Today’s input, tomorrow’s impact: PharmaNL Expert Event Human Capital Growth

News January 27, 2026

Yesterday, PharmaNL’s Expert Event Human Capital Growth took place at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. The event offered participants a valuable platform to discuss priorities and challenges related to Human Capital in the pharmaceutical sector and to support the revision of the PharmaNL Investment Agenda.

The programme opened with a warm welcome by Jon de Vlieger of Lygature and Brigitte Drees, board member and lead applicant of PharmaNL. Participants were then guided through PharmaNL’s investment agenda, including the process and implementation of the Human Capital Growth projects.

Through this expert event, PharmaNL is gathering targeted input for its GAP analysis, which provides insight into the differences between the current education and labour market landscape and the future needs of the sector.

Sharing perspectives

During interactive discussions and reflection sessions, participants actively shared their views on topics such as educational provision, regional priorities, and the upcoming ZonMw funding rounds in 2026. Using propositions and in-depth feedback, valuable insights were gained into what the sector truly needs to further strengthen its Human Capital offering.

The closing networking reception provided opportunities to exchange insights, further develop ideas and explore potential collaborations. One of the participants, Sven Stielstra of the LIFE Cooperative, project leader of a funded PharmaNL project, commented: “It was a valuable session to learn from other ongoing projects. In addition, it was useful to discuss the objectives of upcoming projects, enabling the pharmaceutical industry to be optimally supported in its human capital challenges and ambitions.”

With the input gathered at this event, PharmaNL can further refine its Investment Agenda, ensuring that future funding rounds align optimally with the needs of the sector and contribute to the national strengthening of Human Capital in the pharmaceutical sector. PharmaNL would like to thank all participants for their valuable contributions to this event.