Excursion report: Master's program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology visits the Fraunhofer IZI

Excursion report: Master's degree course in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology visits the Fraunhofer IZI

From January 13 to 14, 2025, seven students from the Master's degree program in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) and two supervisors had the opportunity to visit the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) in Leipzig. This excursion offered valuable insights into current research projects and the institute's state-of-the-art equipment.

Experiencing cutting-edge research up close

After an introductory presentation of the Fraunhofer IZI, the participants were given exciting insights into various areas of research. The institute develops and tests innovative preclinical cell and gene therapeutics as well as vaccines and active ingredients. The precisely controlled environment of the clean room laboratories, in which antibodies and cell therapeutics are produced under aseptic conditions, was particularly impressive.

A wide range of research topics were presented during the lectures and laboratory tours, including

• The development of vaccines against chronic hepatitis B,
• Animal and cell culture models for drug research into chronic inflammatory bowel diseases,
• New diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease and infections such as SARS-CoV-2,
• Advances in CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment,
• The use of imaging techniques for tumor research.

A particularly impressive part of the program was the presentation of research at the Animal Experimental Center. It was emphasized that the highest ethical standards are observed and that species-appropriate husbandry and respectful treatment of the animals are of central importance. The practical research and industry-oriented focus of the Fraunhofer IZI left a lasting impression on the students.

A successful conclusion in Leipzig

In addition to the professional impulses, the excursion also provided an opportunity for mutual exchange. A joint dinner and an exploration of Leipzig's pub scene rounded off the stay and ensured a successful conclusion to the excursion.

The excursion to the Fraunhofer IZI was a valuable experience for all participants, providing both professional inspiration and practical insights into current biotechnological research.