UG Hosts Novartis CEO, Explores Opportunities for Research Collaboration
The Chief Executive Officer of Novartis, Dr. Vas Narasimhan, has paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, as part of his visit to Ghana. The meeting brought together senior officials from Novartis and the leadership of the University of Ghana to explore areas of collaboration in research, teaching and student development.
Welcoming the delegation, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson, expressed appreciation for Novartis’ longstanding relationship with Ghana and highlighted the University’s readiness to partner with global institutions that align with its strategic goals. He noted that partnerships and engagement remain one of the University’s key strategic priorities, adding that the College possesses strong capacity in biomedical research, clinical trials and community health interventions that could form the foundation for meaningful collaboration.
Dr. Narasimhan, in his remarks, underscored Novartis’ deep commitment to advancing healthcare access and innovation in Africa. He shared that Novartis has worked on the continent for over a century, contributing significantly to the fight against infectious diseases such as malaria, as well as non-communicable diseases such as sickle cell disease.
Dr. Narasimhan further highlighted Novartis’ Next Generation Scientist Programme, which has, for over a decade, hosted University of Ghana students at the company’s Basel Campus, for advanced research exposure. His visit, he said, was also to engage with these students in their home environment and strengthen ties with the University.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo welcomed the Novartis team and underscored that UG’s mission aligns closely with Novartis’ vision of improving and extending lives through research and innovation. She outlined the University’s strategic priorities, particularly in research impact, student experience and partnerships, while expressing optimism that the visit would pave the way for deeper collaboration in areas such as drug discovery, clinical research and student capacity-building.
“I am confident that together, we can overcome challenges and create a truly impactful relationship that improves lives in our communities,” she said.
Other members of the University’s delegation included Professor Irene Kretchy, Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Professor Richard Amewu, Head of the Department of Chemistry.
Prof. Krectchy assured the team of the School of Pharmacy’s readiness to partner with Novartis in areas of teaching, research and community engagement, stressing the School’s commitment to producing well-trained, competent health professionals. She also proposed collaborations that would offer students experiential and international exposure, particularly within Novartis’ global network.
Prof. Amewu also, in brief remarks, welcomed potential collaboration with Novartis to strengthen local drug discovery capacity, pointing out that partnerships of this nature can amplify Africa’s contribution to global health solutions.
Dr. Lutz Hegemann, President of Global Health at Novartis, commended the University’s intellectual capacity and stressed the need to elevate African science to the global stage. He described this as part of Novartis’ broader mission to advance science, research and innovation within Africa, ensuring that African-led data and discoveries inform global treatment decisions.
He mentioned the Next Generation Scientist Programme, which has hosted many University of Ghana students in Basel, as a key vehicle for nurturing scientific talent from the continent.
In wrapping up the meeting, Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah added, “I know there are already a few collaborations that we have on the ground. Listening to the conversations, it is obvious that we will take this to the next level in terms of research and providing our students with a transformative student experience.’’
Other members of the Novartis team included Maame Adwoa Sam Brew, Country Head, Ghana; Fafa Addo Boateng, Medical Head SSA; Jose Villareal, Chief of Staff to Novartis CEO.
The visit culminated in a fireside chat with medical students, offering them insights into leadership, innovation and the future of global healthcare.
