Welsh Secretary has told leaders in Research and Development that
they have a vital role to play in helping to grow the economy in
Wales when she met them at Bangor University's science park
M-SParc on Anglesey. The discussion is the latest in a
series of roundtable meetings chaired by the Welsh Secretary as
part of her drive to deliver economic growth for Wales.
Research and Development leads to the innovation of new products,
processes and services and includes academics and businesses
working together. The examples seen at M-SParc were championed as
good practice.
In Wales the sector is a cornerstone of innovation, and it plays
a critical role in shaping the future of industry and enhancing
global competitiveness.
Ms. Stevens was briefed on the work being carried out by
scientists at the School of Ocean Sciences in the Irish and
Celtic Seas. This research brings together policymakers, industry
leaders, and communities to work on marine conservation and
restoration, aquaculture and fisheries, and marine renewables.
She also saw a successful hatchery for native oyster species,
which plays a crucial role in UK breeding programmes and
restoration efforts.
At M-SParc on Anglesey, Wales's first dedicated science park, the
Welsh Secretary met businesses who are collaborating with Bangor
University academics to produce cutting-edge research in
the science, technology and innovation sectors.
She saw work being undertaken by MDF Recovery Ltd who have
developed an innovative process to recover fibre from waste MDF,
which can be reused for new products such as thermal insulation.
Secretary of State for Wales, said:
The UK Government's Plan for Change will kickstart the economy
and put more money in people's pockets.
Wales has a thriving Research and Development sector, which is
vital for our economy as well as creating innovations which have
the power to improve people's lives.
I want to build on that success and support the sector to create
the well-paid, highly skilled jobs that will drive growth the
length and breadth of Wales.
Professor Paul Spencer, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Bangor
University said:
As a leading research-led institution, we work with industry to
tackle today's societal and economical challenges - from reducing
carbon emissions to adapting to the emergence and impact of AI -
and we have a track record of translating our research into
impact.
The recent Queen's Anniversary Award for our covid monitoring
work offers recognition of the research excellence and has
subsequently led to a partnership with a global life sciences
company. Our success is built on collaboration, and we welcome
the UK government's commitment to supporting research as a driver
of economic growth.
Pryderi ap Rhisiart, Managing Director of M-SParc said:
M-SParc plays a key role in facilitating collaboration between
industry & academia. Our core purpose is to deliver economic
growth built on the research excellence of Bangor University and
our incredibly innovative ecosystem, made up of a range of
groundbreaking businesses and pioneers across Wales who,
collectively, have the ambition to deliver meaningful economic
impact in the region.
