This spring, the International Biomedical Research Alliance sponsored a Career Development and Exploration Initiative for the NIH Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam) Scholars based at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford In the United Kingdom to the Novartis Campus in Basel, Switzerland. Dr. Richard Siegel, the Global Head, Translational Medicine, Immunology at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) hosted the Scholars and introduced them to NIBR’s research mission. Dr. Siegel co-founded and directed the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program prior to his move to Novartis.
After the welcome and introductions to NIBR, the Scholars embarked on a tour of the Novartis Pavillion’s “Wonders of Medicine” which includes four multimedia exhibition areas that explore life, disease, the history of medicine, and the future of healthcare.
Presentations followed the interactive tour and Scholars listened to Drug Discovery and Translational medicine talks. Drs. Ina Kramer, Elisabetta Traggiai, Frank Kolbinger, Alain Marti, Christoph Kalis, and Christoph Burkhart shared insight on various topics from tissue regeneration to protein engineering to antibody development. Afterward, Dr. Olivier Leupin discussed the Novartis Post-Doc Program and provided an overview of career tracks at Novartis.
Over lunch, the Scholars introduced themselves to a range of Novartis scientists including Post-Doc Researchers and Lab Heads. This round table discussion included short presentations on Scholars’ research projects and their ideas for career paths, which concluded with further discussion and Q&A. This discussion continued with a “Meet the Scholars” coffee break and networking session. “It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about physician-scientist careers in industry and network with scientists who are truly changing the face of medicine,” stated NIH-Cambridge MD/PhD Scholar Katherine Masih. The final talk provided an overview of low-molecular weight (LMW) Drug Development and Dr. Robert Pulz presented “From Target to Drug – the magic of medicinal chemistry in drug discovery’ Focus on BTK inhibitors.”
After the networking and educational lectures, the Scholars were invited to visit the High Throughput Screening Facility and they had a lab tour that explored a range from biotherapeutic identification to cell line development. Concluding the Career Development and Exploration Initiative to Novartis Campus, the Scholars had a dinner and networking event with Novartis scientists. A special thank you was extended to Dr. Richard Siegel and Robin Wamister for organizing this visit to learn about industry in Europe.
“The International Biomedical Research Alliance is one of the best parts of NIH OxCam Program,” remarked NIH-Cambridge MD/PhD Scholar John Hancock. “They provide opportunities for experiences that are not characteristic of traditional PhD or MD/PhD programs. I am very grateful for the comprehensive education that I am receiving all because of the support of program leadership.”
The International Biomedical Research Alliance is committed to providing Career Development and Exploration Initiatives to Scholars in the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. These initiatives aim to ignite Scholar thinking around career opportunities where they can play a key role in the future of biomedical research enterprise. Please reach out to our Director of Communication, Education, and Professional Development, Alexandra Ambrico, at aja@biomedalliance.org if you would like to be involved in hosting future exposure visits.