Extra £3 million for women's health research
Female scientist analyses samples in a lab.

£3 million investment is to go towards the the Women’s Health Research Wales from Health and Care Research Wales, supported by the Welsh government, on top of the already-existing £750,000 for other dedicated women’s health research projects.

Published in December, the women’s health plan for Wales delivers plans for women’s health research, with a budget of £750,000 in April 2025. Welsh universities are also encouraged to bid for funding to create a Women’s Health Research Centre.
 

£3,013,936 has been secured, as part of a wider £49 million investment package announced by Health and Care Research Wales. This will support 17 research centres across the country.

Minister for mental health and wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: “This new research centre, the first for women’s health in Wales, will be crucial in helping us to better understand women’s experiences, develop more effective treatments, and ensure our health services truly meet women’s needs at every stage of their lives.
 

“I hope the centre will attract and retain leading researchers in the field and help ensure Welsh women’s experiences and needs drive our women’s health plan for Wales.”

The Women’s Health Network part of the NHS Executive, is to work with Health and Care Research Wales and the academic community in the future to improve the women specific health evidence available in Wales.

National clinical lead for Women’s Health, Dr Helen Munro, said:

“The is an encouraging step towards achieving a more equal healthcare system for women in Wales and represents a real investment in our future health. The Women’s Heath Network, part of the NHS Wales Executive, will look forward to working with our colleagues in Health Care Research Wales, and together with key stakeholders, will work to develop both the data and evidence that is specific to women. This crucial work will be key to helping to shape the services which will improve experiences and outcomes for women in Wales.”