Aberystwyth scientists part of new £3m cardiovascular research network
L to R: Professor Luis Mur, Dr Otar Akanyeti and Dr Federico Villagra Povina,
27 February 2025
Health and Care Research Wales and British Heart Foundation (BHF) have announced a significant £3m agreement to support cardiovascular research in Wales through funding for the National Cardiovascular Research Network (NCRN).
The five-year agreement means that Welsh researchers will be able to investigate key areas of unmet health and care needs in people with heart conditions such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), heart disease and vascular ageing.
The network, which includes Dr Federico Villagra Povina from Aberystwyth University, will bring together researchers, health professionals, patient representatives and others to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in Wales and beyond. The network is led by Swansea University and Cardiff Metropolitan University.
The agreement will see Welsh Government funding key researcher and leadership posts, with BHF funding additional research staff to help address under-representation of under-served communities in cardiovascular research. Its investment will also, support cross-disciplinary research bids, and access to data to support cardiovascular research.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles MS, said:
"This landmark £3 million partnership between Health and Care Research Wales and the British Heart Foundation represents a significant step forward in our fight against cardiovascular disease.
"By combining our expertise and resources, we're not just funding research – we're investing in the future health of people across Wales."
Dr Federico Villagra Povina, Lecturer in Exercise and Physiology at Aberystwyth University, said:
"Being part of the National Cardiovascular Research Network is a game-changer for Aberystwyth University and for cardiovascular research in Wales. I’m proud to represent the University in this initiative, and will work with other Aberystwyth University experts, Professor Luis Mur and Dr Otar Akanyeti, to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease. This £3 million investment will drive ground-breaking research, and I have no doubt it will make a lasting difference to patients and communities across Wales and beyond."
Rhodri Thomas, Head of BHF Cymru said:
"British Heart Foundation is incredibly excited to be part of this new co-fund agreement with Welsh Government which secures a sustainable future for Wales’ National Cardiovascular Research Network. This latest effort to empower cardiovascular research and innovation in Wales is particularly exciting to me, and of course my colleagues at BHF Cymru, and will help develop a platform for universities and health boards across Wales to come together under a shared mission."
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