Filipinos take part in Swiss biotech camp

MANILA, Philippines—Two Filipino professionals represented the Philippines in the recent annual International  Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) sponsored by Novartis in Basel, Switzerland.

The BioCamp, which started on Aug. 29, was a three-day seminar bringing biotechnology and business experts together with 60 selected students from leading international universities in 21 countries and territories.

The program is designed to help students understand trends and challenges in the biotechnology and life science sectors as well as gain first-hand experience about starting and running a biotech company.  BioCamp has helped bridge local communities and build connections to aid future collaborations in research and clinical development.

This year, Novartis BioCamp stressed increased access to healthcare and the importance of research and development in emerging markets.

Ruth Guzman from the University of the Philippines and Henson L. Lee Yu from Ateneo de Manila University represented the Philippines at the BioCamp.

Guzman is a BS Biology graduate of UP Diliman and obtained her MS in biology (major in Cell and Molecular Biology) from the same institution.

Yu is a cum laude BS Chemistry graduate (Financial Aid Scholar) of ADMU who finished his MS in Chemistry (DOST Scholar) at the same institution.

Novartis  continues  its  commitment  to  sustained  investment  in  R&D  to  develop targeted therapies that could change the practice of medicine and deliver the highest benefit for patients.