In Collaboration with the University of Antwerp, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Rafed, Etihad Cargo, and Pharma.Aero
More than 40 participants from around the world gathered at Khalifa University for the second Pharma Logistics Winter University at the Khalifa Innovation Center, in collaboration with the University of Antwerp, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Rafed, Etihad Cargo, and Pharma.Aero. Bringing together academic experts, healthcare authorities, and industry leaders, the five-day international program focused on key developments in pharmaceutical logistics and cold-chain systems.
The intensive winter university combined expert-led lectures, case-based learning, and interactive working sessions focused on pharmaceutical distribution, cold-chain management, logistics risk forecasting, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies supporting life sciences and healthcare logistics.
The opening ceremony at the Khalifa Innovation Center was attended by Prof. Shihab Jimaa, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies, and Associate Professor Computer and Information Engineering, as well as members of the organizing committee, including representatives from partner organizations, reflecting the program’s collaborative academic and industry focus.
The agenda covered transportation and distribution strategies across healthcare supply chains, pharmaceutical products, cold-chain management and risk, and the UAE life sciences and healthcare ecosystem, including quality, regulation, and certification. It also addressed logistics ecosystems and strategy development, concluding with a Pharma Logistics competition that applied learning through case-based problem solving.
Faculty and industry specialists led participants to work on real-world logistics scenarios, engage with current practices in pharmaceutical distribution and cold-chain operations, and explore regulatory and operational considerations shaping healthcare supply chains. The program featured field visits to Etihad Cargo Pharma HUB and the Biogenix labs from M42 in Masdar City, as well as a detailed presentation on Rafed’s capabilities; meanwhile, collaborative activities engaged participants in the strength and operational realities of the UAE’s healthcare and logistics ecosystem.
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “At Etihad Cargo, we believe in supporting the people who keep every shipment moving with precision and care. By taking part in the second Pharma Logistics Winter University at the Khalifa Innovation Center, we are investing in the next generation of logistics leaders and giving them meaningful exposure to the realities of the industry. For us, opening our doors through field visits and sharing practical insights alongside fellow leaders in the pharmaceutical sector means building a stronger, more resilient ecosystem both in the UAE and across global supply chains.”
Prof. Sami Muhaidat, Dean of College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, said: “The Pharma Logistics Winter University supports Khalifa University’s broader efforts to strengthen industry-linked education, international academic partnerships, and applied learning opportunities in areas critical to resilient and sustainable healthcare systems. Now in its second edition, the program remains key to bringing advanced topics in pharma logistics to the attention of decision makers. Students, management trainees, and junior professionals utilized this unique platform to address real-world logistics challenges through workshops, case studies, and expert-led discussions.”
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
