How does ETH Zurich bridge the gap between academic and practical knowledge?
© Galenica
© Dr. Bähler Dropa
How does ETH Zurich bridge the gap between academic and practical knowledge?
Pharmacy is undergoing profound change – and with it, the demands on future professionals. With the Professorship of Practice in Pharmacy, ETH Zurich is strengthening the practical relevance of its degree programme. ETH alumni Daniele Madonna (Galenica) and Sandra Schatzmann-Bähler (Dr. Bähler Dropa) have been key drivers of this initiative, together with partners from the sector.
Mr Madonna, Ms Schatzmann – how do you build a bridge from the ETH lecture hall to the pharmacy counter?
SANDRA SCHATZMANN-BÄHLER – I think it’s enormously important that ETH, with all the specialist knowledge it conveys, strengthens the practical component of the pharmacy degree. When students experience what they’re learning for, they’re twice as motivated.
DANIELE MADONNA – I remember well how excited I was when practical elements were introduced during my studies. I suddenly understood why it was so important to delve so deeply into chemistry, biology or pharmacology. Such moments confirm that you’re on the right path. This bridge can only be built if we bring practical examples into the curriculum – and if lecturers understand how the market works.
You both studied pharmacy at ETH. What memories do you associate with that time?
DM – Many – and almost all of them positive! (laughs) ETH was demanding, but formative. I still remember my first day: the rector told us that we would be learning from the best professors, but that we would have to work really hard in return. That combination of challenge and trust has stayed with me ever since.
SS – Trembling and worrying were part of the experience! Today, ETH is much more international, open and connected. Back then, pharmacy was often the choice for those who didn’t want to study medicine but wanted to keep as many options open as possible – for instance, in industry or business. Today, the field is even broader, and that’s wonderful.
Pharmacies BENU, Medbase pharmacies, Dr. Bähler Dropa and Galenica with their Amavita, Sun Store and Coop Vitality pharmacies (a joint venture with Coop) have jointly made the Professorship of Practice in Pharmacy at ETH possible. Why this commitment?
DM – The role of pharmacies is changing profoundly: they’re increasingly taking on healthcare tasks such as vaccinations, prevention and counselling. Especially in times of digitalisation, the human aspect becomes even more important. When I’m ill, I don’t just need information – I need someone who understands me. That empathy cannot be replaced by AI. To ensure that students are optimally prepared for this new professional reality, it’s invaluable that they learn not only from leading scientists, but also from experienced practitioners. Out of this conviction, four pharmacy chains came together to make the professorship possible – because this isn’t about individual interests, but about shaping the future of pharmacy in Switzerland.
“Practical relevance is a central element of excellent teaching. Thanks to the support of our partners, we can better prepare students to apply their knowledge where it truly matters – in society.”
Professor of Pharmaceutical Immunology, ETH Zurich
What sparked the idea?
SS – We noticed that fewer and fewer ETH students were choosing careers in pharmacies. So we initiated a dialogue with ETH. With Cornelia Halin Winter, Director of Studies for the Master’s programme in Pharmacy until August 2025, we found a professor who was open to our concerns. Together, we looked for ways to better integrate practical experience into the curriculum. That’s how the idea for the Professorship of Practice was born.
DM – The pandemic showed how crucial pharmacies are as low-threshold entry points to the healthcare system. We were there when others had closed. That made many people realise what pharmacists contribute to society. We want to keep promoting and highlighting that.
What does it mean to you personally to return to ETH as a supporter?
SS – It’s a matter close to my heart. We want to strengthen the practical aspects of education again, just as we ourselves experienced them. Students should be able to sense how exciting and relevant pharmacy professions are. And in return, practice brings valuable impulses back into research.
What do you wish for the next generation of ETH students?
DM – That one day they’ll be able to say: “I would choose exactly the same degree again.” Then we’ll know we’ve done everything right.
“The practical focus truly inspires the students – I can see it in their active participation during lectures and their keen interest in practice-oriented master’s theses.”
Christina Ruob
Professor of Practice in Pharmacy, ETH Zurich
A strong partnership
With the Professorship of Practice in Pharmacy, ETH Zurich strengthens the exchange between research, teaching and professional practice. The professorship is made possible through the support of Pharmacies BENU, Medbase pharmacies, Dr. Bähler Dropa and Galenica.
In May 2025, ETH Zurich appointed Dr Christina Ruob as Professor of Practice in Pharmacy at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences. Starting in the autumn semester of 2025, students will be able to attend three of her lectures. In addition, Christina Ruob will supervise master’s theses addressing practice-oriented topics.