On March 26, 2026, the official launch of the second cohort of the national Translational Tandem Program for Gene- and Cell-based Therapies (nTTP-GCT) took place in Berlin. The Kick-Off and Networking Event of the personnel funding program brought together both the new fellows (12 early-career researchers from Tübingen, Heidelberg, Greifswald, Hanover, and Berlin who began their two-year funding in March) and fellows of the pilot cohort (who started in spring 2025).

The event opened with a welcome address by Prof. Christopher Baum, Chair of the BIH Board and Chief Translational Research Officer of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, who provided a comprehensive overview of the history and goals of the National Strategy for GCT and, in this context, emphasized the importance of supporting early-career researchers as well as the relevance of strong networks in the forward-looking field of GCT.

Following this, the program heads, Dr. Nathalie Huber and Dr. Iwan Christiaan Meij from the Biomedical Innovation Academy of the BIH, provided information on the key program components of the nTTP-GCT, ensuring that the new fellows received a comprehensive overview of the content, goals, and procedures and thus began their funding period as well-informed as possible.

Career and Skills Development

A central goal of the funding program is to strengthen the individual career paths of early-career researchers in the field of GCT. In addition to expanding personal networks, the targeted development of technical and interdisciplinary skills also plays an important role.

During the event, the new fellows were therefore actively engaged and asked about their needs regarding education and training opportunities. Based on this, tailored measures will be developed and implemented in the program in the future.

Space for Exchange and Interaction

Since the nTTP-GCT participants come from various locations throughout Germany and communication within the program will primarily take place digitally – for example, through regular Jours Fixes – the focus of this event was on getting to know one another in person. The goal was to establish a trusting and open basis for communication early on.

To encourage direct dialogue, a significant amount of time was intentionally set aside for personal interaction. Various interactive formats helped participants quickly strike up conversations and exchange views on professional and personal topics. The atmosphere was relaxed from the start and marked by curiosity and mutual interest. This positive vibe continued during the joint dinner and the informal conclusion of the day.

Building a Strong Network Together

Another highlight was the collective gathering of contributions that every program participant can bring to the network – whether in the form of specific skills, experiences, or contacts. Wishes from the network and from the other fellows were also articulated. The corresponding “I offer/I need” display board filled up quickly, highlighting the group’s great potential.

For the fellows of the pilot cohort, the event also marked the halfway point of their funding – a welcome opportunity to take stock and gain new inspiration for the second half of the funding period.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to the upcoming joint activities and wish all newly funded fellows every success on their journey ahead!

The photo gallery captures impressions of the day and brings the atmosphere of the event to life.