The Excellence in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Education and Training (EBMET)

Performance Period: 1/1/2019 to 3/31/2021

Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, and University of Pennsylvania together with industry partners, Merck, Akron Biotechnology LLC, RoosterBio and Unum Therapeutics propose a collaborative NIIMBL project addressing one of the most pressing needs for the biomanufacturing – workforce development. The program will focus on developing and beta testing ten course modules in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, including cell-based biologics manufacturing.

The comprehensive set of industry-need driven course modules, available via both distance and on-site learning, will equip trainees with the following specific skills:

• technical knowledge such as cell processing, viral transductions, cell preservation, large-scale cell culture, GMP-skills, cell analytics, quality engineering concepts, and supply chain logistics; and,
• professional skills including best manufacturing practices, regulatory compliance, regulatory filing processes, IP management, revenue models, cultural sensitivity, and policy awareness.

The proposing team will incorporate the latest learning methodologies and technologies including active learning and virtual reality to enhance the learning effectiveness. These course modules will be geared towards student trainees, teachers from two-year colleges, and current industry professionals. The team will assess needs and iteratively develop contents with industry and clinical-GMP partners. These courses could form the basis of new certificate programs and professional master’s degrees at participating universities.