The University of Galmorgan has been given £20,000 to research the effect the revived series of Doctor Who has had on South Wales.

Doctor Who has been filmed in and around Cardiff since it was brought back to our screens in 2004 - and the programme has put the Welsh capital firmly on Britain’s cultural map! Its spin-offs Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures are also filmed on location around the city.

“People are now more aware of what is going on in Cardiff than they otherwise would’ve been,” said Doctor Who enthusiast Peter Bell. “It’s not just sci-fi fans watching it, a large part of the great British public is.”

It’s hoped that the research, which is being funded by the BBC, will help the city make the most of the profile its gained from the programme. Students at the university will conduct various interviews with fans and tourist industry professionals to find out how they can use the show to boost Cardiff’s tourism. The city is already home to the Doctor Who Up Close Exhibition, which showcases props and costumes used in the series.

“The shows have done a good job of showcasing Cardiff, particularly Torchwood,” Doctor Who fan, Caleb Woodbridge, said. “Aerial shots of the Bay at night make it look really cool and glamorous.”

A full report will be released in September 2009.