Empowering the future of gene therapy: Reflections from the launch of the IHfGT Skills Strategy
July 2023 witnessed the launch of the Skills Strategy for the Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies (IHfGT). The strategy is designed to systematically address the critical skills gap in the cell and gene therapy (CGT) sector, which is rapidly expanding but constrained by a shortage of skilled professionals.
The strategy is not just a blueprint for action, but a call for a cohesive approach to developing the necessary training, skills development and people retention required to sustain and advance the UK's leading position in this sector. The rapid advancement in gene therapies has outpaced the availability of skilled professionals adept in the latest techniques of biomanufacture and clinical application, a challenge that the IHfGT is poised to meet.
Background of the IHfGT
The Innovation Hubs for Gene Therapies were established in 2021, backed by £18 million in funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and LifeArc. The Hubs are strategically located in Sheffield, Bristol, and London, nestled within centres of academic and healthcare excellence. Their primary function is to support the clinical development of new genetic treatments by manufacturing high-quality GMP-grade plasmids and viral vectors and providing essential translational support and regulatory advice. These Hubs not only focus on the production of viral vectors, but also place significant focus on offering comprehensive training programs ranging from short CPD‑accredited courses, virtual reality and practical training, and MSc-level degree programmes in gene therapies and viral vector manufacture.
Key Aspects of the IHfGT Skills Strategy
As part of the sector-wide effort to address the skills shortage, the IHfGT’s Skills and Training Committee embarked on establishing a Skills Strategy which involved a comprehensive consultation with academic, industry and clinical experts.
The consultation conducted by the Skills Committee revealed significant gaps in manufacturing expertise and regulatory knowledge. This has led to the development of specific and targeted training programs, and online modular courses that blend theoretical and practical learning, aimed at upskilling the existing workforce and attracting new talent.
Key Themes from the IHfGT Skills Strategy Launch
The strategy was unveiled during a webinar that highlighted these initiatives and included discussions with panellists and participants who emphasised the urgent need for trained professionals. The event underscored the collaborative approach required to train and upskill a workforce capable of supporting the UK's ambition to remain a leader in the global CGT arena. Some of the key themes from the webinar are outlined below:
1. Don’t ‘reinvent the wheel’
A key focus of the discussion was to ensure that IHfGT’s training activity integrates, aligns and enhances existing national training programs such as those offered by the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, the Advanced Therapy Apprenticeship Scheme and Advanced Therapy Skills & Training Network, rather than ‘reinvent the wheel’. This ensures that efforts are not duplicated but rather aligned to amplify the sector’s capacity. The feedback and messaging were certainly received, and we have worked closely with national and international stakeholders to ensure that the training and skills activities we establish align with, synergise with, and complement existing skills development programmes.
2. Integration with Medical Education
A pivotal discussion point during the webinar was the potential engagement with medical and pharmacy schools. The rationale is clear: as gene therapies edge closer to becoming mainstream, the next generation of clinicians and pharmacists must be well-versed not just in the administration of these therapies but also in their transformative potential.
3. Leveraging COVID-19 Lessons
The global pandemic underscored the critical importance of healthcare innovation and resilient biomanufacturing capabilities. This context has been harnessed to emphasise the role of skilled biomanufacture in healthcare, using it as a parallel to rally further investment and interest in building robust training frameworks for gene therapy. The discussion centred on how the Hubs, and more broadly the sector, could build on policy and public awareness of biotherapeutic manufacture and the importance of reducing cost and increasing patient access.
4. Career Pathways and Remuneration
The discussion also touched on the crucial aspects of career progression and remuneration. Establishing clear career paths and competitive remuneration packages is essential to attract and retain talent in the high-stake area of gene therapies. Examples of successful apprenticeship and doctoral training programmes and industrial partnerships were highlighted, such as the BBSRC-funded Collaborative Training Partnership led by Oxford Biomedica, which collaborates with UCL and the University of Oxford, to bolster practical training.
5. Financial and Academic Support
Finally, it was recognised that we needed to increase diversity and ease student and trainee access to the field. Financial incentives such as bursaries for MSc students were suggested to alleviate the financial barriers to advanced education in this field. Such initiatives are aimed at fostering a more inclusive and accessible pathway for aspiring professionals in gene therapy. We have since created and funded x6 annual bursaries (Sheffield, Bristol, London) to support students attending courses offered by the Hubs, which graduates have highlighted as hugely impactful to their studies.
The Way Forward
As outlined during the discussions, the road ahead involves not just the creation of training programs but the cultivation of a collaborative ecosystem that includes academia, industry, and healthcare institutions. This ecosystem approach will ensure that the training is responsive to the needs of the sector, filled with real-world applications, and grounded in cutting-edge research.
The IHfGT Skills Strategy sets the framework for a coordinated, strategic approach to skill development in the gene therapy sector. It addresses the immediate needs while laying down the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation. As this strategy unfolds, it has the potential to not only to close the current skills gap but also to propel the UK to the forefront of the global race in gene therapy development and application, led by a highly skilled and committed workforce.
If you missed the discussions, you can re-watch the launch webinar here.
Author: Prof Qasim Rafiq
Professor in Bioprocess Engineering and Vice Dean (Health) in the Faculty of Engineering Sciences at University College London
London Innovation Hub Skills Lead