VALE of Glamorgan AM Jane Hutt is set to sponsor the launch of a new research fellowship, acknowledging the work done by her friend and former First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan, who died earlier this year.

The Rhodri Morgan Life Ethics Fellowship, which recognises the work done by Mr Morgan to introduce an 'opt out' organ donor system in Wales, will offer an opportunity to investigate ethics involving paediatric organ donation, transplantation and dialysis.

Funded by Kidney Wales and the college of human and health sciences of Swansea University and Wales Kidney Research Unit, the fellowship is designed to access expertise from around the world to expand knowledge for those donating or receiving a human organ, or who are on dialysis.

It is open to anyone living or working in Wales and offers an opportunity to travel to regions such as North America and South Africa.

The subject of the fellowship was chosen in consultation with Rhodri’s widow Julie Morgan AM, who will be part of the appointment panel, together with Mark Drakeford AM, who was health minister at the time the legislation was passed into law.

Jane Hutt AM said: "This fellowship is a wonderful way to remember Rhodri. During his time as First Minister, Rhodri kick started the debate on the new legislation on organ donation which saw Wales become the first country in the UK to introduce deemed consent – something he was very proud of."

The launch of The Rhodri Morgan Life Ethics Fellowship will take place on Wednesday, October 18 between 12-1pm at the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay.