Impact Report 2021/24

Wales Innovation Network (WIN) is a collaboration between all Welsh universities to elevate Wales as a leader in research and innovation. Over 2021-24, £2.17m in WIN funding leveraged £38m in additional investment, and bids worth £116m were submitted to external funders. 137 external partners were engaged across 13 countries. WIN's Small Grant Fund awarded £267,000 to 39 projects. Key successes include the Cymru Wledig Rural LPIP (£5m+), One Health Wales Institute (£5.12m), and Wales Arts and Humanities Alliance. 89% of Welsh research was rated internationally excellent or world-leading.

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Small Grant Fund (£267k to 39 projects); Wales Arts and Humanities Alliance (WAHA); Net Zero and Decarbonisation steering group; All-Wales Policing Academic Collaboration; Health and Wellbeing network; London reception (Secretary of State for Wales); Brussels reception (Welsh European stakeholders); Sense About Science Evidence Week participation; Bangor UKRI roundtable; MRC Council showcase at Swansea University

Key Metrics

Key Metric 1 £2,166,675 WIN funding leveraged £38,056,811 in additional investment; bids totalling £116,774,382 submitted to external funders; 31 external funders secured

Key Metric 2 137 external partners included in successful small grant bids across 13 countries; £5m+ direct industry investment; £267,000 awarded to 39 projects through Small Grant Fund

Key Metric 3 89% of Welsh research rated internationally excellent or world-leading for impact (REF 2021); 85% improved processes and practices; 90% created UK-wide impact; 60%+ reached global audiences

Key Outcomes

Advanced Design Engineering group secured £2.028m in funding following WIN support; Cymru Wledig Rural Wales LPIP awarded £5m+ for rural policy innovation; One Health Wales Institute secured £5.12m including £5m commercial contract
UKRI visit to Bangor; first Technicians Commitment signatories event in Wales; Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology engaged at London reception; Minister for Science, Research and Innovation attended
WIN established following Professor Graeme Reid recommendation; covers all Welsh universities; six focus areas: digital transformation, Net Zero, agri-tech, creative industries, population health, materials/manufacturing; collaborates with Welsh Government and UKRI