Education
Education and workforce development are central to CICET’s mission. As a university-wide hub for cell engineering and therapy, CICET is building an integrated educational ecosystem that spans doctoral training, professional education, and continuing academic enrichment. These programs are designed to prepare scientists, engineers, clinicians, and translational professionals to lead the next generation of cell and gene therapy innovation. By combining rigorous scientific training with exposure to manufacturing, regulatory science, and clinical translation, CICET equips trainees with the skills needed to advance transformative therapies responsibly and equitably, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across Columbia’s campuses and clinical partners.
Educational Programs
Mini-Course: Introduction to Therapeutic T Cell Engineering
CICET offers a structured educational course focused on the principles and real-world application of therapeutic T cell engineering. The course provides a comprehensive overview of engineered T cell therapies, spanning foundational immunology, vector and construct design, cell manufacturing considerations, and clinical translation. Through a series of expert-led lectures, participants gain insight into how laboratory discoveries are advanced into early-phase clinical trials, as well as the regulatory and translational challenges unique to living cell therapies. The course is designed for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career investigators seeking a rigorous introduction to this rapidly evolving field, and reflects CICET’s commitment to training the future workforce in cell and gene therapy.
CICET Seminar Series
The CICET Seminar Series brings internationally recognized leaders in cell engineering, gene therapy, and translational medicine to Columbia for in-depth, immersive visits. Guest speakers spend a full day on campus engaging with faculty, trainees, and research teams through scientific presentations and individual meetings. These visits foster meaningful scientific exchange, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and provide trainees with direct exposure to diverse career paths and leadership perspectives within the rapidly evolving cell and gene therapy field.