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Cymraeg

Partnership to sharpen focus on Welsh issues

18 November 2008

The University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wales’ leading independent think-tank, the Institute of Welsh Affairs, paving the way for greater collaboration in public policy development.

Setting out the strategic framework under which the two institutions will work together to advance research into political and legal matters in Wales, the Memorandum formalises an already long-standing relationship with the Institute of Welsh Affairs.

Professor Ken Woodhouse, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement, said: "We are excited to be broadening this already successful strategic partnership and working together to address particular issues that matter to the people of Wales. We share extensive common interests in areas of vital research, but equally we share a commitment to enriching Welsh society through promoting informed debate.

"This is a great example of how higher education and organisations such as the Institute of Welsh Affairs can work together to inform and influence the public agenda."

The partnership also aims to increase the prospect of attracting grants and maximising other funding opportunities to further deliver quality research which informs future of policies, promoting new and innovative approaches to issues of relevance to Wales.

Institute of Welsh Affairs Chair Geraint Talfan Davies, said, "This agreement marks a significant step forward for the Institute in a year when we are celebrating our 21st anniversary. The complementary strengths of both institutions will bring an even sharper focus on the issues facing Wales. I hope it is a forerunner of similar collaborations."

The launch event at the National Assembly for Wales offices' Ty Hywel, Cardiff Bay, also marked the publication of Politics in 21st Century Wales, the second in the Cardiff Bay Papers series being published jointly by the two institutions. This collaboration is being undertaken by the University’s Wales Governance Centre, a research unit which brings together academics from Cardiff University’s School of European Studies, Law School and Business School in association with the Institute of Welsh Affairs.

Earlier this year the Institute of Welsh Affairs collaborated with the Regeneration Institute in Cardiff’s School of Social Sciences in promoting a conference and seminar on Futures for the Heads of the Valleys, which was followed up by a publication.

The Institute of Welsh Affairs will be collaborating with the Centre for Advances Studies and the Regeneration Institute in a conference on Regional Economies in a Globalising World later this year. This event, organised in association with the British Council Cymru, will bring together eight world-renowned economists and geographers from North America, Europe and the Far East to debate their experience in mobilising intellectual resources to promote innovative approaches to economic and social development.