social Care Impact Award for their pioneering Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Perinatal Mental Health (ACT-for-PNMH) intervention. The ACT-for-PNMH programme supports women experiencing moderate to severe mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum.

Dr Cerith Waters said: “ACT-for-PNMH is a psychological intervention for the treatment of mental health conditions during the perinatal period, delivered in specialist perinatal mental health services in NHS Wales. The intervention addresses an important gap in service provision by widening access to an evidence-based transdiagnostic psychological therapy for women with moderate to severe mental health conditions during pregnancy and the first two years postpartum. The delivery of ACT-for-PNMH has been shown to be feasible, acceptable and effective for women and NHS services across Wales. Following treatment, women experience significant reductions in psychological distress, depression and anxiety symptoms and improved functioning in daily life’’.

The CASCADE Parents Research Advisory Group, based at Cardiff University, won the Public Involvement Award for its exemplary approach to involving parents with lived experience of children’s social care in research. The group is made up of parents with lived experience of children’s social care, who play an important role in directing and disseminated CASCADE’s research, including co-producing an article published in the British Journal of Social Care this summer.

Rachael Vaughan, Engagement Manager, CASCADE, Cardiff School of Social Sciences said:  "In social work, a lot of the interventions are done to families, not with them. Because of the nature of their experiences, it's really important that the same thing isn't done in research and that we're working with them and make sure their voices are central.   It’s rare to hear so much from parents, particularly those who have had the most seveCardiff School of Medicinere intervention by social workers. We've worked really hard to work in partnership with the parents to find the best way to work together. They find it rewarding to be a part of, which came through in the paper we wrote together.”

Dr Wioleta Zelek, Cardiff School of Medicine was named Rising Research Star for her groundbreaking work on inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Her research has already gained international recognition, and she is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Dr Wioleta Zelek said "My very first fellowship was supported by Health and Care Research Wales and that was where everything started for me. I really love seeing how people progress, and I'm trying to do everything I can to support them."

In addition to these award winners, the Centre for Trials Research team won the ‘Most Engaging Exhibition’ at the event, voted for by delegates at the conference.

These awards showcase Cardiff University’s leadership in health and social care research—driven by innovation, collaboration with the public and stakeholders, and a commitment to shaping solutions that improve lives across Wales and beyond.

Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, said at the ceremony: “Research is vital to secure a healthier Wales. It drives innovation, shows us what works best to serve populations and is critical to helping us secure healthier outcomes.”

More information on the awards: Inspiring Welsh research recognised at Health and Care Research Wales Awards | Health Care Research Wales