CTGCT, a centre to bridge the gap between research and therapeutic solutions

The Centre for the Technologies of Gene and Cell Therapy was funded in September 2024, after the NIC received a grant and the mission to start a project that would focus on creating a pipeline of biomedical tools focused on the development of therapeutic solutions for rare genetic diseases and difficult-to-treat cancers. The CTGCT is an infrastructure center within the NIC and a European Center of Excellence (CoE). The project is funded by the European Union (Project: 101059842 – CTGCT – HORIZON-WIDERA-2022), UK Research and Innovation and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation – European Regional Development Fund EU under Slovenia’s Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 (grant agreement No. C3360-25-952005) .

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mission & vision

The CTGCT aims to be a pioneering research institution in Slovenia, addressing critical healthcare challenges through cutting-edge research in cancer and rare genetic diseases. We co-create medical breakthroughs by bridging innovative research with clinical practice, working alongside renowned institutions. By transferring knowledge through international collaborations and striving for scientific excellence, we enable the advancement of gene and cell therapies globally, with a special focus on the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe.

Committed to excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration, we want to attract top talent and Slovenian scientists working abroad while fostering a stimulating environment for young researchers. The mission of CTGCT is based on translating scientific achievements into tangible therapeutic applications that serve society and stand as a beacon of innovation in the world. While providing ground-breaking research, the center will continue to work intensively on building public trust in science, demonstrating how vision, dedication, and high-quality work lead to meaningful healthcare outcomes that transform patients’ lives.

 

 

We push the boundaries of gene and cell therapy science with cutting-edge research in cancer and rare genetic diseases with a focus on neurodevelopmental diseases in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. We co-create innovative therapeutic solutions for the healthcare challenges of the future. We enable breakthrough discoveries and career development by transferring knowledge to young scientists and striving for good mutual relations with clinicians, regulatory authorities, and industry partners. Committed to scientific excellence and ethical research practices, we want to transform global healthcare and stand as a leading force in gene and cell therapy.

Laboratories of

the CTGCT

The center will bring together important pieces of research and analytical equipment that researchers and clinicians will have access to. For an infrastructure center, it is important that the equipment is top-notch and regularly maintained.

Premises for the production of reagents for clinical testing according to GMP guidelines

The cGMP facility will produce viruses, nucleic acids, and non-viral delivery reagents for clinical therapy, supported by storage and waste management areas, with key equipment including single-use bioreactors, downstream processing, and purification systems

Laboratory for performing quality analysis of GMP products

The quality control unit will be adjacent to GMP rooms with basic and advanced analytical equipment including a flow cytometer, dd/qPCR, and sterility tester for required product quality analyses.

Laboratory for preclinical research

Testing on experimental mice will follow GLP guidelines using breeding, surgery, and analysis equipment plus advanced devices like MRI/CT imaging, and microscopy systems.

Laboratory for the development of new technologies

 A GLP-compliant support laboratory will handle preclinical R&D with reduced cleanliness requirements but comprehensive equipment for cell, virus, and nucleic acid work including bioreactors, cell sorters, and analytical systems.

With excellent people we will create excellent results

Prof Dr Roman Jerala

Prof Dr Roman Jerala

Head of the Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, National Institute of Chemistry

Innovative use of synthetic biology for the programming of molecules and cells for improved efficacy and safety of advanced treatments

Roman is the Head of the Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, where, with a large group of motivated collaborators, covers the range from atoms to organisms. The focus of research is on the development of new biomedical technologies and the translation of biomedical discoveries for advanced therapies. They entered the field of synthetic biology through extremely successful student research projects at the iGEM competition, which began at MIT with meetings of teams from all over the world.

Mojcabenčina Original

Prof Dr MOJCA BENČINA

Head of the Infrastructure Center, National Institute of Chemistry

Knowledge and innovation hand in hand for advances in medicine

Long-time collaborator at the Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology, where she leads a team of research colleagues in the field of ultrasound applications in conjunction with synthetic biology and immunology to regulate molecular biological cell processes, and an infrastructure group for the rendering of cell processes by fluorescent techniques. She teaches intellectual property protection at the Biotechnical Faculty and Microbiology at the higher education Institute Physiotherapy. She is an official representative for the protection of industrial property rights at the European and the Slovenian patent office. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as: Zois Award for Outstanding Achievements in Immunology and Synthetic Biology, Pregl’s Award for Exceptional Scientific Achievements in Chemistry and Related Disciplines, “Socrates Award for High School Didactics” (SOVA) and the award Prometheus Science for Excellence in Communication.

Dlainšček

DR Duško lainšček

National Institute of Chemistry

Expert in the field of genome modification

Duško is a leading Slovenian expert in genome modification using the CRISPR/Cas system also with the aim of creating immunotherapy cell products. He has extensive experience in the study of therapeutic applications in vivo.

Dr Vida Forstneric

DR Vida FORSTnerič

National Institute of Chemistry

Expert in the field of mRNA

Governing bodies

HEAD OF The CTGCT

The head of the center focuses on da-to-day operations and ensures the allocations of resources, risk management and the maintenance of scientific excellence. Prof. Dr. Mojca Benčina will occupy this position for the initial 5 years of the project.

 

GOVERNING BOARD OF THE CTGCT

It oversees the success of the CTGCT within the defined strategy and vision and provides strategic advise while supporting the Head on their decisions. It consists of members of 5 member 3 of them are NIC staff.

SCIENTIFIC COUNCIL OF THE CTGCT

It advises on the definition and prioritization of research topics to keep the Centre at the forefront of gene and cell therapies. It will also advise on the candidates selected to be a group leader inside of the Centre.

International Advisory Board

It provides strategic guidance for the technological direction of the Centre by evaluating emerging technologies and recommending priority areas for research and development funding. Its members are recommended by the Advanced Partners of the CTGCT project.

Medical Advisory Board

it helps guiding the Scientific Council and the Head in identifying medical indications where the CTGCT innovations can have the greatest societal impact. Its members include experts in the fields of medicine, gene & cell therapy, representatives of patient organisations or specialists from the social of humanitarian sector.

Translational Committee

It advises  the International Advisory Boards and the head on the direction and dissemination of knowledge and intellectual property management based on reports from the Translational Research Unit of the CTGCT and the Technology Transfer Office.

Representatives of Patient Associations will be invited to participate in meetings of the different boards when the topics align with the particular of each association

Construction of the CTGCT

Construction of the new center will start in 2025, stay tuned to see any our updates on its progress

Location

Where to find us

Phone: +386 1 4760 335
E-mail: ctgct(at)ki.si
Address: The National Institute of Chemistry
Hajdrihova ulica 19
1001 Ljubljana
SI-Slovenija