5 February 2026 marked the kick-off of a PharmaNL/ZonMW-funded project titled “Future training for Cell and Gene Therapy professionals.”

In DARE-NL WP1, led by Emma de Pater a gap analysis of ATMP education was performed: what is offered and where are the unaddressed needs?

Broadly available ATMP education can be found in our education tool. To address the gap in ATMP education, Emma de Pater and Martie Verschuren a project to develop three post-HBO ATMP courses combining theoretical and hands-on training. These courses will focus on:

• Regulatory affairs
• Working in a cleanroom
• Innovative therapies

Input for the courses will be collected in joint annual DARE-NL/PharmaNL operator workshops. These workshops will facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen collaboration between professionals from different centres.

By developing courses and workshops, the project will contribute to well-trained personnel , which is essential for maintaining high quality standards in ATMP development and manufacturing. These courses and workshops will be developed by Avans Hogeschool in close collaboration with the DARE-NL partners and other stakeholders.

This four-year project will play a key role in strengthening the ATMP landscape in the Netherlands!