Marcel Ottens’ group to participate in new International Training Network

As part of a large European biopharmaceutical consortium, the research group of Marcel Ottens will participate in a 4M€ Marie Curie International Training Network (ITN). Within this network, 15 PhD candidates will be trained in continuous biomanufacturing of protein-based medicines. Monoclonal antibodies, which are used to treat cancer, are an example of such protein-based medicines. Five of the new PhD students will receive their training in Delft.

Continuous biomanufacturing is a relatively new and efficient method of producing protein-based biopharmaceuticals, for which demand is rapidly rising. However, current progress is impaired by shortage of trained engineers and scientists who can design and control such processes. This new Innovative Training Network will focus on addressing the critical gaps in research training to enable advances in continuous downstream processing. 

An expert consortium of nine industry partners, eight universities, one research organisation, a regulatory institution and a business consultancy has developed this new research and training programme to address the most urgent topics in continuous downstream processing. During the programme, the engineers in training will stay at various participating universities and  biopharmaceutical companies. After their training, they will be the first of a new generation of all-round bioprocess engineers able to design innovative continuous facilities of the future for Europe’s bio-industries, ensuring affordability and widened access.

Five of the PhD candidates will receive their training in Delft, at the group of Marcel Ottens. Recruitment will begin soon.