Lek signs strategic cooperation agreement with three major universities in Slovenia

Key areas of cooperation include setting up practical training for students, participation in their final theses, and the involvement of Lek experts in the study process as guest lectures. The agreement also provides for joint applications to Slovenian and international tenders, for the development of research projects and innovations, and for the strengthening of both new and existing study programmes. Cooperation will also take place in the field of lifelong learning, organising joint events such as summer schools, hackathons, and information days.

Gregor Makuc, Lek's Chief Executive Director, stressed at the signing of the agreement that dialogue and cooperation between educational institutions and the pharmaceutical industry is of key importance: "The agreement will make the cooperation between Lek and universities even closer, as we are creating an ecosystem that enables the transfer of knowledge and experience. The pooling of resources, knowledge, and technologies made possible by long-term collaboration will significantly strengthen the innovation capacity of all partners involved, and will be a catalyst for breakthrough scientific advances that will expand access to advanced, effective, safe treatment options for patients around the world. The agreement also brings new opportunities for young talent to take part in ambitious projects and to develop into leading scientists, researchers, and experts, which will key to staying competitive and innovative in the global market in the long term."

Prof. Klavdija Kutnar, Rector of the University of Primorska and President of the Slovenian Rectors' Conference, added, "Public universities are committed to activities and measures aimed at achieving the goals of the National Programme for Higher Education 2030, which emphasises innovation, excellence, increasing quality and – emphasised in light of today's event – responsiveness to the current and future needs of economic and non-economic interests, as well as of the general social environment.  With today's signing of a strategic cooperation agreement, Lek d.d. and the public universities recognise their common interest in the development of base knowledge, applied solutions, and innovations, as well as of new ways of working and learning that will enable the development of new talent and competences in line with modern trends. A functioning sustainable ecosystem, which can be built through strategic partnerships with economic operators, is the basis for high quality study programmes and academic development, which is especially important and prominent in the area we all value most – our health."

The present and future of scientific excellence

The official signing of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement at the University of Maribor was followed by a symbolic signing at the Scientific Excellence at the Intersection of Generations event, which brought together the best scientists and most promising young talents in an effort to ensure the further development of science.

Among the keynote speakers was Igor Papič, PhD, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, who said in his address, "Today's event brings together science and business, eminent scientists and young talent. Such cooperation serves as a cornerstone of our country's development. And knowing that we are short on staff in the scientific fields, the Ministry is planning measures in this area, including the reintroduction of a tender for researchers in the private sector, as well as measures to attract international students."

One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding of Lek scholarships to promising high school and university students – the new generation of scientists, researchers, and experts who will contribute to the further development of Lek and of the pharmaceutical industry in the future. Eighteen scholarship recipients were presented with their certificates by Nobel Laureate Sir Gregory P. Winter and dr. Jure Vajs, Head of Strategic Programs at Lek.

In the first part of the event, Sir Gregory also took part in a panel discussion with Claire D'Abreu-Hayling, Chief Scientific Officer at Sandoz, on the importance of collaboration and networking between different stakeholders in achieving breakthrough innovation, and the values and personal characteristics needed to achieve excellence.