The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) partners with the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) and the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CHBE) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) for a third year to deliver its customized Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing course. This year, the UBC biomanufacturing training program expanded its support network through new partnerships with Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) and the Joint UBC-BCIT Biotechnology B.Sc. degree program to empower students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in biomanufacturing, pivotal for Canada’s healthcare innovation and rapid pandemic response.
As part of its Academic Partnership Program, CASTL collaborates with post-secondary institutions to support the delivery of educational programming related to bioscience with a focus on biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The base curriculum for this custom-built Introduction to Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing was developed by CASTL’s global partner, the industry-leading National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT) and delivered by CASTL trainers. The course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and engineering challenges present in the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products. In addition to learning the fundamental theoretical concepts associated with biopharmaceutical manufacturing, students will gain an understanding of how products move through upstream and downstream processes and the challenges of each phase of development.
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We are thrilled to continue this partnership that provides SBME and UBC trainees with cutting-edge, industry-led training that significantly enhances their employability, positioning them for a wide range of career opportunities in the burgeoning Vancouver biotech ecosystem, and beyond. By building on our past successes and expanding our support network, we aim to prepare a highly skilled workforce, poised to lead and innovate in the face of future health challenges. Dr. Peter Zandstra |
In previous years, prior to taking the course just over 70% of students were not familiar with the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. After completing the course, 96% of students indicated an interest in pursuing a career in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or biopharmaceuticals.
As part of the course, students were encouraged to participate in an evaluation of the course content and delivery. Here is what previous students have said:
- “The uniqueness of the course is its greatest strength. It delivered ample information that I doubt I could find elsewhere.”
- “The course was delivered by people who have recent experience in relevant industry, so I can be sure that all the information that was delivered will be important to me in the future.”
- “I think one of the strengths of the course is the stories we hear from people directly in the industry. It makes it easier for us to get an actual perspective and understand the material more readily.”
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Our aim at CASTL is to meet the needs of the industry by preparing individuals who are well-equipped to excel and prosper in their professional journeys in biomanufacturing. Collaborating with institutions like UBC allows students to acquire specialized knowledge in biopharma manufacturing, fostering curiosity and giving them a distinct advantage in this rapidly evolving field. We are pleased to continue working with UBC SBME and their students to facilitate this program." Penny Walsh-McGuire |
For more information on CASTL’s Academic Partner program contact Magdalena Mahlstedt, Director of Academic Partnerships & Strategic Projects.
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Media Inquiries:
Stefanie Bolduc
Director of Marketing & Communications, CASTL
stefanie@castlcanada.ca
613-794-1367
About CASTL
The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is a national skills and training organization formed to address the talent needs of the Canadian life sciences sector. Specializing in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, CASTL delivers on the economic and sectoral demand for individuals who have the technical skills to enter, thrive and meet the needs of the fast-growing Canadian biomanufacturing industry. With multiple GMP-like biomanufacturing training facilities, CASTL provides industry informed practical hands-on training, theoretical knowledge and e-learning. CASTL is the exclusive provider of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) licensed training programs in Canada. Based in Ireland, NIBRT develops and delivers state-of-the-art training and education programs for the world’s leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies and partner academic institutions. CASTL is supported by National Lead Partner adMare BioInnovations and its adMare Academy. The adMare Academy is dedicated to providing the specialized training required to foster the next generation of highly qualified personnel who will drive the growth of Canadian life science companies. www.castlcanada.ca
About CIEBH
Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) is a new UBC-led national research hub aimed at strengthening Canada’s pandemic preparedness and developing lifesaving new medicines that will transform the health of Canadians.
About UBC
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for teaching, learning and research, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world. UBC embraces innovation and transforms ideas into action. Since 1915, UBC has been opening doors of opportunity for people with the curiosity, drive and vision to shape a better world.
About SBME
Created in 2017 through a partnership between the Faculties of Applied Science and Medicine, and enabled by the leadership of British Columbia’s provincial government, the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) is Canada’s living laboratory for new models of convergent research and education. Imagine a world in which biology and technology work seamlessly to transform medicine and healthcare for all.
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