15 April 2025

The fund, designed to foster partnerships and strengthen external funding opportunities, has awarded over £43k to nine projects across Wales. 

Each of the awarded projects bring together at least three Welsh universities, fostering collaboration across institutions. Most of the successful applications involved multiple external stakeholders such as the NHS, local authorities, industry partners and community groups, and had well-developed strategies for securing further funding. 

This year’s funding builds on the success of the last two years of the WIN Small Grant Fund, which helped generate £4.6 million in external funding, with a further £13.9 million in development. WIN remains committed to strengthening research and innovation in Wales by encouraging cross-university collaboration and supporting projects with the potential for long-term impact. 

Dr Lewis Dean, Head of WIN, said:  

“We’ve had incredible success so far with the WIN Small Grant Fund, seeing a significant return on investment that proves how much can be achieved through collaboration with a small amount of funding.  

“The scope of the projects funded in 2025 is far-reaching, from studying microplastics and reducing food waste, to innovative technology for stroke patients. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects in the years ahead.”  

Projects:  

Bangor University 

Does digital transformation safeguard vulnerable people? Evidence from Welsh households 

Partners: Cardiff University, Swansea University, Halle Institute for Economic Research and Leipzig University, University College Dublin, Bond University Australia, Business Wales, Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales, Fintech Wales, M-SParc, seven credit unions and two building societies, local authorities/councils 

Aligned with the Welsh Government digital strategy, this research investigates how financial institutions' digital transformation impacts vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and rural communities. Led by experts with extensive experience and external funding, the project collaborates with international universities and aligns with British Academy-funded work to develop insights and policy recommendations. 

From invertebrates to humans: Interdisciplinary approaches to unveiling the health implications of microplastics   

Partners: Cardiff University, Swansea University, Environment Platform Wales 

This multidisciplinary research group is investigating the health impacts of microplastic ingestion across species, identified as a critical issue in an Environment Platform Wales workshop in December 2024. The team aims to secure further funding to study microplastic toxicity, with expertise spanning human health, immunology, ecotoxicology, and policy. 

Cardiff Metropolitan University 

Food CIRCLE Wales 

Partners: Bangor University, Cardiff University, Swansea University, Aberystwyth University, Northumbria University 

This partnership is exploring the links between the food sector and regional development, focusing on environmental, health, and economic impacts. With strong external partnerships, the project emphasises hidden innovation, collaboration, and circular economy goals to improve efficiency and reduce food waste. 

User-centric Edge AI solutions for secure and sustainable urban mobility  

Partners: Swansea University, University of South Wales, University of Hull, University of Nottingham, University of Leeds, University of Maryland (Baltimore), CrowStrike UK 

A collaborative team of international and industry partners, with expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and smart technology, aims to develop secure, user-centric transport technologies for sustainable urban mobility. Funding will consolidate the group and support the integration of AI safety protocols, aligning with Welsh Government priorities for sustainable transport and innovation. 

Cardiff University  

Welsh Rare Diseases Research Network 

Partners: Swansea University, University of South Wales, Bangor University, Welsh Government, Life Sciences Hub Wales, Wales Gene Park, Rare Diseases Implementation Network 

Despite having 175,000 people affected by rare diseases, Wales receives only 1.6% of the UK’s rare disease research funding. A new network, supported by Welsh Government, unites scientists, healthcare providers, and clinicians to advance research, improve patient outcomes, and support the Rare Diseases Action Plan for Wales. 

Deciphering the microbiome's role in prostate cancer: The impact of cutibacterium acnes and its extracellular vesicles on prostate cancer cells 

Partners: Aberystwyth University, Swansea University, Multidisciplinary Research Group in Urological Cancers (part of the Wales Cancer Research Center) 

Funding will support a new interdisciplinary team to investigate the microbiome’s role in prostate cancer, focusing on its presence in tumours and potential impact on inflammation and disease progression. The grant covers lab consumables to generate crucial preliminary data, strengthening future applications to Cancer Research Wales and UKRI. 

Swansea University 

TOMHAS: The influence on treatment and outcomes of mode of hospital attendance for suspected stroke  

Partners: Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, Northumbria University, Stroke Hub Wales , Swansea Bay University Health Board , Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust , The Patient Experience and Evaluation in Research (PEER) Panel, Wales Centre for Primary and Emergency Care (PRIME Centre Wales), National Cardiovascular Research Network (NCRN), 999 Emergency Medical Services Research Forum, Service Users for Primary and Emergency care Research (SUPER) 

An interdisciplinary project uniting universities, the NHS, and patient groups to investigate how hospital arrival mode affects treatment and outcomes for suspected stroke patients. Building on previous collaboration, the team seeks funding for face-to-face engagement and research development to improve stroke care and patient outcomes. 

University of South Wales 

Creative Industries Working Group 

Partners: All Welsh universities through WIN’s Wales Arts and Humanities Alliance, National Eisteddfod, Welsh Government, Creative Wales, Gogledd Creadigaol, Msparc, local authorities, theatre/ performance companies, freelance artists, unions, industry specialists 

Developing a Welsh bid for the second wave of AHRC Cluster funding, opening in Spring 2025, the initiative aims to address place-based challenges through research, development, and innovation (RDI), fostering industry microclusters and engaging stakeholders from business, policy, and academia to maximise commercial impact. 

University of Wales Trinity St David 

Developing a soft exoskeleton robot for hand rehabilitation in stroke-affected patients 

Partners: Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of South Wales, Institute of Robotics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board 

A collaborative project involving Welsh universities, the NHS, and international partners is developing a personalised soft exoskeleton robot for hand rehabilitation, addressing stroke-related disability. Funding supports feasibility analysis, stakeholder engagement, and a dissemination conference, aiming to establish long-term partnerships aligned with regional and national health priorities.