Landmark gathering for our Advanced Therapeutics Hub members
Nearly fifty Advanced Therapeutics Hub researchers came together for the first time in Edinburgh, marking a significant milestone for fostering internal connections and driving the Hub’s research program forward.
Setting the scene
A full three day program was designed to set the scene for the Advanced Therapeutics hub, foster internal connections, spark new ideas and create useful and actionable outcomes.
It inclcuded Hub researchers from partner institutions at the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, University of Oxford and Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute.
After a welcome address, researchers were taken on a tour to the Edinburgh Genome Foundry, an automated platform for DNA assembly and phenotyping with unique capabilities that underpin the Hub’s desire to accelerate research in advanced therapeutics.
Thirteen Hub postdoctoral researchers presented on their scientific findings, bringing everyone up to speed on the Hub research program.
A much-enjoyed "mini-masterclass" featured internal panel speakers Professors Steve Pollard, Deborah Gill, Steve Hyde, and Dr. Valeria Pavet, who shared their personal experience and learnings in taking research to the clinic.
All hub members were put to work in hands-on workshops that were crafted to capture and reflect on our collective progress, Hub community needs and to influence our forward planning.
The responsible research and innovation (RRI) team delighted attendees with a "mystery room" experience. Away from the crowds it provided a unique lens for researchers to reflect on the Hub's engineering biology research, as well as a popular recharging experience well-suited to introverts.
Beyond the core program, there were ample opportunities for networking and socialising over breaks, dinner, and even through chocolate-making.
These moments allowed attendees to forge new connections, strengthen relationships, and build a stronger sense of community within the Hub.
As the Advanced Therapeutics Hub focuses on harnessing engineering biology for safer and more efficient advanced therapeutics, building a strong community and ecosystem within our hub is essential.
Looking forward
The success of this inaugural gathering has provided momentum and set the stage for future events that will bring together the hub's community of scientists and experts in pursuit of widening access to advanced therapeutics for patients. It was a powerful reminder that by collectively pooling their talent, expertise, and commitment, Hub members are far greater than the sum of their parts.
