Now in its third edition, the PharmaTech Academy has established itself as a unique lifelong learning program in Italy, developed within the National Center Foundation to prepare highly qualified professionals for the rapidly evolving fields of gene therapy and RNA-based medicines. Since its launch through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the Academy has continuously expanded its educational offering, reflecting the National Center’s long-term commitment to developing the scientific, technological and professional skills needed to strengthen Italy’s advanced therapy ecosystem.
Bringing together expertise from leading universities, research centers and 23 industry partners, the program continues to distinguish itself through its learning by doing philosophy, combining scientific excellence with practical experience and the development of essential soft skills. Throughout the program, students worked alongside researchers and industry professionals, gaining first-hand experience in a sector evolving at extraordinary speed.
One of the defining components of the Academy remains its Project Work, which provides students with direct experience in research laboratories, biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical industries. For the third edition, partner organizations offered either the traditional three-month placement or an extended six-month internship, enabling students to undertake longer and more in-depth professional experiences. Five organizations selected the extended format, allowing eleven students to further develop their expertise within highly specialized industrial environments.
Students completed their project work across a broad network of pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology enterprises, research institutes and innovation organizations, including Anemocyte, Biogem, CEINGE, Deloitte Advisory, Dompé Farmaceutici, the National Center for Gene Therapy and Drugs based on RNA Technology, Giuliani, InnovAAVector, IRBM, Italfarmaco, Knowledge for Business, Nouscom, Novartis, PoliRNA and Sanofi.
