10 December 2024
  • Novartis LLC and the University of Ljubljana have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to further strengthen their partnership in the areas of co-creating personnel and talents within the study process, lifelong learning, scientific research, development, and innovation.
  • The cooperation agreement represents an upgrade of the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations and brings new opportunities in the areas of co-creating personnel and talents.
  • Novartis in Slovenia regularly strengthens and develops partnerships with academic institutions, creating a collaborative environment that enables the development of new knowledge and solutions to improve people's lives worldwide.

Ljubljana, December 10, 2024: Dr. Petra Štefanič Anderluh, General Manager Novartis LLC and Prof. Dr. Gregor Majdič, Rector of the University of Ljubljana, signed a strategic cooperation agreement that lays the foundation for further strengthening the partnership in the areas of co-creating personnel and talents within the study process and lifelong learning. The agreement confirms Novartis's commitment to connecting the economic and academic environments to develop employees and promote growth and innovation.

Prof. Dr. Gregor Majdič and Dr. Petra Štefanič Anderluh

Prof. Dr. Gregor Majdič, Rector of the University of Ljubljana, emphasizes that the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement is important for the further development of Slovenia. "The pharmaceutical industry is already one of the most important sectors of the Slovenian economy, accounting for 34% of Slovenian exports and, thanks to investment in development, among the industries with the highest added value. Novartis is currently investing in the construction of a new development center and high-tech production facilities, where a large number of Slovenian experts will be employed. One of the main reasons for investing in Slovenia is the excellent personnel, who mostly come from our University. I believe that the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement will further deepen the already excellent cooperation between Novartis and the University of Ljubljana, and I would like to see more such strategic partnerships, as only investment in development will lead Slovenia forward into a prosperous society while considering sustainable goals to preserve our planet."

Dr. Petra Štefanič Anderluh, General Manager Novartis LLC, emphasized at the signing of the agreement: "Cooperation between the academic sphere and industry is essential for the development of knowledge, science, and applied innovative solutions. At Novartis, we are very proud to have been promoting and implementing the connection of various academic partners with industrial research for many years. It is important that this cooperation has already produced many successful projects and innovations over the decades. Together, we grow and strengthen the power and reputation of Slovenian knowledge, which leaves a significant mark beyond our borders. With the signing of the strategic partnership agreement with the University of Ljubljana, we will further strengthen and upgrade this cooperation with clear guidelines for the further development of science and young professionals who will be able to seek answers to future challenges."

Group photo Prof. Dr. Gregor Majdič and Dr. Petra Štefanič Anderluh

Prof. Dr. Maja Klun, Vice-Rector for Knowledge Transfer, Digitalization, and Sustainable Development at the University of Ljubljana, explains that the signing of the agreement will further strengthen the cooperation between the University of Ljubljana and Novartis, specifically in the direction of finding new solutions and innovations, not only in the field of pharmacy but much more broadly. "The strategic cooperation agreement enables the connection of interdisciplinary teams of researchers with Novartis in various fields, such as process development, tools, materials, programs. Thus, challenges are addressed more broadly, offering greater opportunities for innovation and creating added value for science in everyday life, for the benefit of the entire society."

Dr. Mateja Kramer, Global Head of Innovation in Technical Research and Development at Novartis LLC, emphasizes that the signing of the strategic agreement opens up even more opportunities for cooperation between the University of Ljubljana and Novartis beyond the borders of Slovenia. In this rapidly changing ecosystem with intensive development of science and technologies, cooperation between different disciplines and teams is very important. Diverse teams bring different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge, leading to more innovative solutions and better science. This is especially important in the field of healthcare, where different approaches and ideas can contribute to the development of new therapies and the improvement of patient care.