Cardiff collaboration will bring economic and social benefits to Wales

An alliance designed to boost research and innovation in Wales and South West England held its Welsh launch last night (Tuesday 25 November).

The GW4 Alliance brings together the universities of Cardiff, Bath, Bristol and Exeter to tackle some of the most pressing social and economic challenges by harnessing their research strengths for local, national and global benefit.

Economy and Science Minister, Edwina Hart, said: "Innovation and research is a vital driver for economic growth and creating jobs. By working in partnership and sharing facilities, expertise and best practice universities can deliver even better research and results. I am very pleased that the Welsh Government is supporting the GW4 Alliance, which will play an important role in helping us meet our ambition for delivering world class research in Wales."

Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University and Chair of GW4's Council added: "By pooling research expertise and sharing facilities, equipment and other resources, GW4 aims to reach beyond what one university could do. We are powering innovation and driving growth in Wales and working with our neighbours in the South West to provide the critical mass and the quality to succeed in an increasingly competitive and research-intensive environment."

GW4 has already succeeded in bringing the UK's largest Natural Environmental Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership to the region, which is providing 200 studentships for the next generation of environmental scientists. It involves GW4 institutions along with partners such as National Botanical Garden of Wales, National Museum of Wales, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and Cynnal Cymru.

The Alliance is set to receive £8M from the BBSRC for the South West Doctoral Training Partnership, comprising GW4 universities and the world renowned agricultural institute Rothamstead Research. This funding will provide 114 studentships over five years to tackle challenges such as agriculture and food security.

GW4 has also provided more than £650,000 to 35 projects through its Building Communities programme covering areas such as dementia and mine waste.

Image Caption 1: Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor, Cardiff University, and Chair of the GW4 Council addresses the launch of the GW4 Alliance in Wales.

Image Caption 2: Left to right - Professor Jane Millar, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Bath; Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor, Cardiff University, and chair of GW4 Council; Ken Skates AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism; Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter; Sir Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bristol.