Cancer Research After Hours

On Thursday 29 September, Techniquest’s popular “Admiral After Hours” events for adults returned with a special evening of cancer research-themed talks and activities.

Sponsored by Admiral, the event was organised by Wales Cancer Partnership (including the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cancer Research UK, Cancer Research Wales, Healthwise Wales, Tenovus Cancer Care and the Wales Cancer Research Centre) to showcase some of the ground-breaking cancer research taking place in Wales.

Over 400 people came along to hear talks on topics such as cancer immunology and drug discoveries made in Cardiff. Visitors could also take a virtual reality lab tour, play Suppress the Mess Board Game, make their own DNA necklace and try to escape from the lab against the clock. There was also a selection of activity stalls giving an insight into different areas of cancer research. A Tenovus Cancer Care Sing with Us choir finished the evening in style.

Libby Batt, Operations Manager at the Wales Cancer Research Centre, attended the event. She said,

"As a visitor affected by cancer, finding out more about cancer and the amazing ground-breaking research that is going on in Wales was fantastic. Having family and friends with cancer I found it reassuring as well as inspiring to know that people are working so hard together to make a difference through research."

Alexa Bishop, Engagement Manager for Cancer Research UK, added,

“Organising this event has been a really rewarding experience. There are dozens of cancer research organisations in Wales, and we’ve been able to bring the majority of them together for this event. Wales is a really exciting place to be doing research. There are so many cutting edge developments coming through from Welsh labs and clinics; it was a pleasure to see around 70 people working in the cancer research field come together to showcase their work.

The Wales Cancer Partnership brings together cancer organisations to enable better patient care and increase research success in Wales. Organisations taking part in the 'After Hours does Cancer Research' event include the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Wales Cancer Research Centre, CRUK Cardiff Centre, Tenovus, Cancer Research Wales and Healthwise Wales.