Education and training for the cell and gene therapy sector: initiatives, gaps and future opportunities
Cell and Gene Therapy Insights 2026; 12(8), 787–797
10.18609/cgti.2026.095
The clinical translation of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) is advancing rapidly, yet this momentum faces a critical bottleneck: a multidisciplinary talent shortage across the product lifecycle. While robust educational pathways help supply workforce pipelines for traditional biologics – with some professionals transitioning directly from traditional biomanufacturing into CGT – the unique technical, analytical, and regulatory complexities of advanced therapies demand highly specialized competencies. Although targeted education and training initiatives have emerged, several challenges – including information discoverability, limited curriculum standardization, and technical constraints that must be overcome when designing hands-on lab activities – hinder refinement and expansion of CGT-specific programs. This article examines the current CGT workforce development landscape, describing existing training initiatives while highlighting priorities that require action. We emphasize that while foundational resources exist, expanding the workforce requires updating information platforms, developing broader curriculum standards, providing more personalized career navigation, and co-developing hands-on educational solutions to advance the future of CGT manufacturing.