Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science visits Cardiff Cancer Research UK Centre

Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills, has visited the Cardiff Cancer Research UK Centre to learn more about the groundbreaking work of local researchers and doctors to beat cancer.

Ms Griffiths talked with Professor Alan Clarke, Director of the Centre, and Professor Paul Morgan, Dean of the School of Medicine at Cardiff University, about the innovative research being undertaken in Cardiff.

The Cardiff Centre is a partnership between Cancer Research UK, Cardiff University, Velindre NHS Trust and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Its main aims are to boost research activities in Wales and increase the rate at which findings are translated into therapies for different types of cancers.

The Deputy Minister then accompanied Gareth Griffiths, Scientific Director of the Wales Cancer Trials Unit, School of Medicine, on a tour of the Unit to see the different stages of developing a clinical trial.

Ms Griffiths applauded the ground breaking work being undertaken at the Cardiff Centre: “I have been extremely impressed by what I have seen, particularly the high level research being carried out into the early diagnosis and treatment of a number of cancers.

“It illustrates the vital role of research in the medical and health sectors and the potential benefits this could bring to people worldwide. Wales has an outstanding reputation for innovation and expertise in this field and I am delighted to hear of plans that will boost research activities in Cardiff.”

Photograph from left to right: Professor B. Paul Morgan, Dean of Medicine, Cardiff University; Gareth Griffiths, Scientific Director, Wales Cancer Trials Unit; Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills; Professor Alan Clarke, Cardiff Cancer Research UK Centre Director.