Parc Felindre resourced by groundbreaking University

The impressive waterfront of Swansea Bay is the backdrop of Swansea University’s two campuses. A desirable location for students and staff from around the world, the university is also a bedrock of historic and current research success. The pool of research scientists, expertise and facilities are readily accessible to business and industry, a wealth of talent on the doorstep
of Parc Felindre occupiers.

Swansea University

Swansea University is currently celebrating its role in an unexpected discovery which will hopefully help in cancer diagnosis. The university has helped uncover a surprising new part played by blood platelets, which could significantly advance early cancer detection. Platelets are the small colourless disc shaped cell fragments without a nucleus found in the blood in large numbers and involved in clotting.¹

Since its inception in 1920, Swansea University has developed a worldwide reputation for its research achievements. Across its sectors, the university is also renowned for working direct with business and industry but their current research is making a global impact across the health and well-being of society.

Swansea University’s own research and corroborative research success in various disciplines include:

Health and Life Sciences

AI in heart disease detection:
Celtic Vascular uses AI to detect coronary heart disease with high accuracy
Brain Injury Care:
Research is focussed on improving patient care and recovery after Acquired Brain Injury.
Wound Healing:
Corryn Biotechnologies developed biomimetic wound dressings for point-of-care application.
Dementia Research:
The university is involved in collaborations to better understand dementia.
Cholesterol Research:
Researchers are studying how cells manage cholesterol to improve diagnosis and treatment for diseases like Alzheimer's.

Engineering and Technology

Computational Engineering:
Swansea has pioneered finite element methods and other techniques for complex engineering problems.
Aerospace Modelling:
The university develops sophisticated computer models for the aerospace industry.
Self-driving Technology:
Research ensures the resilience and safety of self-driving technologies.
Nanomaterial Safety:
Methods are being developed to test the safety of nanomaterials.

Environment and Sustainability

Sustainable Steel:
Research focuses on creating lighter, greener, and more sustainable steel and cleaner production processes to combat climate change.
Carbon Reduction:
Efforts are underway to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
Antarctic Ice Shelves:

The university investigates processes related to Antarctic ice shelves.²

With successful research credentials like these, it’s not surprising that the University and its collaborations are leading the way to current breakthroughs. In recent years the research activity has exceeded that of many larger universities but the friendly and relaxed atmosphere at Swansea has not been compromised.

Hot off the ‘Science’ press in August 2025, a groundbreaking study led by the University of Oxford has revealed that platelets act as scavengers, capturing and storing fragments of DNA circulating in the blood, including mutated DNA in patients diagnosed with cancer.

blood Cells

When cells die they release genetic material into the bloodstream, triggering unwanted immune responses or other health problems. Until now, scientists have not fully understood how the body clears these potentially harmful molecules, but the team’s research suggests that platelets actively absorb stray DNA, helping to clean the blood and maintain immune balance.

Analysis of platelet DNA via a simple blood test has been able to detect the presence of even pre-cancerous changes, paving the way for early and accurate cancer screening methods that are less invasive.

Professor Paul Rees from Swansea’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, who co-supervised the project, played a key role in analysing microscopy data that confirmed this process.

Professor Rees said:

“The role of platelets, which are primarily involved with blood clotting, in absorbing cell-free DNA from the blood was completely unexpected. Also, the protection they give the internalised DNA from degradation in the blood means that this source of platelet DNA is perfect for detecting modifications and mutations that indicate diseases such as cancer in the body at a very early stage.”

The analysis of circulating DNA in the blood is emerging as an important screening method in a number of healthcare settings. However, current approaches discard the platelets and only focus on platelet-depleted blood plasma.

Project lead author Dr Lauren Murphy, a postdoctoral researcher from the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (MRC WIMM), said:

“Our study suggests that platelets might be even more important for our health than we previously realised. It also indicates that current liquid biopsy screening methods are overlooking valuable genetic information that is contained within platelets.” Remarkably, the team also discovered evidence of fetal DNA in the platelets of pregnant mothers, offering new possibilities to refine and improve genetic testing methods used today.

Dr Bethan Psaila, Associate Professor of Haematology at the University of Oxford and senior author for the study, said:

“Our discovery that platelets act as tiny DNA dust-busters in the blood was unexpected. One lucky consequence of this is that platelets bear hallmarks of DNA damage that has occurred in all tissues in our body – and analysis of platelets can potentially improve screening tests, including for cancer.”

The study was a collaborative effort between researchers at Oxford, the University of Edinburgh, and Swansea University. It was supported by Cancer Research UK and made possible thanks to patient sample donations.³

The journey into the 21st century continues, more unexpected discoveries lie ahead and Parc Felindre can be proud of the region’s links with such a successful University, giving occupiers a potential advantage to corroborate in one of your own groundbreaking steps forward.

A geographically small region, but one that is focussing on the big issues of improving lives, inspiring communities and businesses, and reaching global recognition.

Check out the opportunities at Parc Felindre. Visit our site plan now to see the available plots for your business https://parcfelindre.co.uk/en/site-plan.