Background: Dr. Christoph Conrad worked for many years on vaccine evaluation at the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) and later headed the Office for Scientific and Regulatory Advice (OSRA), an infrastructure of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF). He also gained international and governmental experience at the WHO in Geneva, the BMBF (now BMFTR), and the Federal Chancellery. Since July 2022, he has been Head of Staff Office Regulatory Affairs at the BIH and, since June 2024, also leads the newly established Regulatory Support Unit.

Background: Dr. Verena Lütschg is a 5-star speaker and an expert on technology and digital transformation. With a PhD in molecular biology and many years of experience as a management consultant, she uniquely combines science and future technologies with practical approaches. In her talks, she explores how disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, or genome editing are transforming not only industries but also society. As a keynote speaker, she captivates audiences with precise analyses and visionary approaches that help companies actively shape technological change. Those who book Verena Lütschg as a guest speaker gain valuable insights for driving innovation and looking toward the future.

Background: Dr. Marcela Maus is the Paula J. O’Keeffe Endowed Chair at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Director of the Cellular Immunotherapy Program, and Professor at Harvard Medical School, where she leads a laboratory focused on advancing CAR T cell therapies for cancer. Trained at MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, she has made pioneering contributions to the development of CAR T cells, including research on treatment resistance and therapy-related toxicities. Alongside her scientific and clinical work, she mentors the next generation of researchers and enjoys family life with her husband, three children, and pets, as well as hobbies like gardening and skiing.

Affiliation: University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Dept. Of Internal Medicine 5 – Hematology & Oncology.

Background: Prof. Müller obtained his MD in Freiburg, Germany and started his clinical education in Hamburg. With a focus on targeting malignant B cells from his early research career he did a postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Ira Pastan, at the NCI on resistance to CD22-targeted therapy in ALL and aggressive lymphoma. After his post-doc he continued the work on B cell targeting in Erlangen, Germany using first antibody directed therapies and then CAR T cells with a focus on translational concepts including tumor microenvironment and functional aspects of a patient’s immune system. As head of the CAR T cell unit, he pioneers CAR T cell therapies in novel indications including solid tumors and autoimmune diseases.

Affiliation: Fraunhofer IPA

Background: Studied Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Production Technology. Passionate about the interaction between bioworkflows and automation. He leads laboratory automation and bioproduction at Fraunhofer IPA. Serial founder (Dispendix, Nanolockin, Liquimetrix).

Affiliation: University Hospital for Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Background: Prof. Dr. Dimitrios Mougiakakos is Director of the Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. He studied medicine in Hannover and trained in hematology and oncology in Freiburg, Regensburg, and Erlangen, with a research fellowship at the Karolinska Institute. He played a key role in the first clinical applications of CAR-T cell therapy for autoimmune diseases.

SaxoCell returns from Munich after this year’s Clusters4Future experience exchange.

Over two days, the seven clusters from both the first and second rounds of the competition had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on key topics like cluster management, sustainability, and industrial collaborations. Representing us were SaxoCell spokesperson Frank Buchholz, along with Maren Henneken and Stefanie Binder from the Hub team.

This year’s hosts were Munich-based clusters MCube and CNATM. In addition to their thematic focuses on mobility and nucleic acid therapies, Best Practices on cluster sustainability, such as those presented by BioRN, were shared. During the panel discussion, participants received valuable insights into attracting young talent and skilled professionals, as well as transitioning Clusters4Future to the second funding phase. An open dialogue with representatives from the BMBF and Projektträger Jülich rounded off the meeting.

As in the past two years, the annual exchange provided an ideal opportunity to gain new insights, learn from one another, and reconnect with long-standing contacts. We’re looking forward to next year!

SaxoCell is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and an independent expert jury for a second phase of funding in the Clusters4Future initiative.

We are very happy about this as it highlights the potential and achievements of SaxoCell, a pioneering cluster for innovative cell and gene therapies.

BMBF Clusters4Future press release

TU Dresden press release

University Leipzig press release

Fraunhofer IZI press release

SaxoCell returns from Munich after this year’s Clusters4Future experience exchange.

Over two days, the seven clusters from both the first and second rounds of the competition had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on key topics like cluster management, sustainability, and industrial collaborations. Representing us were SaxoCell spokesperson Frank Buchholz, along with Maren Henneken and Stefanie Binder from the Hub team.

This year’s hosts were Munich-based clusters MCube and CNATM. In addition to their thematic focuses on mobility and nucleic acid therapies, Best Practices on cluster sustainability, such as those presented by BioRN, were shared. During the panel discussion, participants received valuable insights into attracting young talent and skilled professionals, as well as transitioning Clusters4Future to the second funding phase. An open dialogue with representatives from the BMBF and Projektträger Jülich rounded off the meeting.

As in the past two years, the annual exchange provided an ideal opportunity to gain new insights, learn from one another, and reconnect with long-standing contacts. We’re looking forward to next year!

SaxoCell is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and an independent expert jury for a second phase of funding in the Clusters4Future initiative.

We are very happy about this as it highlights the potential and achievements of SaxoCell, a pioneering cluster for innovative cell and gene therapies.

BMBF Clusters4Future press release

TU Dresden press release

University Leipzig press release

Fraunhofer IZI press release

Pressemitteilung des Fraunhofer IZI

Once again this year in Dresden, science enthusiasts of all ages had the chance to get to know SaxoCell and learn about the latest advances in cell and gene therapy in discussions with our hub team.

Our tried-and-tested games and craft materials were available at our booth, including the colourful magnetic fishing game on CAR-T cell therapy and the entertaining immune cell quiz. We were delighted to welcome so many curious visitors at our stand!

The enthusiasm and curiosity of the visitors made the event truly special. Seeing so many people eager to learn about scientific advancements and participate in our activities was incredibly rewarding. We look forward to continuing this tradition and sharing more exciting developments at future events. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the night unforgettable!

At the beginning of June, our two-day SaxoCell retreat was a resounding success, offering a perfect blend of productive discussions and engaging activities. PIs and scientists from our projects and platforms, members from the SaxoCell Hub as well as our Scientific Advisory Board representatives gathered at Congress Hotel Chemnitz.

Our agenda was packed with insightful discussions, innovative pitches, and a comprehensive outlook on our future projects and perspectives.

The highlight of our retreat was the team challenge, where we formed eight teams to build spaghetti towers – aiming for the highest – fostering creativity and teamwork. The winning tower measured 70 centimetres! There was also a winner of hearts which was not as high but very stable and ready long before the end of the challenge.

Our SaxoCell Retreat 2024 not only strengthened our professional bonds but also provided valuable insights and renewed enthusiasm for our collective goals. Thank you to everyone who was part of this event! It was great to get to know each other apart from desk and bench!

SaxoCell returns from Munich after this year’s Clusters4Future experience exchange.

Over two days, the seven clusters from both the first and second rounds of the competition had the opportunity to network and exchange ideas on key topics like cluster management, sustainability, and industrial collaborations. Representing us were SaxoCell spokesperson Frank Buchholz, along with Maren Henneken and Stefanie Binder from the Hub team.

This year’s hosts were Munich-based clusters MCube and CNATM. In addition to their thematic focuses on mobility and nucleic acid therapies, Best Practices on cluster sustainability, such as those presented by BioRN, were shared. During the panel discussion, participants received valuable insights into attracting young talent and skilled professionals, as well as transitioning Clusters4Future to the second funding phase. An open dialogue with representatives from the BMBF and Projektträger Jülich rounded off the meeting.

As in the past two years, the annual exchange provided an ideal opportunity to gain new insights, learn from one another, and reconnect with long-standing contacts. We’re looking forward to next year!

SaxoCell Retreat 2024

Auch in diesem Jahr hatten Wissenschaftsinteressierte jeden Alters in Dresden die Chance, SaxoCell kennenzulernen und die neuesten Fortschritte in der Zell- und Gentherapie in Gesprächen mit unserem Hub-Team zu erfahren.

SaxoCell kehrt begeistert zurück aus München vom diesjährigen Erfahrungsaustausch der Zukunftscluster.

An zwei Tagen hatten die sieben Cluster der ersten sowie die sieben Cluster der zweiten Wettbewerbsrunde die Möglichkeit, sich untereinander zu vernetzen und zu wesentlichen Themen wie Clustermanagement, Verstetigung und Industriekooperationen auszutauschen. Mit dabei waren unser SaxoCell-Sprecher Frank Buchholz sowie Maren Henneken und Stefanie Binder vom Hub-Team.

Gastgeber in diesem Jahr waren die beiden Münchner Cluster MCube und CNATM. Neben thematischen Schwerpunkten Mobilität und Nukleinsäuretherapien wurden Best Practices zur Clusterverstetigung, etwa von BioRN, vorgestellt. In der Paneldiskussion erhielten die Teilnehmenden wertvolle Impulse zur Nachwuchs- und Fachkräftegewinnung sowie zum Transfer der Zukunftscluster in die zweite Förderphase. Ein offener Austausch mit dem BMBF und dem Projektträger Jülich rundete das Meeting ab.

Wie in den beiden Jahren zuvor, bot auch dieser Erfahrungsaustausch eine ideale Gelegenheit, neue Eindrücke zu gewinnen, voneinander zu lernen und alte Kontakte aufzufrischen. Wir freuen uns auf das Treffen im nächsten Jahr!

SaxoCell wurde vom Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) und einer unabhängigen Fachjury für die zweite Förderphase im Clusters4Future-Wettbewerb ausgewählt!

Wir freuen uns sehr, denn diese Entscheidung unterstreicht das enorme Potenzial und die bisherigen Erfolge unseres Clusters für innovative Zell- und Gentherapien.

Pressemeldung BMBF Clusters4Future

Pressemitteilung der TU Dresden

Pressemitteilung der Universität Leipzig

Pressemitteilung des Fraunhofer IZI

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