Stellenbosch University, Novartis offer study grant

Prof Jimmy, SU Dean-designate of the Faculty of Health Science signs the contract with Glen Sullivan, CEO of Novartis SA

Prospective candidates need an MBChB or equivalent degree; or at least a four-year professional Bachelor's degree in a health-related discipline. The intake of 10 students per year will comprise six South African citizens and four citizens from other African countries, and will be subject to an annual review.

"First preference will be given to previously disadvantaged South Africans," says Patrice Matchaba, global head of Drug Safety and Epidemiology at Novartis. "The selection process will be based on merit and past academic performance."

Clinical Epidemiology Week

Glen Sullivan, CEO of Novartis SA says that in addition to internship programmes offered by their global scientific institutes, Novartis will sponsor a Clinical Epidemiology Week, which will be an annual event in conjunction with the university. The signing of the agreement will take place at Stellenbosch University's Tygerberg Campus in Cape Town on 7 December.

"Novartis has long played a role in the communities in which they operate and are proud of the track record they have in increasing the pool of healthcare talent available. We are honoured that the faculty of health sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) will be a partner in this project," concludes Sullivan.

Said Prof Jimmy Volmink, Dean-designate of the Faculty of Health Science: "Stellenbosch University is already playing a significant role in addressing some of the major social, economic and health challenges facing our country and the African region. We believe the support from Novartis for our capacity building initiatives in clinical epidemiology will go a long way in furthering these goals."