University and Health Board work together to deliver research and innovation opportunities

12 September 2025

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and Hywel Dda University Health Board have today (12 September 2025) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to extend their partnership with the aim of helping to improve the health and well-being of communities in south-west Wales.

Dr Phil Kloer and Professor Elwen Evans signing the MOU

Signed at an event on UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus, the MOU commits the partners to collaborating in several areas over the next five years, including research and development, enterprise and innovation and workforce education and training.

Hywel Dda’s Chief Executive, Dr Phil Kloer, UWTSD’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Elwen Evans KC, Dr Leighton Phillips, Director of Research, Innovation and Value at Hywel Dda and Professor Gareth Davies, Dean of the Institute of Management and Health at UWTSD celebrated their ongoing commitment at an event to thank existing and new honorary appointees to the partnership for their contribution.

Dr Kloer said: “We are really pleased to be continuing to work with University of Wales Trinity Saint David. The partnership between us is long-established and successful. Working together is incredibly important when it comes to improving the health, wealth and wellbeing of our communities and the development of a local workforce – it makes us stronger and more far-reaching in our scope.

“The signing of the MoU builds on this relationship and gives us the opportunity to reflect on the good work that we have already undertaken together and to look forward to the good work we will do together over the next five years and beyond.

“It also recognises that the strength and depth of our partnership is only possible through the contributions of staff working across both organisations.”

UWTSD’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Elwen Evans, said: “I am delighted that we are extending our partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, which is an indication of the success of the programmes and initiatives that are already in place. By joining forces and sharing our research capability and expertise we aim to deliver the innovation, skills and training needed by practitioners across region which, of course, will ultimately deliver better health and wellbeing outcomes for people and communities in west Wales.

“The University and Hywel Dda have a wide geographic reach and we are well placed to make an invaluable difference to the social and economic wellbeing of our region. We look forward to continuing our collaboration over the coming years”.

The partnership has already delivered a range of benefits, including the development of local workforce training with the delivery of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development programmes in People Practice and People Management.

The ongoing collaboration between UWTSD’s ATiC (Assistive Technologies Innovation Centre) and TriTech Institute has led to joint appointments, research and innovation projects, and commercial and grant funding awards.

Over the last three years there have been significant achievements in several of the education, learning and teaching programmes. These include Professors of Practice, work programmes and contributions, and the Therapy Assistant Practitioner Diploma, which supports capacity development across therapy services, and offers pathways for learners to progress in a range of specialisms.

The next chapter of the research and innovation partnership will see the development of projects including the Centre for Social Innovation, which aims to bring together Health Board and University staff, along with the communities they serve, to find effective solutions to challenging social, environmental, and economic issues.

Work is still in its early stages, but the Centre will help develop and test new ways to achieve the joint goal of a Social Model for Health and Wellbeing, which will, in turn, improve the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.

Dr Leighton Phillips said: “Our partnership with University of Wales Trinity Saint David is important to us. Over the years this partnership has brought resources, momentum, understanding and know-how to the process of research and innovation. It has maximised our potential to have a positive impact on our employees, the services we provide, and the outcomes delivered with our communities.

“This new Memorandum of Understanding is about re-affirming our commitment to working closely with Trinity Saint David to benefit the health and wellbeing of our region.

“The MOU expands on the ambition of our newly launched Research and Development Strategic Plan, which includes plans to promote staff development and increase participation in commercial research over the next five years.”

Professor Gareth Davies said: “The renewal of this MoU reaffirms our shared commitment to the region - driving practice from third sector partnerships to cutting-edge technology adoption, including AI. The partnership harnesses expertise and capabilities across the University to this vital agenda of health, wellbeing and prosperity of south-west Wales and beyond.

“We will be strengthening educational pathways, and shaping a curriculum that equips learners with the skills needed to thrive in the existing and future health and wellbeing workforce. The practice-based nature of our delivery couples this seamlessly with research and innovation, transforming education and transforming lives.”