With an investment of SEK 16 million, competence in advanced therapies (ATMP) in West Sweden will be further strengthened. The University of Gothenburg is one of the partners in this initiative, which is a collaboration between academia, healthcare, and industry.
Region Västra Götaland and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket) are jointly investing over SEK 16 million in the coming years to boost competence in the ATMP field. From the University of Gothenburg, both the Sahlgrenska Academy and the Faculty of Science and Technology are part of the collaboration.
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Jenny Nyström, dekan, Sahlgrenska akademin vid Göteborgs universitet.
Photo: Johan Wingborg
Key role for the University
Professor Jenny Nyström, Dean of the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, emphasizes the academy’s crucial role in strengthening ATMP competence among healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, and pharmacists.
"By investing in advanced education and interdisciplinary skill development, we are preparing professionals to meet future challenges while driving progress and quality in this exciting field," says Jenny Nyström.
In addition to the Sahlgrenska Academy and the Faculty of Science and Technologyat the University of Gothenburg, the initiative also includes CCRM Nordic, Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska Science Park, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital with its Sahlgrenska ATMP Center.
Strategic Initiative
An important partner in this initiative is the non-profit organization CCRM Nordic, whose establishment contributes to Västra Götaland Region's strategy to develop the ATMP field in West Sweden.
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Fredrik Wessberg, CEO, CCRM Nordic.
Photo: Julia Sjöberg
"This project strongly supports our efforts to enhance ATMP competence development. It aligns perfectly with CCRM Nordic’s mission to support and develop the ecosystem within the field, ensuring we are prepared for future needs," says Fredrik Wessberg, CEO of CCRM Nordic.
Within the framework of the project, collaboration and competence will be strengthened as industry, academia, and healthcare work together to develop:
Shared infrastructure for research and development
Internships and research networks
Methods and tools to enhance both research and clinical applications in ATMP
Additionally, a digital competence platform will be created. This platform will provide companies and other stakeholders with updated knowledge about ATMP, including educational packages and expert support.
Strengthening business competence in advanced therapies, ATMP
Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) encompass cell and gene therapies as well as tissue-engineered products. These therapies are expected to offer entirely new possibilities for treating previously incurable diseases.
The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (via Tillväxtverket) and Västra Götaland Region (through the Environment and Regional Development Board) and will run for three years.
The initiative aligns with the national life science strategy, which highlights the importance of developing necessary competencies to strengthen and maintain Sweden’s position as a leading nation in life science.