UCD's New Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies and Vaccines: Insights from Programme Director, Dr Jessica Whelan

The UCD College of Engineering & Architecture has recently launched a Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell & Gene Therapies and Vaccines. Programme Director Dr. Jessica Whelan from the UCD School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering answers some questions and introduces us to this exciting new course.

Tell us a little about this Professional Certificate being offered at UCD?

The Biopharmaceutical Industry is constantly innovating and discovering new medicines.? In recent years, there has been significant progress made to bring a wide range of advanced therapies to the market, the majority of which are addressing unmet patient needs.? These advanced therapies span a wide range of modalities from CAR-Tcell therapies to viral vectors to mRNA vaccines and beyond.? In many cases, these newer modalities have unique manufacturing considerations and challenges.? This Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell and Gene Therapies and Vaccines aims to provide students with an understanding of the manufacturing of these advanced therapies.

What is unique about this Professional Certificate?

The programme and its academic faculty are closely linked with the National Institute for Bioprocess Research and Training (NIBRT) which is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biomanufacturing.? The Professional Certificate in Manufacturing of Cell and Gene Therapies and Vaccines offers an opportunity to build the skills and knowledge required to be ready for advanced therapeutics manufacturing in a short period of time and in a way that is compatible with working full-time.? The credits gained can be used as Recognition of Prior Learning ?toward further postgraduate qualifications offered by UCD should participants wish to pursue a higher qualification e.g. Graduate Certificate (30 credits) / Graduate Diploma (60 credits)/ MEngSc in Biopharmaceutical Engineering (90 credits).?

What type of student should consider taking this Professional Certificate?

The Professional Certificate is aimed at people with a background in science or engineering currently working in the pharmaceutical industry who would like to upskill in the manufacturing of advanced therapies in order to take advantage of career opportunities in this space.

How will it benefit them and their future career/ What are the career opportunities?

The Professional Certificate provides training in the requisite knowledge for professional engineers and scientists seeking to work in the manufacture of cell and gene therapies and vaccines or related sectors.?With the number of approvals of advanced therapies growing, having an understanding of the underlying science and unique manufacturing considerations positions our graduates to take advantage of career opportunities in this area.

Tell us about the course content and the structure of the Professional Certificate

The Professional Certificate is comprised of 3 modules focused on cell therapies, gene therapies and vaccines and GMP manufacturing of advanced therapies.? The modules cover the scientific, technical and regulatory issues associated with this emerging and rapidly growing field.

How will this programme be delivered?

The Professional Certificate is delivered online over 12 weeks between January and April with an option to attend in person on the UCD campus if preferable.? Lectures are scheduled on Fridays between 2 pm and 6 pm. Material is delivered by a range of academic leaders and industry experts active in this field.

What does the UCD School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering have to offer students and what facilities are available to the students on this Professional Certificate.

The UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering is the oldest and highest ranked School of Chemical Engineering in Ireland.? Pharmaceutical Engineering is a strong focus within our teaching and research activities.? Our faculty has significant experience in industry and academia.? The School has a strong reputation and close relationship with employers in the sector, ensuring our programmes are relevant to the needs of the industry.

To find out more click here or email [email protected]

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