On a crisp, golden autumn day in Stockholm, we welcomed 16 trainees from across Sweden and other European countries for an inspector training course on the 25th of October, 2024. Prior to the workshop, each trainee completed e-learning modules covering the Accreditation process and the FACT-JACIE Standards, laying a strong foundation for the day’s immersive session on inspection processes and techniques.
We were delighted to have inspectors Per Ljungman, Richard Olaussen and Lea Brandt Kristensen join us, offering invaluable insights into the practical challenges faced by inspectors. Notably, this training session included German-speaking inspectors, addressing a pressing need for qualified inspectors in this language group.
Our trainees will now take an exam on the Standards relevant to their specialties before participating as observers in an inspection. Afterward, this team will join inspection teams conducting inspections across Europe.
Report by Stephan Fricke
Stephan Fricke is a distinguished professor in haematology, immunology, and cellular therapy, serving as a senior consultant in Internal Medicine III at Klinikum Chemnitz gGmbH and as an Adjunct Professor at the Technical University of Dresden. For over 18 years, he has held a key role at the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) in Leipzig, where he leads the Department of Cell and Gene Therapy Development. His work focuses on bridging innovative research in cellular therapy and immunology with clinical applications, as well as overseeing GMP process development and GMP production.
"I had the privilege of attending the JACIE Inspector Training Course in Stockholm—a comprehensive program that was invaluable for enhancing my understanding of JACIE standards and their implementation throughout Europe.
Set against the scenic autumn landscape of Stockholm, the training provided an inspiring atmosphere for international collaboration. Participants from across Europe brought diverse perspectives, and the sessions enabled insightful discussions on best practices in cellular therapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation.
The course emphasized the JACIE standards for both pre-inspection and inspection protocols within clinical transplant units, collection and processing facilities, and overall quality management. It also covered in depth the crucial roles of Directors and Team Leaders in the inspection process, highlighting the complexity and precision required to meet JACIE’s standards of excellence.
One of the standout aspects of the course was its highly interactive format, designed to encourage practical discussion and problem-solving. This dynamic structure created an engaging learning environment that not only sharpened my skills as a prospective JACIE Inspector but also allowed me to network with dedicated professionals from across Europe who share the same mission.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the exceptional course facilitators, including Tuula Rintala, Raquel Espada, and XiuLi Tan, along with all the instructors, for creating such a stimulating and collaborative platform for professional development."
