Universities play an important role in the development of ATMPs, which are innovative and complex medicines that can be used to treat a variety of diseases. The role of universities in the development could be improved if several challenges were to be addressed. In this briefing paper, LERU suggests several actions for improving the development of ATMPs in University Medical Centres and enhancing patient access to this innovative group of medicinal products. The paper highlights how University Medical Centres and industry have complementary roles and suggests ways in which these roles can be strengthened to improve the development of new therapeutic options and patient access to these important medicinal products.