2015 Novartis BioCamp advances young scientists’ global competitiveness
Recognizing that human resource development is at the center of national progress, Novartis Healthcare Philippines in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) held the Novartis Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) on July 28, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.
With the theme “Innovating for Global Competitiveness,” this year’s Local BioCamp gathered a total of 82 outstanding Filipino graduate and postgraduate students in the natural sciences. The Novartis Local BioCamp coincided with the five-day DOST National Science and Technology Week (NSTW), which was themed “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness.”
“Human resource development is a vital component for achieving internationally agreed commitments, including the Millennium Development Goals for health that aims to reduce infant and maternal mortality, as well as the incidence of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and dengue through improved diagnostics and better access to health care for all, through technology like the Rx box,” said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo.
“Public and private sector cooperation has helped advance Science and Technology in the Philippines. Notable examples include our collaboration with Dr. Ramon Gustilo in developing total knee replacements and with Novartis in promoting entrepreneurship among our young Filipino scientists,” said Dr. Jaime Montoya, executive director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD).
“Novartis is privileged to continue our partnership with the DOST and important stakeholders in organizing the annual Local BioCamp. Our goal is to develop globally competitive Filipino scientists who will help improve health outcomes and the quality of healthcare in the country,” according to Dr. Nikolaos Tripodis, president and managing director, No- vartis Healthcare Philippines.
“We thank the DOST and our other partners for their continued support. The Novartis BioCamp aims to equip Filipino scientists and researchers with the knowledge and skills to help address the new health challenges faced by our country,” said Christine Fajardo, corporate affairs head, Novartis Healthcare Philippines. Based on academic excellence and professional experience, Kamila Isabelle Navarro and Martin Daniel Qui were selected to represent the country in the prestigious International BioCamp scheduled on Aug. 23-27, 2015 at the Novartis International Headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.