9. Short Debate: Benefits of medical research in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:38 pm on 8 February 2023.

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Photo of Mike Hedges Mike Hedges Labour 6:38, 8 February 2023

Can I thank Russ George for giving me a minute in this debate, but, more importantly, thank him for bringing this debate into the Chamber and putting forward a lot of ideas that I fully support? I want to continue the point made by Russ on the economic importance of medical research. Medical research has the advantage of being able to be carried out anywhere; you do not have to be in London and the south-east, you can be anywhere. It benefits from university involvement, and we are fortunate in Wales to have excellent universities. We need to support medical research at our universities and benefit from what they produce.

A major growth area in the world economy is life science. This has got to be a priority. It's meant to be a priority of the Welsh Government's, but it really does have to play a more important part. Universities can play a key role in developing further the Welsh life science industry. Unlike other parts of the UK, the activity and investment isn't concentrated in just one wealthy area or region. The growth of the life science sector in Wales spans the length and breadth of the country, from harvesting jellyfish collagen in the west to the foundation of cutting-edge infantile prosthetics in the north. It really is important that we make the most of it.