Education
Henrik Birgens Fellowship
A five-day advanced clinical training programme offering focused exposure to the comprehensive management of thalassaemia and other haemoglobin disorders in the Nordic countries.
Dates
21–25 September 2026
5-day training programme
Location
Danish Red Blood Cell Centre
Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
Participants
2 physicians
Inaugural year — Nordic countries
About the fellowship
The Henrik Birgens Fellowship is a five-day advanced training programme offering focused exposure to the comprehensive management of thalassaemia and other haemoglobin disorders in the Nordic countries, where these conditions are considered rare.
Hosted at the Danish Red Blood Cell Centre at Copenhagen University Hospital, a recognized TIF Collaborating Centre, the fellowship provides participants with clinical exposure and academic learning within a multidisciplinary environment aligned with international standards of care.
The Centre is a highly specialized unit at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen and represents the largest diagnostic, clinical, and research facility for rare anaemias in the Nordic region. It is dedicated to the diagnosis and management of red blood cell disorders in Denmark and also serves patients from across the Nordic countries.
In honour of Professor Henrik Birgens
The fellowship is named in honour of Professor Henrik Birgens, founder of the Danish Red Blood Cell Centre at Copenhagen University Hospital. Professor Birgens has devoted his career to the care of patients with haemoglobinopathies and has played a leading role in advancing clinical practice and laboratory diagnostics for these conditions in the Nordic region.
Purpose and objectives
The fellowship aims to provide physicians from Nordic countries with structured clinical exposure and specialised training in the comprehensive care of patients with haemoglobinopathies.
- Strengthen clinical expertise in the diagnosis and management of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease
- Promote a multidisciplinary model of care integrating haematology, cardiology, endocrinology, hepatology, nephrology, neurology, and mental health services
- Enhance participants' capacity to recognise and manage disease-related complications, including iron overload and its systemic effects
- Support the decentralisation of specialised knowledge by empowering trained physicians to transfer expertise to their local healthcare settings
- Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange within the Nordic haemoglobinopathy community
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
Dr. Andreas Glenthøj, MD, PhD
Associate Professor and Head of the Danish Red Blood Cell Centre at Copenhagen University Hospital. 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.
Dr. Marianne Hoffmann, MD, PhD
Senior Consultant at the Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. She is responsible for the treatment of children and adolescents in eastern Denmark with red blood cell disorders, 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
- •Are expected to contribute to the dissemination of the knowledge acquired during the programme
How to apply
The completed Application Form should be submitted by 21 August 2026 to the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF) via email at thalassaemia@cytanet.com.cy, using the subject line: "TIF – Henrik Birgens Fellowship".
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.
Apply by 21 August 2026
For full details and the official application form, visit the Thalassaemia International Federation website.