The inaugural Pharma Logistics Winter University, held from February 3 to 7, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, was a key step in pharmaceutical logistics education. The five-day training program, designed for management trainees, junior professionals, and master’s students, received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a 99.5% satisfaction rate.
Program Highlights: Comprehensive Pharma Logistics Education
The Pharma Logistics Winter University was designed to bridge academic learning with industry application, covering critical aspects of pharmaceutical logistics, including cold chain management, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies. Participants engaged in a hands-on curriculum that featured case studies, workshops, and site visits—providing invaluable insights into the latest technological advancements shaping the pharma logistics industry.
🔎 Explore the Winter University Agenda
One of the highlights was the business case challenge, where teams applied their knowledge to create transportation plans for pharma logistics, identifying key risks and inefficiencies. This immersive experience not only reinforced core concepts but also allowed students to tackle real-world challenges, preparing them for future roles in the sector.
Kyara Pel: “The Pharma Logistics Winter University truly gave me new perspectives on my future. Being surrounded by people who live and breathe this industry, engaging in real-world challenges, and seeing the bigger picture reminded me of the passion I once had for supply chain. This experience didn’t magically solve everything, but it gave me clarity, perspective, and a renewed drive to figure things out.”
Dries Van Aert: “Beyond the insightful sessions, we also had the chance to visit Etihad Cargo, Rafed UAE, and ADCANPharma, gaining first-hand experience of logistics operations and international collaboration. One of the highlights of the week was working in teams to solve a real-life case study, applying our knowledge to practical challenges. I truly enjoyed every moment and walked away with new insights, great connections, and a deeper appreciation for the complexity of pharma logistics.”
Willem Manssens: “Grateful for an unforgettable and knowledge-rich week!”
A Collaborative Effort in Pharma Logistics Education
The Pharma Logistics Winter University is a collaboration between the University of Antwerp’s Faculty of Business and Economics, Pharma.Aero, Etihad Cargo, Khalifa University, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and Rafed UAE, providing participants with 3 European Credit Transfers (ECTS) upon successful completion. This joint initiative builds on the successful partnership for the 2022 Pharma Logistics Masterclass, organized in Abu Dhabi. While the Winter University represents basic training for young talents interested in building a career in pharmaceutical logistics, the Masterclass is an advanced training for senior executives and industry leaders, focusing on strategic insights and high-level expertise. Together, these programs ensure that professionals at all stages of their careers can gain the specialized knowledge and skills required to excel in the dynamic and complex world of pharmaceutical logistics.