Management in Life Sciences

In the increasingly complex world of therapeutic development, commercial, ethical and environmental concerns require companies to have clear insight into the specific processes of the pharma, biotech and medtech industries.
The core content in the seven modules (below) of this program gives managers the knowledge and tools they need to master the therapeutic development process from initial planning all the way to commercialization.
Participant Profile
This program is for technical professionals and managers who need clear insight into the specific processes of the biotech, medtech and pharma industries, including entrepreneurs and executives entering the pharma and medtech space for the first time.
Format
Each module consists of 3 full class days (Tuesday – Thursday), in person at the EPFL Campus, along with pre-course and post-course work. Participants can choose to follow the whole program or select the modules they have an interest in.
A Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) is granted upon successful completion of at least 5 modules.
January 30 – February 1, 2024
Deals and Partnerships are the lifeblood of the lifesciences industry due to the high cost, high risk and long duration of relying on organic growth. This module provides a framework for selecting the most appropriate partners; creating and executing the right types of deals (alliance, joint-venture, outsourcing); and identifying and avoiding potential pitfalls.
February 27 – 29, 2024
International intellectual property protection strategies are essential to the success of therapeutic development enterprises. In this module we work through the strategic issues of intellectual property and how patents and trademarks are created, managed and enforced.
March 26 – 28, 2024
The medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology all depend on smart data management strategies. The Managing Data module shares successful approaches to the many critical data management opportunities & challenges and illustrates how to integrate them using real-life examples.
April 16 – 18, 2024
Our Clinical Trial module addresses how to manage clinical trials within the appropriate legislative frameworks. We review the regulations that govern medical devices & therapeutics, and cover good practices in managing clinical trials.
May 14 – 16, 2024
The key challenge in life sciences is growing the business in increasingly competitive and complex markets. In this module we examine the global market environment (access, customers, competitors, patient journeys, channels) and dive deep into the core methods for designing and implementing effective marketing strategies.
June 4 – 6, 2024
Manufacturing excellence in Pharma and Medtech contributes a growing share to an enterprise’s commercial success. In this module we address in a fully interactive and practical way how GMPs influence the development of products and the set up of Biomanufacturing and Medtech plants. During 3 intense days, we will go over Quality Systems, Process Development, facility set up and future trends in the industry that will also help to define what can be the facility of the future.
June 25 – 27, 2024
Device and drug development is a long, complex, and demanding process. In this module we examine how a project management approach, with thorough planning, identification of milestones, stakeholder management and the development of precise objectives all contribute to project success.
Tuition Fee
The fee for the CAS (5 modules) is CHF 11’500
Itemised fee for individual modules is outlined in the FAQs.
Admission Requirements
A University degree & fluency in English
Applications and Registrations
All applications for the CAS or individual modules should be done online. See the FAQs for required documents, then apply online.
Apply for the Certificate of Advanced Studies (5-7 modules)
Apply for one or more individual modules (1-4 modules)
Our most common questions are listed below, however feel free to get in touch at [email protected] if you have further questions.
FAQs
1 Module |
CHF 2’450 |
2 Modules |
CHF 4’800 |
3 Modules |
CHF 7’150 |
4 Modules
|
CHF 9’500 |
5 Modules (minimum to obtain the CAS) |
CHF 11’500 |
6 Modules |
CHF 13’400 |
7 Modules |
CHF 14’900 |
Although it is possible to take the CAS over two years, the progressive pricing as stated above is only applicable if the full amount is paid in the first year, by June 30th.
A minimum of 5 modules must be successfully completed in order to obtain the CAS.
- Each module consists of 3 days of live classes
- These are consecutive Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays
- Class days start at 9:15 and finish at 17:30
- Each module includes pre- and post-course work
A University degree & fluency in English
Follow the online application link below. You will need:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copy & transcript for each degree
- A scan of your passport
- One passport photo (minimum 300 dpi .jpg file)
Online application:
Apply for the Certificate of Advanced Studies (5-7 modules)
Apply for one or more individual modules (1-4 modules)
Applications are taken on a rolling basis; it is advisable to apply at least 15 days prior to the first module you’d like to attend.
You can start the CAS program from any module, and finish the remainder of the modules the following year.
Yes. You will receive a Letter of Attendance for each completed module. You need to successfully complete 5 modules to gain a CAS.
What our participants say

“I would like to thank the organisers of the program for this unforgettable experience and knowledge I gained in the course of the programme. Outstanding speakers, very well organised lectures, with thoroughly planned time for theory and case studies. Can highly recommend to my colleagues working in various sectors of the industry.”
Irina Kruzhkova, Clinical Trial Manager, Clinical R&D Haematology, Octapharma AG (2020 Graduate)

“The program provides a well-structured, modular platform from which to gain deep knowledge of and practical insights into the industry. High-calibre students and industry professionals make for an engaging and impactful learning experience”
Bernard Fourie, Senior Director R&D, Global Head of Finance & Controlling. (2020 Graduate)

“The program fully met my expectations and offered me valuable insights. I particularly appreciated the relevance of the course content and the choice of the teachers, all highly experienced from the industry. What am I taking away? A better understanding of my clients’ needs, a clarified strategic positioning of my business unit with a new perspective on tomorrow’s market, inspiration to sharpen some of our internal processes critical to winning in the industry and new network. Strongly recommended!”
Christel Dendas, President, Health and Skin Care at Jacob Holm. (2020 Graduate)