Novartis China and World Laureates Association Sign Strategic Cooperation Memorandum at CIIE

Shanghai, November 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis (China) (hereinafter referred to as "Novartis") and the World Laureates Association (WLA) officially signed a strategic cooperation memorandum at the Third China International Import Expo. This collaboration aims to facilitate multidisciplinary cooperation, build a diverse talent pool, and establish a friendly ecosystem by providing office and laboratory facilities to the World Laureates Association at the Novartis Shanghai campus. Mr. Ruedi Zingg, Consul General of Switzerland in ShanghaiOlivier ZehnderMr. Wang Hou, Executive Director and Secretary-General of the WLA; Mr. Wang Ye, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission; Mr. Wang Dehong, Executive President of Shanghai Nuogang Science Group Co., Ltd.; and Ms. Chen Xiaojing, Vice President of Novartis (China), among other distinguished guests, jointly attended this signing ceremony.

Multiple Parties Join to Witness the Signing Ceremony of the Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding Between Novartis and WLA

Collaborate to Strengthen the Medical Ecosystem

Healthcare systems worldwide are currently facing unprecedented challenges, including rapid population aging, a rising burden of chronic diseases, and infectious diseases with the potential to escalate into global pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic this year. These crises have inflicted immeasurable losses on people’s lives, healthcare systems, economies, and various other aspects of society. Therefore, collaborative efforts are more crucial now than ever before.

Mr. Wang Ye, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, stated, “The signing of a strategic cooperation memorandum between Novartis and WLA is both a response toCountryThis initiative aligns more closely with the current direction of China’s economic and social development, as well as with global trends in scientific and technological innovation, by promoting scientific breakthroughs and cross-border collaboration in key areas such as therapeutic drug and vaccine research and development, as well as disease prevention and control. We sincerely hope that both parties will take this signing ceremony as an opportunity to fully leverage their respective strengths, accelerate the formation of greater synergies, expand models for talent development, and attract and cultivate more young, high-caliber professionals, thereby contributing to the construction of Shanghai as a global science and technology innovation hub and to its broader economic and social development.”

Mr. Zeng Liwei, Consul General of Switzerland in Shanghai, stated that innovation has become the cornerstone of international cooperation between China and Switzerland. The signing of the strategic cooperation memorandum between Novartis and the World Laboratory Alliance (WLA) aligns with Switzerland’s current direction for international collaboration and contributes to achieving long-term sustainable development goals. Switzerland has long maintained a global leadership position in pharmaceutical and medical innovation, and it hopes to further strengthen diversified cooperation with China in the healthcare sector, jointly contributing to the establishment of an excellent innovation ecosystem.

Ms. Chen Xiaojing, Vice President of Novartis (China), and Mr. Wang Dehong, Executive President of Shanghai Nuogang Science Group Co., Ltd., Sign Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding

Technological Innovation: Cultivating Strength in Pharmaceutical R&D

Currently and in the future, scientifically minded leaders with a strong thirst for knowledge will play a pivotal role in driving innovation to help humanity address various health challenges. Continuously cultivating and maintaining a high-caliber workforce of scientists in the medical field is a key factor in sustaining the vitality of medical research and continually improving human health.

Regarding the significance of this collaboration with Novartis, Mr. Wang Hou, Executive Director and Secretary-General of the World Laureates Association (WLA), stated, “At the recently held Third Top Scientists Forum, the World Top Scientists Community was officially established in the Lingang New Area of the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, scientists‘"Top Group"’This established a home base. The signing of the strategic cooperation memorandum with Novartis further strengthens the World Top Scientists Community in integrating high-quality scientific resources and supporting infrastructure, thereby better building a platform for technological innovation and collaboration, and facilitating high-quality growth in health technology capabilities.

“‘Innovation,’ ‘Collaboration,’ and ‘Accessibility’ are the three major themes of Novartis’ participation in this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE),” stated Ms. Chen Xiaojing, Vice President of Novartis China. “Novartis is joining forces with the World Laboratory Academy (WLA) to cultivate a new generation of scientists in the field of new drug research and development, which exemplifies Novartis’ commitment to fostering collaboration between science and healthcare. The CIIE provides an excellent opportunity to centrally showcase Novartis’ innovative medicines, its explorations in digital health, its collaborations within the healthcare ecosystem, and its latest efforts to enhance medication accessibility for patients globally and in China. Novartis will continue to strengthen cooperation with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, contribute to the ‘Healthy China 2030’ initiative, and jointly envision the future of medicine.”