Henrik Birgens Fellowship 2026
The Henrik Birgens Fellowship 2026 has now concluded. Applications for this edition are closed.
Organised by the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF), the five-day fellowship took place from 21–25 September 2026 at the Danish Red Blood Cell Centre at Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
Henrik Birgens
Fellowship Programme
Programme Structure
The fellowship was designed to strengthen clinical expertise in managing haemoglobinopathies in the Nordic countries, with a focus on multidisciplinary care for patients with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
The programme offered clinical exposure, case-based discussions, and mentorship from experienced specialists.
Our Specialists
The Fellowship was 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 Was Eligible
The programme was intended for physicians who:
- Specialised in Haematology, Paediatrics or Internal Medicine.
- Had at least two years’ experience managing haemoglobinopathies.
- Worked in a public healthcare institution in Sweden, Norway, Finland or Denmark.
- Committed to continued work in haemoglobinopathies and sharing their learning within their institutions.
How Applications Were Submitted
Applications were due by 21 August 2026, emailed to thalassaemia@cytanet.com.cy with the subject “TIF – Henrik Birgens Fellowship”. Applicants were required to provide:
- A comprehensive, up-to-date CV.
- Two consent letters—from the applicant and either their institution’s director or an authorised Ministry of Health official—confirming continued haemoglobinopathy work at their institution for at least three years after the fellowship.
- An employer’s reference supporting their application and participation.
- Proof of specialist registration with the relevant medical regulator in their country of employment.
Selection Process
Final approval required consultation and consensus between the training centre and TIF.
Fellowship Support
Selected candidates were offered a stipend towards living expenses, accommodation, and travel. Candidates were responsible for costs exceeding the stipend.
