Henrik Birgens Fellowship 2026
The Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) invites applications for the Henrik Birgens Fellowship 2026, an advanced clinical training/observership initiative designed to strengthen the management of haemoglobinopathies in the Nordic countries.
This 5-day fellowship provides physicians with the opportunity to gain practical insight into the multidisciplinary care of patients with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
Henrik Birgens
Fellowship Programme
Programme Structure
The 2026 Fellowship will consist of a 5-day training programme, taking place from 21- 25 September at the Danish Red Blood Cell Centre at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. In its inaugural year, the programme will enable a total of two (2) physicians to participate.
Participants will benefit from direct clinical exposure, case-based discussions, and mentorship from experienced specialists involved in the comprehensive care of patients with haemoglobinopathies.
Our Specialists
The Fellowship will be conducted under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Andreas Glenthøj and Dr. Marianne Hoffmann.
Andreas Glenthøj, MD, PhD is Associate Professor and Head of the Danish Red Blood Cell Centre at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, a leading Nordic centre for rare anaemias. His work focuses on translating advanced diagnostics into targeted treatments, serving as PI on clinical and pre-clinical trials in hereditary anaemias and iron metabolism, and chairing the Nordic Red Blood Cell Group.
Marianne Hoffmann, MD, PhD, is a Senior Consultant at the Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. She is responsible for the treatment of children and adolescents in eastern Denmark with red blood cell disorders, thrombosis and hemostatic disorders, myeloid malignancies, and infant leukemia, and serves as PI on clinical trials.
Who Should Apply
The programme is intended for physicians who:
- Are specialists in the fields of Haematology, Paediatrics, or Internal Medicine.
- Have at least two years of clinical experience managing patients with haemoglobinopathies.
- Are currently working in a public healthcare institution in Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Denmark.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuing their work in the field of haemoglobinopathies after the completion of the Fellowship.
- Candidates are also expected to contribute to the dissemination of the knowledge acquired during the programme within their healthcare institutions.
How to Apply
Each application must include the following documentation:
- A comprehensive and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Two Letters of Consent confirming the candidate’s commitment to continue working in the field of haemoglobinopathies for at least three (3) years at the institution where he/she is currently employed following completion of the Fellowship.
- One letter must be submitted by the candidate.
- One letter must be submitted by the director of the employing institution or by an authorised official of the Ministry of Health, where applicable.
- A Reference Letter from the candidate’s current employer supporting the candidate’s application and participation in the programme.
- Proof of official registration as a medical specialist with the relevant medical regulatory authority in the candidate’s country of employment.
Selection Process
Final approval will be obtained through common consultation and consensus between the training centre and the Thalassaemia International Federation.
Fellowship Support
The Fellowship provides financial support to facilitate the participation of the selected candidates during the training period.
Each successful candidate will receive a stipend to assist with basic living expenses, accommodation, and travel during the fellowship. Any costs exceeding the stipend will be the responsibility of the candidate.
