What steps is the Welsh Government taking to use the Bangor University medical school to encourage a growth in the life sciences sector in north-west Wales?
A range of activities in life sciences, through research and industrial partnerships, are already underway at Bangor University. These initiatives are closely linked with the Medical School and are highlighted below.
On 26 January 2023, the former First Minister announced that the Welsh Government would fund up to 140 medical student placements annually at the new North Wales Medical School, based at Bangor University. This initiative is being delivered through a partnership between the Welsh Government, Bangor University, Cardiff University, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
The Medical School was officially launched on 3 October 2024, with the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in attendance. This fulfilled a key commitment in the Programme for Government 2021-2026. The first cohort of 80 students began their studies in September 2024, with numbers set to gradually increase to 140 students annually by 2029. This phased approach ensures a thorough evaluation of education quality and the student experience.
This new medical school will play a crucial role in training the medical professionals needed for the future. It allows Wales to train more medical students locally and ensures equitable distribution of both training opportunities and the provision of highly qualified doctors across the country. This is excellent news for students, the people of North Wales, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. It demonstrates the Welsh Government’s commitment to delivering healthcare as close to people’s homes as possible.
In addition to training healthcare professionals, the Welsh Government is working to ensure the Medical School contributes to the growth of the life sciences sector in North Wales:
- Research and Development: Health and Care Research Wales is collaborating with the school and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to provide opportunities for cutting-edge research that addresses local healthcare needs. This includes developing research-active clinicians who can lead clinical trials, including industry sponsored trials.
- Grant Support: Bangor University staff are encouraged to apply for personal award schemes and grants available through Health and Care Research Wales to further support innovation and development.
- Wastewater Monitoring and Industrial Partnerships: During the Covid-19 pandemic we worked closely with Bangor University to develop and deploy wastewater monitoring for different diseases, this initial support has catalysed continued growth and excellence for the University in this important area of research and led to industrial partnerships with the multinational life sciences firm, Verily.
- Industry and Academia Links: Life Sciences Hub Wales is actively supporting the creation of stronger links between academia and industry across Wales, including North Wales. Through its role as a central point for collaboration, the Hub facilitates partnerships, encourages knowledge exchange, and promotes innovation. Bangor University and the North Wales Medical School are being encouraged to engage with the Hub to identify opportunities for collaboration with businesses, particularly in areas like diagnostics, genomics, and MedTech.
- Future Potential in Nuclear Medicine: Bangor University medical school has the potential opportunity to advance nuclear medicine research and training, should work on the ARTHUR medical radioisotopes facility come to pass.
The Welsh Government remains committed to supporting Bangor University and its newly established medical school in its mission to train healthcare professionals, advance medical research, and contribute to the life sciences sector in North-West Wales.