A year of progress, a future of possibility | CCRP annual conference 2026

On Wednesday 16 September 2026, Cardiff Cancer Research Partnership (CCRP) hosted its first annual conference since it’s official launch in 2025, bringing together researchers, clinicians, students and partners from across the cancer research community for a day of collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking.

The event showcased the breadth and strength of cancer research taking place across Cardiff and Wales, with presentations spanning clinical research, discovery science, translational research, drug development, precision medicine and data strategy.

The conference was a powerful opportunity to reflect on the significant progress made over the past year and to celebrate the impact of partnership working. From the growth of clinical trial activity and inspiring patient stories to the achievements of research fellows and students, the day highlighted how CCRP is driving research and improving outcomes for people affected by cancer, both locally and beyond.

Highlights from the day

An inspiring welcome from Carl James

The conference opened with a keynote address from Carl James, Chief Executive of Velindre University NHS Trust, who welcomed delegates and reflected on the importance of bringing the cancer research community together under a shared mission: improving outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer.

Carl’s address set the tone for a day focused on collaboration, ambition and the collective impact that can be achieved through partnership working.

Reflecting on a year of progress

Professor Mererid Evans, Professor Awen Gallimore and members of the CCRP Operational Group provided an overview of the partnership’s achievements over the last 12 months and shared plans for the future.

Delegates heard how CCRP now oversees a thriving portfolio of clinical trials across haematological and solid cancers, including eight open studies and one currently in set-up. They also highlighted the growing success of the Discovery and Translational Research (DTR) programme, which has delivered a series of workshops designed to bring researchers together around shared priorities, new collaborations and funding opportunities.

The session also demonstrated the tangible benefits of partnership working, including collaboration across five nursing teams, enabling expertise, knowledge and resources to be shared to deliver the highest standards of care for patients.

As Katie Gilmour, Senior Research Nurse, reflected:

“We can’t achieve everything on our own, and that’s why this partnership is so important.”

Showcasing the next generation of clinical academics

A key focus of this year’s conference was providing a platform for emerging clinical academics to share their work and research ambitions.

Attendees heard from CCRP Research Fellows and students currently undertaking PhD studies, who delivered a series of engaging presentations and lightning talks covering a diverse range of research topics.

These sessions demonstrated the depth of talent within the cancer research community and highlighted how future advances in cancer treatment and care are being shaped by the next generation of researchers.

Congratulations to Morgan Williams, who won the award for Best Lightning Talk, and Chloe Harris, who received the award for Best Research Poster.

Strengthening collaboration through Cardiff Health Partners

Delegates also heard from Rachel Savery, Interim Managing Director of Cardiff Health Partners (CHP), who shared the organisation’s vision for health innovation and collaboration across Cardiff and beyond.

As a key pillar within Cardiff Health Partners, CCRP is helping to strengthen connections between research, healthcare and innovation. Rachel highlighted the importance of ensuring that patients remain at the heart of research and development, reminding delegates why collaboration is essential to achieving meaningful impact.

The conference also marked an exciting moment in the ongoing relationship between CHP and CCRP, with a formal partnership agreement due to be finalised, creating new opportunities to advance research, innovation and patient outcomes across the region.

Looking ahead

The success of the annual conference demonstrated the strength of the cancer research community across Cardiff and Wales and reinforced the value of bringing researchers, clinicians, students and partners together to collaborate and share ideas.

CCRP plans to host the event annually, creating an ongoing opportunity to celebrate achievements, build new partnerships and showcase the latest developments in cancer research.

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