European BioCamp 2008

Top European university students attended pioneering Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp

Leading biotechnology experts and 45 selected students from top European universities gathered from August 28-30 at the Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp, or BioCamp, to interact and learn about global trends in biotechnology. BioCamp is an innovative three-day seminar that offers students real-world experience with the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of biotechnology.

The kick-off day included keynote speakers such as Dr. Vasella, who discussed trends in the global pharmaceutical industry. Professor Paul Herrling, Head of Corporate Research at Novartis, spoke on innovation and the future of new medicines for neglected diseases. Dr. Jan de Vries, Head of Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) in Basel, presented on drug discovery at Novartis. And Professor Martin E. Schwab, Chair of Neuroscience, Brain Research Institute at the University of Zurich, discussed new developments in neuroscience and their impact on academia and the industry.

Students also had the opportunity to learn about careers in the biotechnology industry and academia.  Juergen Brokatzky-Geiger, Ph.D., Head of Human Resources at Novartis, spoke on career opportunities at Novartis. Each year, Novartis trains hundreds of young people from across Europe through internships and opportunities for Ph.D. and postdoctoral students.

As part of the program, the students learned about developing a biotechnology product with a visit to the Novartis Center of Biotechnology in Huninge, France. They also gained insight into starting-up and managing a biotechnology company from Dr. Michael Altorfer, CFO of Polyphor Ltd, based in Allschwil, Switzerland.

Students were also working on a case study for which they had to develop a business plan. During the event two top students, one from ETH Zürich and one from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia, were selected by a jury of experts to participate at the global BioCamp on October 24-27, 2008 in Hong Kong, where 40 students from all over the world will come together to fuel further learning, discussion and interaction about global leadership, innovation and career paths in biotechnology.