The National Cardiovascular Research Network (NCRN) has unveiled a free membership scheme at its inaugural Connect and Collaborate event at the National Museum Cardiff.

This event, which took place on 4th December, brought together more than 100 clinicians, patients, academics and NHS professionals from across Wales, united by a shared mission: to accelerate progress in cardiovascular research.

The new membership offers a range of benefits designed to empower researchers and stakeholders, including strategic bid development advice, tailored funding opportunities, specialist data guidance, communications support and wider administrative assistance.

Members will also gain access to a vibrant network of peers, enabling collaboration, knowledge-sharing and updates on the latest breakthroughs.

The NCRN encourages anyone who has an interest in cardiovascular research to join, particularly those who have lived experience of heart and circulatory disease.

Speaking at the event, Co-director Professor Christopher George of Swansea University said: ‘“We want to drive better connection and engagement between cardiovascular research in Wales and the enormous power of what we are able to do. Everybody who is part of our network has a job and has something to do. Champions are critical to the way we move forward.”

Other speakers included NCRN Co-director Professor Barry McDonnell (Cardiff Metropolitan University), Michael Bowdery (Head of Programmes, Health and Care Research Wales) and

Rhodri Thomas (Head of British Heart Foundation Cymru)—both key funders of the network.

Michael Bowdery highlighted the momentum behind the initiative: “There’s excitement and strong commitment to addressing health needs, inclusivity and health inequalities.”

And in a message read by Bethan Edwards of British Heart Foundation Cymru, Rhodri Thomas said: “In Wales, around 40,000 people are living with cardiovascular disease…and yet there is hope. That hope is what can be achieved when we connect and collaborate.”

You can find out more and sign up to become a member of the National Cardiovascular Research Network here.

Photography credit: Kian Abdullah, Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd.