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.

Two young Filipino scientists have learned valuable lessons from an international biotechnology workshop–lessons they plan to share with fellow scientists and apply in the local biotech industry.

"BioCamp taught me that scientists should understand not just the scientific aspects of biotechnology, but its financial and social dynamics as well," said Mr. 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 Ms. Kellsye Fabian, a 22-year-old molecular biology instructor at UP Diliman.

Magano and Fabian were among 60 students from 27 countries who participated in the 4th Novartis International Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) held from October 26-30, 2009 in the Novartis Institute for Biological Research (NIBR) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Organized annually by the research-based Swiss healthcare company Novartis, BioCamp provides selected students from all over the world with the opportunity to learn from leading biotech experts, interact with professionals and work together with other students from various cultures. The prestigious workshop also enables students to explore career opportunities and network with global leaders in the biotechnology sector.

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.

Among the BioCamp speakers which included some of the world’s top biotech experts, Magano and Fabian were most impressed with Dr. George Q. 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.

"Dr. Daley’s lecture was the most interesting. Stem cells theoretically offer treatment for a wide array of currently incurable diseases, the realization of which would be a dream-come-true for healthcare professionals," Magano explained.

"The topic of stem cells is not an entirely novel concept for me, but Dr. Daley was able to give it a new perspective. His passion for stem cell research made me better appreciate this emerging technology and more aware of its positive impact on medicine," said Fabian.

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.

Magano believes Dr. Mandl’s lecture on vaccine research is particularly relevant to the Philippines where "infectious diseases like dengue, typhoid fever, and malaria kill thousands of Filipinos every year."