Abu Dhabi is set to host the inaugural ‘Pharma Logistics Winter University’ from 3-7 February 2025, aimed at cultivating future global leaders inpharmaceutical logistics.
C-founded by Etihad Cargo, Pharma.Aero, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the University of Antwerp, and Khalifa University, this comprehensive and immersive five-day program is tailored for regional and international students, management trainees and junior professionals.
The program will set a platform to connect academic learning with industry application. Abu Dhabi’s central location ensures access to global and regional markets, fostering an environment where innovation and talent flourish.
The Pharma Logistics Winter University builds on the success of Pharma Logistics Masterclass 2022, which also took place in Abu Dhabi. While the Masterclass focuses on specialized industry-level knowledge and senior professionals, the Pharma Logistics Winter University will be an annual initiative hosted exclusively in Abu Dhabi, focused on nurturing young talent, students and management trainees within pharmaceutical logistics.
This new program offers a more structured, immersive educational experience, addressing the emirate’s vision of creating a vibrant healthcare and life sciences ecosystem. The Winter University will deliver both industry-relevant insights and a high level of expertise.
Students and professionals will evaluate cutting-edge technological advancements shaping pharma logistics. The participants will learn to identify and address the challenges of managing pharmaceutical products, optimize logistics networks for timely and safe deliveries, and develop risk mitigation strategies. They will also explore the key role of cold chain management, assess best practices, and analyze successful and unsuccessful case studies to extract key lessons.
In addition to featuring workshops, case studies, field visits to explore logistics challenges and cold chain management, expert-led discussions, the program also provides networking opportunities with global leaders in pharmaceutical logistics.
Frank Van Gelder Secretary General – Pharma.Aero
“Pharma.Aero, as a permanent business partner together with the University of Antwerp, welcomes Khalifa University, Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, to announce its strong support for the inaugural Pharma Logistics Winter University, set to launch in early February 2025 in Abu Dhabi. This international initiative unites academic students, post-graduates and young professionals in a unique program designed to identify emerging talent and foster long-term job retention across the pharma logistics industry.”
Van Gelder also highlighted Pharma.Aero’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and talent development on a global scale. Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo at Etihad Cargo, underscored the carrier’s dedication to fostering innovation and talent in pharmaceutical logistics
H.E. Dr. Rashed Alsuwaidi, the Acting Director General of Healthcare Regulatory at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated that the Pharma Logistics Winter University reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and nurturing future leaders in pharmaceutical logistics. The program aligns with their vision of fostering a resilient health ecosystem by equipping professionals to drive meaningful change.
Professor Dr. Roel Gevaers, Professor at the University of Antwerp and Chair of the Pharma Logistics Winter University, stressed that this course underlines the strong relationship between Belgium and Abu Dhabi.
Professor Ernesto Damiani, Dean, College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and Director, Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS), Khalifa University, added that this initiative aligns line with the UAE’s vision to create a life sciences and healthcare ecosystem and Khalifa University’s mandate to develop human capital that will be crucial to the country and the region in this field.
After completing the program, the participants can earn 3 European Credit Transfers (ECTs) and a micro-credential certificate, reinforcing their academic and professional credentials. Regional and international participants must register by 15 January 2025 to secure their place in this pioneering program.
