Training the technicians of tomorrow: the importance of GMP

The popularity of different cell and gene therapies is constantly rising, especially considering they’re the most popular form of treatment for many serious and long-term diseases such as cancer, HIV, or cystic fibrosis. Developing and working with said therapies require “Good Manufacturing Practice” (GMP) environments: a system that ensures final products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards, made in laboratories with specifically trained staff in high-control environments.

In search for the lab technicians of tomorrow, the GMP Summer School was created by at.las, an organisation focusing on advanced therapy medicinal products. This year, students from local colleges  were able to take their first steps in a GMP environment at the Science Park University of Antwerp, IASP member from Belgium.

Following a successful first edition in 2022, the initiative gave students a chance to work hand-in-hand with specialists from key companies located in the park, including Anicells, Advipro, ViTalent, Ryetec, eTheRNA, MyCellHub and TRU Cleanroom Cleaning, who took the 40 laboratory technology students under their wing for three days sharing their knowledge through workshops and talks, showing them what skills and attitude are essential to become an operator in a GMP environment.

Participants also experienced a whole day of production in cleanrooms and labs at ViTalent. Alexander Van Dingenen, a student at Thomas More University College, says “Performing [GMP] operations in a large sterile room is a new experience, which I would recommend to fellow students. […] For me, GMP is now completely clear, and will have a great impact on my future career”.

Nathalie Cools, from Anicells, says “Companies are struggling to find the right staff. By cooperating with colleges, we can introduce these young people to possible niche areas in the working field early in their education, and let them experience whether working in a GMP environment is something that suits them.”

A great example of the role Science Parks and Areas of Innovation can play in bridging academy and entrepreneurship, fostering talent creation and inclusion for younger generations.