International BioCamp 2008
Novartis International BioCamp 2008 attracts top students from 20 countries
From October 24 to October 27, 57 students from 20 countries and leading biotechnology experts came together to fuel further learning, discussion and interaction about global leadership, innovation and career paths in biotechnology.
The Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) was opened by Vincent H.L. Lee - Director school of Pharmacy, the Chinese University of Hong Kong - and John C. Tsang, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong. The speakers from Novartis, Paul Herrling - Head of Corporate Research - and Marjorie Yang - Member of the Board of Directors - underlined the fact that BioCamp is a prominent example of the Novartis commitment to supporting excellence in scientific education and innovation in research and development.
Of particular interest for the students were the presentations from Paul Herrling, George Daley from Harvard Medical School and Huanming Yang from the Beijing Genomics Institute, who provided a scientific update on research in biotechnology, whilst Corinne Savill, Head of BD&L, Search and Evaluation at Novartis, gave an overview on how to fund innovation.
Students had the opportunity to learn about careers in the biotechnology industry and academia. Juergen Brokatzky-Geiger, Head of Human Resources at Novartis, illustrated career opportunities at Novartis. Each year - he said - Novartis trains hundreds of young people from across the world.
During the 4-day innovative seminar students also gained insight into starting-up and managing a biotechnology company and worked on a case study for which they had to develop a business plan.
At the end of the event a top student, from the Ain Shams University in Cairo, was selected by a jury of experts. Among them Ann Bailey, Head of Corporate Communications, who then announced the location for the next Novartis Global BioCamp in 2009, which will take place at NIBR Cambrige (Massachussets), USA.
Business ethics
Novartis recognized among most ethical companies.