The Portuguese Pharmaceutical Society (OF) and the Portuguese pharmaceutical company Biojam Holding Group awarded five scholarships, each worth €1,000, to support students facing financial difficulties who are enrolled in the Integrated Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MICF).
The two entities are currently running a scholarship program for MICF students under a protocol signed in July 2023, which also aims to promote research conducted by pharmacists.
"I commend Biojam for its vision and sensitivity to the importance of supporting young people in their higher education, the completion of their studies, and, particularly, in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences," highlights the OF President, Helder Mota Filipe.
"Many Portuguese families make a considerable effort to support the expenses of university students, particularly those who are studying away from home. We hope this support can help them maintain their motivation and commitment to completing their degree."
The students who received the scholarships were selected by each of the public higher education institutions offering the MICF program – the Universities of Algarve, Beira Interior, Coimbra, Lisbon, and Porto.
"We believe that our success is only fully achieved when we contribute to an environment that prioritizes merit. Our qualitative goal is to contribute to social balance and provide the opportunity for a better life to as many people as possible," recalls Carlos Monteiro, CEO of Biojam Holding Group.
"We share this vision with the OF, which makes it a great honor for us to participate in this initiative and support pharmacists in their training and professional development. More than a duty, it is our genuine desire," stated the Biojam representative.
Biojam has ensured the continuation of this support model for young MICF students in the coming academic years, now also including the University of Évora, the latest public higher education institution to offer the course, awarding six annual scholarships.
The partnership between OF and Biojam began in 2018 with the creation of the Biojam Innovation Award in the field of Hospital Pharmacy. The protocol signed in 2023 established a new category in the awards granted by Biojam, in the area of Pharmaceutical Sciences, with the aim of encouraging and promoting high-quality and scientifically relevant research conducted by pharmacists.
