Young Filipino scientists learn valuable lessons from international biotech meet

MANILA, Philippines - A medical student from the Far Eastern University-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation and a molecular biology instructor at the University of the Philippines Diliman were among 60 students from 27 countries who participated in the 4th Novartis International Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

BioCamp provides selected students from all over the world with the opportunity to learn from leading biotech experts, work with other students from various cultures, and explore career opportunities.

Inspired by their BioCamp experience, the two young Filipino scientists have become even more committed to harnessing the power of biotechnology in nation building.

“BioCamp taught me that scientists should understand not just the scientific aspects of biotechnology, but its financial and social dynamics as well,” said Janill Magano, a 21-year-old second year academic scholar at the Far Eastern University-Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation.

“Through BioCamp, I learned the importance of an effective business plan in the development and marketing of a biotechnology product,” said Kellsye Fabian, a 22-year-old molecular biology instructor at UP Diliman. 

Novartis works with the Department of Science and Technology, Intellectual Property Philippines, Hybridigm, public and private research centers, and academic institutions in the country to promote research and development and develop promising Filipino students.

Learning from top biotech experts

Among the BioCamp speakers which included some of the world’s top biotech experts, Magano and Fabian were most impressed with Dr. George Daley. An associate professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in Boston, Daley spoke on the promise of stem cells in developing new medicines.

Another lecture that struck a chord with Fabian was the overview of vaccines research given by Dr. Christian Mandl, head of Vaccines Research, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics (US). Fabian who considers vaccines as “one of the most important medical products” ever developed by scientists, has a keen interest in vaccines. Her masteral thesis which investigates how the body’s immune system responds to a surface protein of Plasmodium falciparum (the causative agent of malaria) is related to vaccines.

The “intense and highly productive intellectual exchange” between the BioCamp delegates resulted in an “information explosion,” Magano noted. “Everyone was so eager to share his or her educational background, previous and current research, and future plans.” He believes that such dynamic flow of information should be encouraged among local stakeholders and institutions to boost the country’s growth and development.

“We must strengthen our local biotech industry to create more jobs, encourage the best and the brightest to stay in the country, and create products that benefit not just Filipinos but the whole world as well,” said Fabian.