Our history
Since 1966, our pioneering research has been saving lives, right here in Wales.
Timeline
1966
Cancer Research Wales is founded as the 'South Wales Cancer Research Council' by Dr Ken Davies
1968
The charity begins publishing our first biennial and annual Reports on research conducted.
1985
Our founder - Dr Ken Davies, is appointed as chairman of the charity.
1989
Our radiobiology department is formally recognised by the University of Wales for its contributions to teaching and research into cancer.
1990
Cancer Research Wales adopts our new name.
1991
Cancer Research Wales opens Wales’s first specialist cancer library at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, where we were based at the time.
1992
We achieved significant scientific output this year, with several hundred publications in cancer journals and contributions to international research meetings.
1994
Cancer Research Wales helps fund the Clinical Trials Unit which opens at Velindre Cancer Centre.
1996
Professor John Moore replaces Dr Davies as chairman, and we commit major resources to building the new research unit.
1997
Cancer Research Wales continues to operate as a partner to the Velindre NHS Trust, focusing primarily on translational research.
1998
This was a year of rapid expansion for Cancer Research Wales during which we employed our first permanent staff to lead professional fundraising and administration.
1999
Professor Malcolm Mason is appointed as the first Cancer Research Wales professor of clinical oncology
2000
The Cancer Research Wales laboratories at Velindre Cancer Centre are opened - the first of their kind in Wales
2003
Cancer Research Wales becomes one of the funders of the Wales Cancer Bank.
2004
Cancer Research Wales provides infrastructural support for the Wales Cancer Bank – the first of its type in Europe.
2006
Cancer Research Wales is one of the founding members of the Wales Cancer Alliance.
2008
The Brecon and Sennybridge & Crickhowell Cancer Research Wales Fundraising Committees are established.
2011
Cancer Research Wales funds a study to examine the cancer effect of HPV on head and neck cancers in men.
2013
Our funding of the Welsh International Benchmark Study leads to the formation of the Single Cancer Pathway in Wales. This year, we also fund the initial research that leads to the establishment of Trocept - a world-leading cancer therapeutic pipeline that sees patients with less survivable cancers being treated for the first time with engineered viruses that destroy cancer cells.
2016
We fund the groundbreaking ‘PEARL’ radiotherapy trial for head and neck cancer – the first Welsh-led radiotherapy trial of its kind and mark our 50th anniversary with a 52-mile trek across the Sahara.
2017
The CanSense company for research into spectrophotometry bowel cancer diagnostics is formed following initial funding by Cancer Research Wales.
2018
HPV vaccination for the prevention of head and neck cancer is approved in Wales.
2020
ImmunoServ Biotech Limited is formed by two Cardiff-based immunologists funded by us.
2021
Cancer Research Wales launches the Tom Walker Scholarship for research into acute myeloid leukaemia.
2022
We launch our new ‘striped’ brand and the Phase 3 ThinkCancer! primary care trial funded by us begins.
2023
Cancer Research Wales moves into our current offices at Neptune Court and we fund the Colospect all-Wales bowel cancer study.
2024
We open several new retail stores - including our first ever shops in North Wales and launch the groundbreaking Brain Tumour Research Initiative (BATRI) to drive forward research and treatments for brain tumours in Wales.
2025
Our new store opens in Caernarfon, we appoint our ‘Magnificent Seven’ ambassadors and hold the first international BATRI conference in Cardiff
2026
Cancer Research Wales celebrates our 60th anniversary.