Nehul Saxena, currently pursuing her doctoral studies at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi was selected among the top three students at the Novartis International Biotechnology Leadership Camp (BioCamp) that recently concluded in Basel, Switzerland. Apart from her the other two toppers were from England and Switzerland. Students were evaluated by a jury on their contribution, performance and teamwork.

"Novartis BioCamp offers young talent the opportunity to interact with leading scientists and to look at entrepreneurship as an option," explained Ranjit Shahani, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Novartis India Limited. Also he explained "India has some very bright talent and it's truly heartening to see young woman from India win accolades at such a high level. I do believe innovation is the way forward for our country and hope that Novartis through Biocamp will draw moreyoung people to research thereby generating new ideas around scientific innovation and improving patient outcomes."

Workshops and presentations were led by leading scientists and members of top management at Novartis including, among others, Rolf M Zinkernagel, MD, a Nobel Laureate and member of the Novartis AG Board of Directors, and Prof Susan Gasser, Director of the Friedrich Miescher Institute of Biomedical Research.

Biocamp students interacted with Novartis scientists and executives who lead the Company's approach to drug development and learnt about new breakthrough medicines to address patients unmet medical needs. The program is designed to help students understand trends and challenges in the biotechnology and life science sectors as well gain first-hand experience about starting and running a biotech company.

Biocamp is an international forum for science and business students from around the world to learn, exchange ideas and work together in highly competitive business.