Testimonials
What our community says about ESACT
ESACT Course Testimonials
- Animal Cell Technology Course
- Bioprocessing and Manufacturing of Gene and Cell Therapy Products Course
- Vaccine Technology Course
- Metabolic and Bioprocess Modelling for Animal Cells Course
- Practical Course on Introduction to Cell Bioreactor Production and Monitoring: Application to Protein and Virus Processes
Animal Cell Technology Course
“Cell technology meets coastal magic: an exceptional course.
Attending the 14th edition of the Animal Cell Technology Course 2024 in the inspiring atmosphere of the Costa Brava was an extraordinary experience and one of the best trainings of my career so far. Leading experts from various fields across Animal Cell Technology shared their knowledge in compact, informative and practice-oriented lectures, where direct exchange was always encouraged and a comfortable and personal atmosphere was fostered. I would highly recommend this course to anyone aiming to improve or refresh their knowledge in the field of cell technology”.
Dr. Nicolas Schlosser
Product Manager Orbital Shaken Bioreactors (OSB)
“The opportunity to participate in the 14th Animal Cell Technology Course promoted by ESACT was a great gift, where I was able to improve my skills in the broad field of cell culture technology, I currently work with monoclonal antibody engineering, my participation in the course has enabled me to apply significant improvements in my research project, thanks to the scholarship I was awarded by ESACT, I will be eternally grateful for all the teachings, conversations and discussions that have made me a better professional in the academic and industrial field.”
Kenneth Gabriel Mota
Biólogo e Mestre em Biotecnologia
“I participated in the Animal Cell Technology Course hosted in Llafranc, Spain in order to expand my understanding of all stages of biopharmaceutical production beyond the narrow scope my research focuses on. As I intend to join industry as a research scientist following completion of my degree, I found this course to be invaluable as it provided a holistic breakdown of all stages of production while mixing real-world case studies into the program. This blend of contemporary and emerging technology with discussions of production logistics was an excellent primer for starting a career in industry. The beautiful venue and diverse group of members participating further enriched this experience as participants were present from all over the world and professional backgrounds. I could not recommend this experience enough for those interested in any facet of biopharmaceutical production and development.”
Spencer Grissom
PhD Student at University of Delaware
“As a PhD student in academia, the Animal Cell Technology course in Llafranc was a great educational experience. Interactive sessions with highly experienced experts from academia and industry, as well as the collaborative environment of fellow students and professionals, provided fresh perspectives and practical solutions to various topics in the field. The beautiful location, diverse participants from across Europe, and excellent food and drinks made the course even more enjoyable.”
Georg Smesnik
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
Bioprocessing and Manufacturing of Gene and Cell Therapy Products Course
“My experience at the 3rd edition of the Bioprocessing and Manufacturing of Gene and Cell Therapy Products course, organized by ESACT – European Society for Advanced Cell Technology in Llafranc, Spain, was exceptional. The course featured distinguished professors who are leaders in their field, sharing their extensive expertise in an engaging and accessible manner. One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the opportunity to network with participants from diverse countries. As a South American attendee, I found this exchange particularly enriching, fostering connections that are vital for our region. My participation was made possible largely thanks to the generous scholarship provided by ESACT, for which I am deeply grateful.
On top of the remarkable academic experience, I had an incredible time overall. Llafranc, a charming coastal town, provided the perfect setting for the course. Held at an ideal time of year, it allowed me to fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of the surroundings. This unique combination of top-tier learning, networking, and a stunning location made it an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone passionate about advancing in the field of gene and cell therapies. “
Victor Cerpa Espínola
PhD Student, PUCV
“Between September 29 and October 3, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 4th edition of the course “Bioprocessing and Manufacturing of Cellular and Gene Therapies” organized by ESACT – European Society for Animal Cell Technology.
The experience was truly outstanding. The course not only took place in a breathtakingly beautiful location but also featured an exceptional faculty. They brought diverse professional backgrounds and experiences and showed a genuine willingness to share their expertise, sparking enriching discussions that went beyond the expected. I also had the pleasure of being part of a highly motivated and engaged cohort, eager to network and collaborate. The course content provided a comprehensive update on the latest advancements in research and development in the field, with an in-depth perspective on technological, economic, and societal projections.
I had a fantastic time! I strengthened my knowledge, explored my areas of interest more thoroughly, and gained valuable insights into topics outside my immediate expertise, which are crucial for the field I work in.
Special thanks to Joaquim Vives, Margarida Serra, and Eric Kremmer for coordinating the event! ???? And to ESACT for awarding me the scholarship that allowed me to attend, covering meals, accommodation, and all expenses associated with the course. Without this support, it would have been very difficult to attend from such a distance!”
Paloma Fuentes Robert
IMPACT – Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
Vaccine Technology Course
“Participating as a student in the Vaccine Technology Course allowed me to gain valuable perspectives from leading experts and deepen my understanding of innovative vaccine manufacturing strategies, from bioprocessing to regulatory aspects. The high quality of the faculty and the diverse backgrounds of the participants provided a stimulating learning environment and valuable scientific discussions. This course was an excellent experience that expanded my knowledge and professional network in the field of vaccine technology. “
Elianet Lorenzo Romero
Student
“The course was very rewarding for me. I learned a lot and had the opportunity not only to attend theoretical classes and case discussions, but also to receive career advices from experts in vaccinology field. It was a very enriching experience for me.”
Lautaro Bracco
Biochemist, PhD – Biotechnology Specialist, Nodo Innovación INCUINTA, Argentina
“ESACT’s Vaccine Technology course was a great opportunity to learn from true veterans of the industry, as well as network with professionals from all over the globe. I would highly recommend it to anyone who works with vaccines interested in broadening their knowledge via the expert teaching and discussion provided.”
Elliot Collins
Senior Vaccine Production Scientist, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford, UK
Metabolic and Bioprocess Modelling for Animal Cells Course
“As a participant in this year’s course on Metabolic and Bioprocess Modeling for Animal Cells and Vaccine Technology, I had an outstanding experience. Traveling all the way from Uruguay, South America, I was delighted to find a program that was exceptionally well-structured, with highly knowledgeable and engaging instructors. The course introduced me to entirely new concepts that greatly enriched my knowledge and inspired ideas for potential future applications. Additionally, the beautiful setting in Llafranc provided the perfect environment for an enriching and memorable learning experience.”
Florencia Fadel
Institut Pasteur Montevideo
“It was a great experience! I will be recommending this course to others in my lab in the future!”
Justin Sargunas
Johns Hopkins University
“I had a wonderful time at the workshop! The topics were very informative and the workshops were helpful in understanding how to apply the theory to real situations encountered in the lab.”
Bradley Priem
PhD Student
Johns Hopkins University
“I really enjoyed the course. As someone new to the field, I was able to follow most of the classes with ease. The hands-on activities were particularly helpful, making the learning process both easier and interesting. It was a good introductory course, and the speakers did a fantastic job of teaching in creative and engaging ways. They effectively communicated complex topics, making the material valuable to both beginners and those with more experience.”
Eunice Gonçalves
PhD Student
iBET – Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica
Practical Course on Introduction to Cell Bioreactor Production and Monitoring: Application to Protein and Virus Processes
“The Practical Course on Introduction to Cell Bioreactor Production and Monitoring: Application to Protein and Virus Processes offers valuable theoretical and practical knowledge in cell culture using lab-scale bioreactors. Participating in the course provides essential knowledge and skills to conduct bioreactor-based cell cultures independently.
Every aspect of cultivation (from assembling the bioreactor elements through the technical aspects of cell culture in bioreactors and standard monitoring techniques to analytical methods used in the protein and virus processes) was widely discussed and practically conducted by the participants. Additionally, we received numerous expert tips and best practices that will help us avoid many pitfalls in our research. One of the key advantages of the course was the efficient use of time, ensuring the discussion of all critical aspects without overloading participants with the amount of information. Moreover, the opportunity for each participant to perform all analyses independently is important for effective knowledge acquisition. I highly recommend the course.”
Karolina Zygmunt
Department of Animal Molecular Biology
National Research Institute of Animal Production
“Setting up entirely new runs in a bioreactor—ones that have never been attempted before using our product—is a complex challenge. Every parameter must be determined and optimized from scratch, requiring deep expertise to navigate uncertainties and ensure success. Finding people with hands-on experience in bioreactor setup isn’t easy, but Emma Petiot has extensive knowledge in both small-scale bioreactors and scaling up to industrial production. I chose the course to fill gaps in my knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the process.
It’s rare to find courses that are truly hands-on and led by knowledgeable scientists who are also great teachers.
I really appreciated the hands-on time in the lab working with the bioreactors. It was great to tackle challenges with the guidance of the course leaders—it gave me a much better understanding of how to solve problems while running a bioreactor, and it boosted my confidence.”
Anki Knutsson
Cell Biology Scientist at Cellevate