Removing barriers to research careers, the centrality of research and innovation to Wales’ economy and the importance of collaborating to tackle climate change are among the key opportunities highlighted by the Learned Society of Wales in its response to Medr’s consultation on its new, and first, strategic plan.

Medr, the newly formed body responsible for funding and regulating the tertiary education and research sector in Wales, produced its strategic plan in response to the Welsh Government’s statement priorities for tertiary education and research and innovation.

We welcomed the opportunity to comment and have our voice heard along with many others in the tertiary education system. Partnership working is at the core of our strategic vision, as well as that of Medr, and we endorse the spirit of collaboration that underpins the consultation. LSW looks forward to being a part of delivering this forward-looking Plan, through our unique role in the tertiary sector, and our partnership with Medr.

Our comments focussed on the following:

• the centrality of research and innovation to a strong economy and society;
• working together to remove barriers to accessing research careers;
• the importance of the Plan’s focus on equity, diversity and inclusion;
• how the research sector can support the commitments within the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act;
• the role that national academies can play in supporting evidence-based policy-making;
• the value of supporting arts, humanities and creative industries in delivering a thriving society.