Pharma.Aero and METRANS launch masterclass on Pharma Logistics
Pharma.Aero, the University of Antwerp and METRANS jointly launch the first international masterclass on Pharma Logistics, where business meets academics
The recent Covid-19 pandemic has underlined that an organised and well-prepared logistics and supply chain is pivotal to the successful outcome of delivering essential medical supplies such as Covid-19 vaccines and therapeutic drugs. This has led to the first international joint initiative between the air cargo industry and world-renowned academic institutions to organise a masterclass, which the current critical aspects of pharma logistics will be covered. The Pharma Logistics Masterclass is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to gain more in-depth knowledge, as well as for academics and PhD students to obtain advanced insights into how pharmaceutical supply chains are organised and logistics processes are optimised through applied technology for the pharma and life science sector.
This 5-day hybrid programme runs from 7 till 11 September 2021 and features insights from lecturers and business experts from all different parts of the world, combined with a visit to the pharma production facilities of GlaxoSmithKline, as well as the recently launched - by Brussels Airport and Air Cargo Belgium - vaccines logistics program “BRUcure”. Read about the Masterclass’ topics, list of presenters and lecturers, registration details etc.
Roel Gevaers, Dr PhD, University of Antwerp Belgium and Chairman of this international Masterclass said, “Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is clear that the vaccines and pharma supplies will be the way to our renewed freedom. This pandemic was a perfect example why effective pharma supply chains and logistical flows are of major importance in our worldwide society. From government as from industry perspective, special attention will be paid towards the logistics of pharma for the years to come. For this reason, I am extremely excited to be chair of this interesting Pharma Logistics Masterclass – where Business meets Academics.”
Tom O’ Brien, Dr. PhD, California State University, Long Beach California USA and Deputy Director of the METRANS Transportation Consortium and Co-chair said, “The pandemic has elevated the profile of the global supply chain in ways we could not have predicted 18 months ago. Now the challenge is to tell the story of the various supply chains that make up the system of systems. Pharma Logistics is one of those. I am thrilled that we can help share some of the North American perspective on the topic, including Long Beach’s now much studied approach to vaccine rollout. The story of the logistics is in part the story of its success. Disseminating this kind of information is part of METRANS’ mission.”
The Pharma Logistics masterclass covers a variety of topics. Themes vary from basic to in-depth knowledge around life science - production, storage and handling, as wel as economic and operational challenges. Renowned speakers from the academic community and the pharma sector will highlight topics such as pharma logistics, role of hinterland, maritime and air freight transport in pharma supply chains, pharma logistics costs, last mile strategies, pharma communities, etc.
Frank van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero and Co-chair, added, “Life science air cargo supply chain reliability and end to end visibility are the DNA of Pharma.Aero. We are excited that air cargo will kick-off the program. The importance of air cargo has been underlined in the past year amid the global Covid-19 pandemic situation with urgent global air transportation of PPE, medical supplies and vaccines. We will connect the current business models and strategies used in the industry with data analytics and modelling designed and produced by institutions.“