25 March 2025

Read the WIN impact report.

A collaborative initiative set up to strengthen Welsh research and innovation is today demonstrating the transformative impact of that work. The first impact report by the Wales Innovation Network (WIN) reveals that projects supported by WIN have successfully leveraged over £38 million in additional investment, a 19 times return on investment, supporting pioneering research that strengthens the Welsh economy, advances sustainability, and enhances public wellbeing.

The report highlights the important work of Welsh universities in driving progress and innovation across key sectors. From tackling climate change and food security to strengthening health resilience and digital transformation, Welsh research is addressing global challenges while delivering tangible benefits for communities across Wales.

  • Aberystwyth University, in collaboration with multiple partners, secured over £5 million to establish the Cymru Wledig Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) – a pioneering evidence-based initiative to support rural economic and social development, ensuring Welsh communities thrive. The project will provide new research insights, engage communities in co-designed solutions, and shape future policy frameworks that drive economic growth and sustainability in rural Wales.
  • Bangor University’s One Health Wales initiative is integrating human, animal, and environmental health to tackle pressing public health challenges. With over £5 million of industry investment secured through WIN-backed collaboration, this project is pioneering new approaches to disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and healthcare resilience. It reflects Wales’ commitment to holistic health strategies that protect both people and the planet.
  • WIN’s All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration (AWPAC) supported a joint project between The Open University and the University of South Wales, which is playing a crucial role in shaping policing policies on domestic abuse within law enforcement. The research has examined how Welsh police forces respond to police-perpetrated domestic abuse and sexual violence, identifying key areas for improvement. This work is influencing discussions at the National Police Chiefs' Council and has the potential to drive significant change in safeguarding and justice practices across Wales and beyond.

Today, policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, gathered at the Senedd to celebrate the impact Welsh research and innovation is having across a wide range of Welsh Government priority areas. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about some of the innovative work being carried out by Welsh universities and hear the positive outcomes achieved through WIN funding. These exhibits demonstrated not only the tangible successes achieved but also the potential for even greater breakthroughs as Welsh research continues to grow and evolve.

Sponsored by Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, with insights from Professor Roger Whitaker, Chair of WIN and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Cardiff University, and Professor David Sweeney, Deputy Chair of Medr, the event reinforced the importance of continued investment in research to drive economic growth, sustainability, and societal progress.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:

“We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation in Wales, which champions research and collaboration as a way to improve people’s lives.

“The Wales Innovation Network is an exemplar of how to collaborate and innovate, with projects securing an incredible 19-fold return on investment. This rate of return has enabled the expansion and success of numerous projects and initiatives in Wales, aligned – crucially – to our Welsh Government priorities.

“It was fantastic to welcome many talented researchers and innovators to the Senedd to showcase their work as part of this impressive initiative.”

Professor David Sweeney CBE, Deputy Chair of Medr, said:

“The Wales Innovation Network has established itself as a vital part of the research and innovation ecosystem. Bringing our universities together while harnessing their distinctive strengths, WIN has enabled the sector to take advantage of more and better opportunities than institutions could do working alone. Medr has set out ambitions to grow internationally-acclaimed research and inspire innovation through the tertiary sector, and we look forward to continuing to work with WIN to help us achieve this.”

Professor Roger Whitaker, Chair of the Wales Innovation Network and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Cardiff University, said:

“The success stories highlighted in the WIN impact report demonstrate the transformative power of innovation and the vital role WIN plays in driving research excellence. By fostering partnerships and securing over £38 million in additional funding, WIN is delivering real impact - strengthening the economy, supporting businesses, and ensuring Welsh universities remain at the cutting edge of global research.

“More than just funding, WIN is creating an environment where Welsh universities can lead groundbreaking discoveries, collaborate with industry, and contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We are incredibly proud of the achievements highlighted in this report and remain committed to advancing research and innovation across Wales."