The first Pharma Logistics Winter University will be held from 3 to 7 February 2025, supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi. This transformative initiative aims to nurture future global leaders in pharmaceutical logistics through a comprehensive, immersive five-day program designed for regional and international students, management trainees and entry-level professionals.
This pioneering program was co-established by Etihad Cargo, Pharma.Aero, the Ministry of Health – Abu Dhabi, the University of Antwerp, and Khalifa University. Together, these partners bring unparalleled expertise to create a platform that connects academic learning with industry applications. Abu Dhabi’s central location ensures access to global and regional markets, fostering an environment where innovation and talent flourish.
Abu Dhabi is emerging as a global hub for life sciences and healthcare, driven by its strategic location, world-class infrastructure and prudent investments. The Pharma Logistics Winter University builds on the success of the 2022 edition of the Pharma Logistics Masterclass, which was also held in Abu Dhabi. While the Masterclass course focuses on specialist knowledge at industry level and senior professionals, the Pharma Logistics Winter University will be an annual initiative hosted exclusively in Abu Dhabi, providing a dedicated platform to develop young talent, students and management trainees in the field of pharmaceutical logistics. This new program complements the Pharma Logistics Masterclass course by providing a more structured and immersive learning experience that addresses the emirate’s broader vision of creating a thriving healthcare and life sciences ecosystem. By integrating academic and practical training, talent retention and innovation, Pharma Logistics Winter University complements the emirate’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in the sector.
The University of Winter is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry applications, offering industry-relevant insights and a high level of expertise. Students and professionals will evaluate the cutting-edge technological developments shaping pharmaceutical logistics. During the five-day immersive program, participants will learn how to identify and address pharmaceutical product management challenges, optimize logistics networks for timely and safe delivery, and develop risk mitigation strategies. They will explore the critical role of cold chain management, evaluate best practices, and analyze successful and unsuccessful case studies to draw key lessons. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to evaluate the latest innovations and technological advances shaping the future of pharmaceutical logistics.
The Pharma Logistics Winter University offers participants:
- Workshops, case studies and field visits to explore logistics and cold chain management challenges.
- Expert-led discussions on industry innovations and best practices.
- Networking opportunities with global leaders in pharmaceutical logistics.
Frank van Gelder, General Secretary, Pharma.Aero“Pharma.Aero, as a permanent business partner with the University of Antwerp, welcomes Khalifa University and Thomas More University of Applied Sciences to announce its strong support for the inaugural Pharma Logistics Winter University, scheduled to launch in early February,” he said. 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
“This international initiative unites academic students, postgraduates and young professionals in a unique program designed to identify emerging talent and promote long-term job retention across the pharmaceutical logistics industry. By emphasizing cross-sector collaboration and internal cross-disciplinary synergies – which is the core of Pharma.Aero’s mission – This program sets a new standard for professional development in this field. Van Gelder added: “Through the strategic support we provide to our members like Etihad Cargo and by supporting the evolving needs of the industry, Pharma.Aero reaffirms its commitment to innovation. Collaboration and talent development on a global scale.”
His Excellency Dr. Rashid Al Suwaidi, Acting Director General of Healthcare Regulation at the Department of Health – Abu DhabiHe said: “The opening of the Pharma Logistics Winter University reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to driving innovation and nurturing future leaders in unique fields, specifically pharmaceutical logistics. As the regulator of the healthcare sector, we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in healthcare and science.” Life. This program is aligned with our vision of fostering a resilient and forward-looking health ecosystem by equipping professionals with the tools to drive meaningful change and address critical challenges such as chain logistics. Cooling.
Stanislas Brun, Vice President, Cargo, Etihad CargoHe said: “Etihad Cargo is proud to participate in establishing this transformative program that reflects the carrier’s commitment to fostering innovation and talent in the field of pharmaceutical logistics services. By collaborating with industry-leading partners, Etihad Cargo aims to support Abu Dhabi’s development as a global hub for healthcare and life sciences and ensure the presence of talent.” appropriate in the future.
Prof. Dr. Roel Gevers, Professor at the University of Antwerp and Rector of the Pharma Logistics Winter UniversityHe said: “Following the highly successful Pharma Logistics course in Abu Dhabi in 2022, I am very proud that we will be organizing the first ever Pharma Logistics Winter University in Abu Dhabi in February 2025. This Winter University is a formal three-credit lecture course and is aimed at Master’s and Bachelor’s students. and management trainees This course once again underscores the strong relationship between Belgium and Abu Dhabi and their value as centers of pharmaceutical knowledge across the globe. We are also very proud as the University of Antwerp that this course is not a one-time event: it will be organized annually in Abu Dhabi.
Professor Ernesto Damiani, Dean of the College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and Director of the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (C2PS), Khalifa UniversityHe said: “As a leading research-intensive educational institution focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, Khalifa University is pleased to collaborate with partners in Europe and the UAE to host the 5-day Pharma Logistics Winter University. This initiative is in line with the UAE’s vision to create an ecosystem For life sciences and healthcare, Khalifa University’s mission is to develop the human capital that will be critical for the country and the region in this field. We believe that the expertise and synergy resulting from this collaboration between industry and academia will benefit the greater global community in general.”
Participants at Pharma Logistics Winter University will receive 3 European Credit Transfers (ECTs) and a micro-credential upon successful completion of the programme, enhancing their academic and professional qualifications. The program is open to master’s students, junior professionals and management trainees from fields as diverse as supply chain, transportation and pharmacy.
Regional and international participants must register by January 15, 2025 to secure their place in this transformative program. For more information and to register, please visit: https://pharma.aero/pharma-logging-winter-university/
