Meeting on the Med 2021 | Advancing the sector: training, scalability & materials standardization

Stephen Ward, PhD, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, London, UK, discusses some of the key remaining barriers to the commercialization of cell and gene therapies. He describes a current skills shortage within the field and introduces the recently launched Advanced Therapies Skills Training Network (ATSTN), which aims to provide apprenticeship and cross skilling opportunities to help build the UK’s cell and gene therapy workforce. Dr Ward also highlights the importance of focusing on clinical interfacing and scalability, as well as supply chain solutions and the standardization of materials used to develop therapies. This interview took place during the Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mediterranean 2021 virtual conference.