Pharmalys continues to invest in the professional development of its employees through dedicated training initiatives. A recent initiative is the Project Management Training Programme (PMBOK concept), led by Dr. Karim Bagaté, Director of Clinical Operations and Safety at Pharmalys, and Dr. Lucien Gazi, professional coach and former Global Trial Program Head at Novartis. This intensive five-day course equips participants with essential project management skills, supporting career growth while enhancing the organisation’s operational efficiency.
Led by Industry Experts, Dr. Karim Bagaté and Dr. Lucien Gazi
Dr. Karim Bagaté, a Ph.D. holder in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, has over two decades of experience in project management drug discovery and development within the biotech and CRO sectors. With 10 years in people management and mentoring roles, his deep understanding of team leadership, project execution, and strategic oversight ensures that participants gain practical, real-world knowledge.
Dr. Lucien Gazi brings over 20 years of experience in drug discovery and development, with expertise in both small biotech and large pharmaceutical companies, including over 15 years at Novartis Pharma AG in Basel, Switzerland. With a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, a Masters in Clinical Research Investigation, and a Certificate from European Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine (ECPM), he provides invaluable insights into the complexities of project management.
Course Structure and Learning Outcomes
The five-day course covers the following key areas:
- Foundations of Project Management
- The Role of a Project Manager
- Project Scope, Cost, and Resource Management
- Quality and Communication Management
- Risk and Stakeholder Management, Project Closure
A real-life breakout session supported each key area.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants acquire:
- A thorough understanding of the general principles of project management.
- Insight into the key responsibilities and roles of project managers.
- Knowledge of the different components and phases of project management.
- The ability to apply theoretical principles to real-world projects through group exercises and discussions.
Building Careers in Project Management
Project management is an essential discipline that transforms ideas into tangible results. Professionals in this field apply structured approaches to execute projects effectively, ensuring alignment with organisational goals. The demand for skilled project managers is rising, with an estimated 25 million new professionals needed by 2030.
Pharmalys recognises the importance of continuous learning and development. That’s why we are fully covering the costs for our team members to participate in this training, ensuring they have the opportunity to enhance their expertise and stay at the forefront of industry best practices. Our first training programme of 17 participants includes team members from diverse functions such as clinical research, regulatory compliance, business operations, and quality assurance. Among them are Project Management Team Leads, Clinical Project Managers, Strategic Project Coordinators, and other specialists whose work directly contributes to the success of our initiatives.
By investing in this training, Pharmalys is demonstrating our commitment to professional growth, equipping employees with the skills needed to drive impactful projects and advance in their careers.
Key Skills for Project Management Success
As project management continues to evolve, professionals must develop a diverse skill set to navigate its complexities effectively:
- Ways of Working: Adapting to different approaches is essential. Whether using predictive models, agile methods, design thinking, or emerging practices, project managers must know when and how to apply the right techniques.
- Business Acumen: A strong understanding of the micro and macro influences across an organisation, and how projects align with the broader organisational strategy.
- Power Skills: Also known as soft skills, these are essential for collaboration and leadership. The four most critical power skills for project success are:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Collaborative leadership
- Strategic thinking
Certification and Career Advancement
Pharmalys’ project management training follows the Project Management Institute (PMI) framework, the world’s leading authority on project management, ensuring employees gain the necessary knowledge and credentials to advance their careers. The programme is structured to support employees in obtaining industry-recognised certifications, such as:
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® – A foundational certification that provides essential project management knowledge and skills. CAPM serves as the first step in the certification journey, allowing professionals to progress toward more advanced qualifications. To apply, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
- A secondary degree (e.g. high school diploma, GED, or global equivalent)
- Completion of at least 23 hours of project management education before the exam
With CAPM as a starting point, employees can later pursue higher-level certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, the gold standard in project management which demonstrates abilities to project lead, recognising people who are highly skilled at managing people, processes, and business priorities. A few managers at Pharmalys intend to pursue this training in the near future.
Pharmalys’ training programme is designed to prepare employees for these certifications, offering structured training hours and mentorship to help them meet PMI’s domain experience and educational requirements.
A Commitment to Continuous Learning
By offering structured training and certification support, Pharmalys demonstrates its commitment to employee development and operational excellence. Through expert-led instruction, hands-on exercises, and a focus on real-world application, the Project Management Training Programme empowers participants to drive impactful change within their careers.
As Pharmalys continues to invest in upskilling its workforce, initiatives like this reinforce its mission to build a knowledgeable, capable, and forward-thinking team, ready to tackle the evolving challenges of clinical research and beyond.
Learn more about Pharmalys’ values here.
