The Southwest and Wales Advanced Therapies Network (SWAT) brings together academic, industry and clinical stakeholders working in the field of cell and gene-based therapies in Southwest England and Wales. The network was established in 2020 and is part of the UK Advanced Therapies (UKAT) initiative, as a forum for fostering collaboration, innovation and strategic dialogue, and facilitating connections with the wider UK and international Advanced Therapies communities.
Objectives
The SWAT network hosts open events to discuss advanced therapies innovation, commercialisation and clinical delivery, and provides networking opportunities. The events cover subjects such as clinical trials, investment, regulatory affairs and academic translation. As well as networking and regional events, the SWAT network promotes several UKAT initiatives which fund cross-institution academic collaboration in advanced therapies projects and collaborative projects between commercial partners and academic/NHS research groups working in advanced therapies.
We aim to raise the profile of the region’s Advanced Therapy strengths, and to realise the potential of advanced therapy medicines for patient benefit.
Who is this network for?
Academics, Industry, NHS, government, charities, funders, R&D, and commercial support sectors working in the discovery, development and delivery of Advanced Therapies.
What organisations are involved in this network?
SWAT partners include the Universities of Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Swansea, and Plymouth; NHS Blood & Transplant; Advanced Therapies Wales and Life Sciences Hub Wales, as well as regional advanced therapies biotech companies CytoSeek and eXmoor Pharma.
