Developing the next generation of pharmaceutical pros

As the Roman god, Pluto, once said, “He who is learning and learning and doesn’t apply what he knows is like the one who is ploughing and ploughing and doesn’t seed.” 

Phebra’s fruitful partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) epitomises the significance of applying knowledge in a real-world context. Over the last two years, five postgraduate students from UTS have taken part in a development program within Phebra’s Quality Department, aligning their academic knowledge with practical industry experience. The students’ involvement has been primarily in new product development and quality assurance.

Phebra's manufacturing prowess and extensive portfolio of pharmaceutical products aligned seamlessly with the aims and scope of UTS's Master of Pharmacy and Master of Good Manufacturing Practice programs. An added bonus was Phebra’s location. Being centrally situated in Sydney, it is convenient for UTS students to undergo placements within the same city, rather than have to travel interstate for their studies. 

Phebra’s partnership with UTS has yielded numerous positive outcomes over the last two years. Students have been able to gain invaluable experiences by applying theoretical knowledge to practical industry settings. This empowers students to correlate their classroom learnings with real-world applications, enhancing their understanding and skill sets. The exposure to diverse departments and projects also allows students to make informed decisions about their future careers within the pharmaceutical industry.

Phebra has been delighted to have UTS student, Eliza Collins, taking part in the development program this semester. Eliza is currently completing a Master of Pharmacy. Through her placement within Phebra's research and development (R&D) team, Eliza has had the opportunity to work on the formulation of a topical cream, gaining hands-on experience and insights into the industry. 

When asked about the most enjoyable experience of her placement, Eliza said,

I have enjoyed working in the laboratory and observing the different aspects of the industry as a whole. In my first couple of weeks at Phebra, I was shown around each department which was really interesting for me because at Uni we learn about it, but we don't actually get to see what is done in practice. From there, I've stayed in R&D and I've been in the laboratory having a go at making a topical cream and trying to get the formulations right and seeing what excipients can be used in certain applications.

Eliza Collins, UTS Master of Pharmacy Student.

UTS is emerging as the tertiary education provider of choice for aspiring pharmaceutical professionals due to its distinctive approach to education. The university offers a condensed two-year Master of Pharmacy program, providing students with early exposure to real-world pharmacy settings. This hands-on experience, coupled with UTS's emphasis on practical learning, prepares students for the challenges of the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, UTS's unique Master of Good Manufacturing Practice is the only one of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, making it a prime choice for those aspiring to excel in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Phebra and UTS’s partnership represents a valuable fusion of academic expertise and industry experience. Students such as Eliza are able to gain the practical skills and knowledge to thrive in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape. We look forward to following Eliza’s journey through the pharmaceutical industry. 

Andre Vlok
Chief Executive Officer at Phebra Pty Ltd

Learn more about studying Pharmacy and Good Manufacturing at UTS.