Saarbrücken pharmacists are the best nationwide!

UNI SB Aerial Photo

Paul Jochem

Only due to the persistence of Paul Jochem from the CleanRoomNet network do the pharmacists at the University of Saarbrücken receive a pre-Christmas gift.

Already in 2008, the interest of the CleanRoomNet network arose in establishing a close connection with the Saarland industry and Chamber of Commerce. This led to several joint events focused on cleanroom technology. Both the quality and quantity of these events were considered for expansion. In retrospect, it can be rightfully said that it was worth it.

The further contacts, such as with the University of Saarland, particularly with the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Center (KWT), marked another milestone in the work of CleanRoomNet. Continuous developments in cleanroom technologies also required identifying common interfaces.

Through the contact with KWT, many events with different core themes were created.

Paul Jochem: "Through regular technology and know-how exchange, constructive networks have developed. A few years ago, I came across a report in an educational publication titled: 'Saar Pharmacy is Top.' According to the press report, pharmacy students at the University of Saarland achieved the best results nationwide in the previous winter semester: in the first part of the pharmaceutical examination, taken after the fourth semester, they achieved the best exam results across Germany. They led in all four subjects: chemistry, biology, physics, and analytics. Already in both exam sessions last year, the Saarbrücken students passed the nationwide uniform exam as the best, and in fall 2012, they placed second. In the first part of the pharmaceutical exam, students from all over Germany answer uniform final questions each semester. In Saarbrücken, the students answered these questions best compared to 19 other German locations. In the chemistry exam, the new cohort even surpassed the good results of previous years."

This was the trigger for me to engage more closely with pharmacy students. I contacted Professor Claus-Michael Lehr, a pharmacy professor. During a very informative meeting, organized by KWT, represented by Ms. Sahra Fitsch, we exchanged concrete plans. I mentioned the press report about his students to Professor Lehr. I proposed to Professor Lehr that the CleanRoomNet network could have the opportunity to introduce his students to our expertise in their respective fields.

Professor Lehr offered me to give an introductory guest lecture, which I was very pleased about. However, this proposal was initially shelved due to reasons beyond our control (a shift back to research at the Helmholtz Institute) and health reasons on my part. But, following the motto "postponed is not canceled," I attempted to re-establish contact with the successor of Professor Claus-Michael Lehr after my rehabilitation. During a visit to Professor Marc Schneider, I was able to present my request again. He was also impressed by my proposal.

Thus, on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, I had the opportunity to give two guest lectures at the university as a visiting lecturer.

Shortly before, I came across another press report in the Saarbrücker Zeitung, which supported my intention to assist pharmacy students: "Pharmacy students at Saar University achieved the best grades nationwide in the first part of the state examination in 2017. In three out of four subfields, Saarbrücken graduates ranked first among 20 locations, according to Saar University. They have achieved the best results in this nationwide uniform exam for five consecutive years. The test takes place in spring and autumn. The Saarbrücken students have not only shown the best performance in five exams but even in ten consecutive exams, according to the university. 'We demand a lot from our students from the first semester because we want them to be well prepared for these exams.'

Such students need support; they are our future. We can trust that they will choose their future profession with enthusiasm and careful consideration.

It was my heartfelt wish to give students insights into cleanroom technology, on the topic "The Human at the Center of the Cleanroom Process." For this, I used the approach: "From practice for practice." I wish all listeners of my guest lecture a positive development for their future."