GCT-Atlas | FAQ

The GCT Atlas is the central platform that collects and provides important information on key stakeholders in the field of gene and cell therapies in a clear and accessible online format. The interactive map allows users to find university hospitals, patient and self-help organizations, GMP manufacturing facilities, associations, and startups active in this field. This is complemented by detailed information and contact data to facilitate targeted networking and further research.

The GCT Atlas is freely accessible to everyone.

Access is available via www.gct-atlas.de

If you encounter any problems accessing it, please contact gct-atlas@bih-charite.de

The map layers Patient and Self-Help Organizations, GeneNovate Sites, Round Table Members, and BioRegions are currently only available in German. The map layers University Hospitals/Centers/Research Groups, GMP Manufacturing Facilities, and Startups are currently only available in English. A bilingual version is under development.

The GCT Atlas is managed by the National Network Office for Gene and Cell Therapies. The Network Office was established in October 2023 as part of the National Strategy for Gene and Cell Therapies. It connects relevant stakeholders from science, industry, politics, society, public authorities, foundations, and patient organizations in Germany to jointly develop and implement the national GCT strategy. Furthermore, it supports the creation of a national GCT community through independent, cross-site information and networking.

Organizations benefit from the GCT Atlas as it serves as a platform to showcase their expertise and activities in the field of gene and cell therapies. In this way, the GCT Atlas promotes efficient networking among German stakeholders in gene and cell therapy. At the same time, it strengthens public outreach and helps present the sector’s expertise and innovative approaches to a broader audience.

The Atlas provides an overview of university hospitals and specialized research centers conducting research on gene- and cell-based therapies, and lists patient and self-help organizations, support groups, and patient advisory boards active in this context.

In the GCT Atlas, matchmaking means purposefully connecting stakeholders from different fields to enable collaborations and joint projects. The matchmaking map serves as a platform to identify partners with similar interests or complementary expertise and to foster cooperation. Through search and filter functions, users can explore organizations, projects, or thematic areas, identify synergies, and establish new contacts. The cartographic visualization provides a quick overview of the diversity of stakeholders as well as their spatial and thematic proximity, effectively supporting innovative ideas and collaboration.

The GCT Atlas includes information and contact details of university hospitals, patient organizations, GMP manufacturing facilities, associations, and startups working and conducting research in the field of gene and cell therapies.

The data is based on publicly available information as well as voluntary submissions from the stakeholders represented. Before publication the data is carefully reviewed by the GCT Network Office in collaboration with the experts contributing to the National GCT Strategy. This process ensures that the information remains current and reliable. However errors cannot be completely ruled out so all information is provided without guarantee. If you would like to request corrections please feel free to contact us directly at: gct-atlas@bih-charite.de

The GCT Atlas is continuously updated based on changes in publicly available information as well as on notifications from stakeholders who provide current data. We are working on automating this process so that it runs every six months. If you notice any outdated information in the GCT Atlas we would appreciate your feedback at gct-atlas@bih-charite.de so that we can correct the data promptly.

If your institution or organization is active in the field of gene and cell therapies but is not yet listed in the Atlas, you can submit your data through the corresponding surveys. A separate survey is available for each layer, which you can find under START. We will then review the data and contact you via the provided email address to validate it.

Currently, direct download is not yet possible. If required, please contact us by email at gct-atlas@bih-charite.de 

Yes, the GCT Atlas is continuously being further developed. Additional map layers are planned in order to continuously increase the relevance of the platform. Information on the publication of new map layers will be shared through the GCT newsletter. 

•    Move the map: Hold down the left mouse button and drag.
•    Zoom: Use the zoom buttons at the top right or press the Ctrl key and scroll with the mouse wheel.
 

The locations of stakeholders are visualized in different ways depending on zoom level and map section:

•    Heatmap: A color gradient indicates in which regions a particularly high number of stakeholders are located.
•    Cluster: If several stakeholders are located close together, they are grouped into a cluster symbol. The number below the cluster symbol indicates how many stakeholders are included in the cluster.
•    Individual locations: At higher zoom levels, stakeholders appear as individual locations. At very high zoom levels, the names of the stakeholders are displayed directly on the map.

All data and details on stakeholders can be accessed by clicking on a location or cluster symbol. A list view with detailed information opens on the right-hand side of the map.
 

•    Federal state filter: At the bottom of the map, individual federal states can be selected and zoomed into so that only their data are displayed.
•    Content filters: Depending on the map layer, different filter categories are available. These are displayed as buttons at the top left. A click opens a dropdown menu with all options.
          o Single selection: Click on the name.
          o Multiple selection: Check several boxes.
          o Free-text search: Use the search field within the filter menu.
•    Map layers: On the left side of the map, different map layers can be selected. These function as separate views, not as filters.
 

On the matchmaking map, you can display and overlay the map layers most relevant to you simultaneously.

If you have questions or problems, for example with incorrect or outdated data, or if you have updated information, please contact gct-atlas@bih-charite.de. We will be happy to assist you.

 First, please check your internet connection and try reloading the page. If the problem persists, try another browser. After that, contact gct-atlas@bih-charite.de

For further questions, please contact gct-atlas@bih-charite.de