Training and skills
The hub offers opportunities for expanding training and skills through a newly established MSc course in advanced therapies, links to ATTC training, the apprenticeship community, and establishing a new PhD programme in this space.
One of the objectives of the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies is to address shortage of skills and training in this sector. In September 2023, the charity LifeArc, a key funder of GTIMC, published a report regarding the skills shortage inhibiting the rapid growth of the cell and gene therapy sector in the UK. The industry is approaching the skills gaps in many creative ways.
The University of Sheffield is addressing this skills gap by providing one of the few MSc courses in Advanced Therapies. Led by Profs Janine Kirby and Mimoun Azzouz the course provides knowledge and laboratory experience in the fast growing industry. Prof Guillaume Hautbergue co-leads the research projects module.
LifeArc also pioneers a technology transfer training programme for life sciences graduates. Isabel Christie is currently a LifeArc AUTM fellow.