ASGCT Outreach in 2022: Patient Ed, Global Programs, and DEI

Wrapping up the end of the year at ASGCT has us reflecting on everything that's been accomplished in 2022. ASGCT Outreach Programs consist of Patient Education, Global Outreach, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

The committed Outreach staff, along with many dedicated member-volunteers, work hard on these three key focus areas to offer educational opportunities, reach more stakeholders, and expand the impact of ASGCT. Here is just a glimpse of some of the exciting Outreach happenings from 2022!  

Patient Education 

The goal of the Patient Education program is to provide accurate and reliable information to the patient/advocate audience. These efforts are led in collaboration with the Patient Outreach Committee.  

Hosted Lunch & Learns

We hosted 10 live monthly webinars that are now available On-Demand!  

• 23 speakers and moderators were featured, 17 of which were members of our very own Patient Outreach Committee 

• 1,115 registrants and 606 live attendees  

• 20,913 on-demand views over the last year 

Released Updated Gene Therapy 101 Units 

These units debuted back in 2018, so this year they were revisited and completely redone to keep up with an evolving field of research!  

There were also some exciting FDA approvals this year, so our existing disease treatment units on CALD, Beta thalassemia, and Hemophilia were also updated.  

Check out and share our Gene Therapy 101 units: Gene Therapy Basics, Clinical Trials Process, and Gene Therapy Approaches. 

The collection of 32 patient education videos now have 803,500 views and gained over 248,000 views in 2022 alone!  

Global Outreach  

The goal of Global Outreach is to foster equitable access to gene and cell therapies in low- and middle-income countries through partnered educational programming with local institutions. These efforts are led in collaboration with the Global Outreach Committee.  

Established a New Eight-Module Course for Faculty in Tanzania  

In partnership with the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) we ran a live course, Gene Therapy for Educators, through October. This pilot program exceeded our expectations:  

• 45 participants from 9 different countries received certificates 

• 29 ASGCT members helped develop and deliver presentations and reading materials  

From a survey answered by the majority of recipients: 

• Participants said they would rate their overall experience as 4.65, with 5 being very positive. 

• Participants would rate their preparedness to apply what they have learned to their current work as a 4, with 5 being very prepared 

• Participants rated the course a 4.66, when asked if the course increased their understanding of the topics, with 5 being a significant increase. 

• 100% of participants said they’d attend another course offered by ASGCT 

Due its successes, this flagship gene therapy course will expand in 2023 to reach faculty in India and continue efforts in Tanzania!

Other Notable Global Outreach Projects

• Hosting eight symposia highlighting gene therapy research in Europe, Brazil, Japan, and the Middle East. 

• Reducing the membership dues for people residing in middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank) 

• Dr. Ken Cornetta, past ASGCT President and past Global Outreach Committee Chair authored a blog offering members ways to support these initiatives: What Can You Do to Increase Access to Gene & Cell Therapy? 

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

The goal of our DEI efforts is to increase diversity and inclusion in the field of gene and cell therapy by creating opportunities for underserved populations, acknowledging differences, and expanding the understanding of DEI issues. These efforts are led in collaboration with the DEI Committee.  

Biotech Discovery Labs: Teacher Training and Classroom Experience 

In July, we hosted a new week-long in-person training on six biology labs for four high school teachers from low-resource schools in Milwaukee, WI. All the supplies to carry out these labs were provided by ASGCT. The labs should enhance the science education opportunities for underserved students and peak interest for careers in biotech.  

We’re excited to continue the program in 2023! 

DEI Committee-Led Presentation: Being Intentional About Diversity  

Members of the DEI Committee raised awareness among the 26 ASGCT committees, impacting over 400 committee volunteers. The presentation followed by open dialogue discussed current trends in the Society, the importance of diversity, and ways volunteers can help create a more diverse and inclusive organization.  

Awarded $200,000 in Grant Funding for Research and Career Development  

Underrepresented Minority Fellowship Award in Gene and Cell Therapy for Oncology 

Underrepresented Population Fellowship Award in Gene and Cell Therapy for Any Indication 

A huge THANK YOU goes out to our incredible members who volunteer their time and expertise to help us move along all these initiatives—you are appreciated and a joy to work with! If you’re a member interested in being involved, consider applying in the new year to serve on the Patient Outreach Committee, Global Outreach Committee, or DEI Committee! 

Ali Kujawski, MPH, is the Senior Outreach Manager at ASGCT.

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