New opportunities for advanced therapy research

ATMPs include cell, gene and tissue therapies. Developing new therapies requires expertise from a wide range of research fields, including those not traditionally associated with ATMPs. 

A central part of SCALE is a digital platform that brings together researchers, companies, expertise and resources related to ATMPs in West Sweden. Users can search for collaborators, methods and resources and find information about courses, seminars and other activities. 

At the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy and the Faculty of Science and Technology are participating in the initiative. So far, more than 100 researchers have been identified through the mapping process. For researchers, SCALE could mean finding a method or piece of equipment needed for a project—or complementary expertise for a joint research proposal. 

Expertise from across disciplines 

Engineering and materials science are examples of fields that can contribute to ATMP research. 

“ATMP is a field that is advancing extremely rapidly, and further progress requires us to combine advanced methods with expertise from multiple disciplines,” says Gisela Brändén, Professor and Pro Dean at the Faculty of Science and Technology. 

SCALE can therefore create new connections between research fields that may not currently seem like obvious partners. 

“We see that our researchers at the Faculty of Science and Technology have important expertise to contribute. Through SCALE, we can help push the boundaries of ATMP in West Sweden and create even better conditions for the next stage of development,” says Gisela Brändén.

SCALE also offers seminars, workshops and courses, with a particular focus on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. The initiative can also bring researchers together around funding opportunities and joint applications and facilitate thesis projects. 

Research, technology and clinical practice 

Through SCALE, the University of Gothenburg collaborates with Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska Science Park and CCRM Nordic, which coordinates the initiative. 

Jan Holgersson, Professor and Vice Dean for Infrastructure and Facilities at Sahlgrenska Academy, highlights this proximity as a particular strength. 

“One of West Sweden’s major strengths is the close proximity of academia, technical expertise and clinical practice. Through SCALE, Sahlgrenska Academy can contribute research-based knowledge and education that supports skills development across the ATMP ecosystem, both regionally and nationally.” 

The collaboration is also intended to help knowledge and ideas move more easily between these different environments. 

“The project creates new opportunities for collaboration across organizational and professional boundaries. It promotes both the advancement of knowledge and research and can help promising innovations ultimately benefit patients,” says Jan Holgersson.