Novartis Next Generation Scientist Programme 2027

The Next Generation Scientist Programme 2027 is a three-month international research internship organised by Novartis in collaboration with the University of Basel. It is designed to help emerging research scientists from low- and middle-income countries strengthen their scientific knowledge, practical research capabilities and professional skills.

The programme will take place from 1 June to 31 August 2027 at the Novartis research site in Basel, Switzerland.

Participants will work under the guidance of experienced Novartis mentors on a mutually agreed scientific, clinical research or global health project. The programme combines hands-on research activities with leadership development, providing participants with exposure to advanced scientific methods and international research practices.

Research opportunities may cover several therapeutic areas, including:

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Oncology, particularly breast and prostate cancer

• Infectious diseases, including malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease

• Sickle cell disease

The programme also welcomes relevant research interests in drug discovery, clinical operations, bioinformatics, data analytics, artificial intelligence, patient engagement and global health.

One of the programme's central aims is to enable participants to apply the knowledge and experience gained in Basel within their home institutions, supporting research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently enrolled at a university in a low- or middle-income country.

• Be studying towards an MSc, PhD or MD qualification.

• Demonstrate advanced written and spoken English communication skills.

• Be able to work independently and collaboratively.

• Possess good organisational and time-management skills.

• Be prepared to participate actively in all programme activities and training sessions.

Preferred research fields:

• Translational science

• Clinical development and clinical research

• Global health

• Drug discovery and related therapeutic research

• Bioinformatics, data analytics and artificial intelligence

• Other relevant Novartis therapeutic and functional research areas

Selected participants receive the following officially confirmed benefits:

• Monthly stipend: Financial support from Novartis towards basic living expenses and incidental costs.

• Research experience: Practical involvement in a scientific, clinical research or global health project.

• Professional mentorship: Guidance from experienced Novartis scientists and research professionals.

• Leadership development: Participation in activities designed to improve professional, communication and decision-making skills.

• Advanced research exposure: Opportunities to work with modern methodologies and experts in relevant scientific fields.

• International networking: Interaction with Novartis researchers and the wider scientific community associated with the programme.

For preparation, applicants may keep the following documents and information ready:

• Updated academic or research CV/résumé.

• Evidence of current MSc, PhD or MD enrolment.

• Academic qualification and research-background details.

• Information about relevant scientific interests and research experience.

These are preparation suggestions, not a confirmed mandatory document list.

The official vacancy identifies the following requirements and programme priorities relevant to applicant assessment:

• Enrolment in an eligible academic programme and geographical area.

• Advanced English communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and within a team.

• Organisational and time-management abilities.

• Readiness to participate in programme activities.

• Alignment of academic and research interests with relevant Novartis scientific areas, which is preferred.

Novartis has not published specific 2027 selection weightings, interview dates or a detailed scoring system.

• International research experience: Gain practical experience at a major pharmaceutical research organisation in Switzerland.

• Scientific development: Strengthen research knowledge through exposure to advanced methodologies.

• Professional growth: Improve communication, collaboration and decision-making skills.

• Expert mentorship: Learn directly from experienced scientific professionals.

• Research impact: Develop knowledge that can support healthcare research and scientific capacity in home institutions.

• Career development: Build experience relevant to future academic, clinical and research careers.