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Universities Worldwide Boost Cell & Gene Therapy Training via Pharma Partnerships

Universities are teaming up with pharma to close the skills gap in cell and gene therapies. Practical experiences and industry partnerships are key to preparing students for this rapidly evolving field.

In this picture it looks like a pamphlet of a company with an image of a cup on it.
In this picture it looks like a pamphlet of a company with an image of a cup on it.

Universities Worldwide Boost Cell & Gene Therapy Training via Pharma Partnerships

Universities worldwide, notably in the U.K., Singapore, and the U.S., are bolstering their offerings by collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to provide specialized training in cell and gene therapies. This move addresses the gap between current degree-level courses and the specific skills required for these innovative treatments.

While some universities like the University of Leipzig are part of research hubs such as the BioCity Campus, focusing on cell and gene therapy, specific specialized programs in collaboration with industry are not yet widespread. However, the University of Bonn is involved in projects like 'Bone2Gene', using AI to detect genetically determined bone diseases, indicating a step towards integration.

Developing industry partnerships can help universities revise their programs to include specialized modules on cell and gene therapies. Currently, these topics are rarely covered in depth. For instance, cell and gene therapy manufacturing differs significantly from traditional biopharmaceutical production, requiring distinct skills and quality control processes. Yet, few top-tier universities offer sufficient training in these areas, with workflow design being one example of an undercovered topic.

Limited access to specialist facilities may restrict the number of internships available, potentially necessitating virtual alternatives. Visiting manufacturing facilities and utilizing virtual reality technology can enhance students' understanding of commercial production environments. However, universities must do more to prepare engineering students for these roles.

To keep pace with the rapidly evolving field of cell and gene therapies, universities need to strengthen their partnerships with industry, revise curricula to include specialized modules, and provide practical experiences through internships and virtual reality. By doing so, they can better prepare students for careers in this exciting and vital sector of the biopharmaceutical industry.

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