The UG Pharmacy graduates, Adomah Opoku-Achaempong, Yvone Darko and Emelia Priscilla Imbeah in a pose with Kai Beckmann (left), a member of the Merck Executive Board and Benjamin Hein (Right) from Merck In house Consulting
Three Pharmacy graduates of the University of Ghana have participated in an internship programme at Merck Millipore’s global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. The internship was for a duration of one month, during which they were taken through a comprehensive programme organized at Merck, Darmstadt.
The purpose of the internship was to offer them the opportunity to be exposed to the areas of research and development, research pharmaceutics, microbiology as well as drug product development.
Prof. Alexander K.Nyarko, Acting Dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Ghana noted that the internship was helpful and that it would help the beneficiaries develop the understanding of pharmaceutical sciences before they specialize in their respective fields. He added that it would equip them with practical skills. The internship was an excellent opportunity for the students to receive scientific training across areas in a pharmaceutical and Life Science Company. The students attended several presentations on topics such as drug substance development, chemical and pharmaceutical development, and clinical trial supplies. It also gave them a unique chance to acquaint themselves with the working environment in Germany.
According to Merck Millipore, the internship was an opportunity for the company to strengthen its promise of providing leading Life Science products and services. The company has come up with “The Best Student Award Programme” as a way of helping brilliant students who have never been abroad to broaden their horizon in an educational way. The Award Programme is part of the company’s commitment to delivering entrepreneurial success through innovation and leveraging its expertise to meet the needs of people in Africa.
Steve Maina who is from the Business Development and Dealer Management for the Merck Millipore’s lab emerging growth markets region and also one of the coordinators of the programme said “The Best Student Award Programme” has opened up a new chapter in Merck’s Life Science business in Africa to transfer expertise to future scientists. He noted that that the company has maintained a cordial relationship with the scientists as they end up working with key customers and regulators in Ghana. The Awards Programme is also in line with Merck Millipore’s Africa vision of leading innovative life science solutions in growing Africa.
The Pharmacy graduates with Felix Akuamoah (2nd left), the Field Sales Specialist for Merck Millipore in Ghana
Ghana’s field Sales Specialist, Mr. Felix Akuamoah who coordinated the initiative expressed his appreciation for the participation of the Ghanaian students in the internship. He was optimistic that the company had achieved its goal of providing an attractive working environment for the students by imparting them with the requisite knowledge.
Mr.Armin Zülch, Director of Global Strategic Initiatives at Merck Millipore, expressed highs hopes in collaborating with the University of Ghana. He said that the company promotes the personal development of graduate pharmacists who have the potential to become top researchers in the future. He also lauded the initiative saying it is valuable to the University of Ghana as it enhances the university’s collaboration with a reputable global Life Science partner. Mr. Zülch noted that the programme served as a great motivation initiative for the development of its students.
Merck Millipore has been sponsoring “The Best Student Award” since 2013 at the University of Ghana and is also currently supporting the private sector and universities partnership.
