- Novartis donated EUR 20,000 to equip a new chemistry classroom. The donation supports the creation of an even better learning environment for pupils and to support the development of knowledge and innovation.
- Novartis has been an integral part of the local community in Mengeš for many years, and the donation will further strengthen this cooperation.
Mengeš, February 14, 2024 – Novartis has handed over a donation of EUR 20,000 to Mengeš Primary School to equip a new chemistry classroom. With this donation, the company is strengthening its long-standing strong relationship with the local community, supporting the development of knowledge, and inspiring the younger generations to become enthusiastic about science. The donation was handed over to school headmaster Sašo Božič by Roman Pogačar, Head Chemical Operations Mengeš in Novartis Slovenia. The meeting was also attended by the mayor of Mengeš, Bogo Ropotar.
The long-standing tradition of the Novartis Mengeš site is based on a successful partnership with the local community for more than seven decades. By supporting the local primary school in its efforts to provide a quality learning environment for its pupils, the company further strengthens its bond with the environment in which it operates. "We would like to express our sincere thanks to Novartis for their support in the project to build a new part of the school, which will also have a new chemistry classroom. This donation is not only a material support to the school, but also an example of a successful link between business and educational institutions. We believe that the cooperation with one of the leading companies in the pharmaceutical industry will inspire and support our pupils in learning about natural sciences and perhaps also encourage them in their career choices," said Sašo Božič, headmaster of Mengeš Primary school.
The Novartis donation is an important boost to further development of the Mengeš local community. "Mengeš is a unique town, offering a home to both artisanal activities and advanced and innovative global companies. Thank you to Novartis for working with us in a spirit of cooperation, close ties and mutual understanding to co-create a story of the most welcoming city in the country. We look forward to all the next steps on our journey together," said Bogo Ropotar, mayor of Mengeš.
Investing in the future of Slovenian knowledge
More than 1,200 employees already work at the Mengeš site, which is home to the development and production of biologics, the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and part of the quality control center. With the recent investment in the new BioCampus for the technical development of biologics in Mengeš and several other investments to further grow the need for domestic expertise will continue to grow in the future. Promoting science in different parts of society, including among young people, is therefore one of the most important priorities for Novartis Slovenia.
"Over several decades, we have become an important part of the Mengeš local community, as an employer and supporter of many projects. With the expansion of the site in recent years and further investments, we want to strengthen this cooperation even further. We see the donation to a local primary school as an opportunity to get young people excited about science, perhaps to the point where they will one day continue Novartis mission and contribute to discovering new ways to improve and extend people’s lives around the world," said Roman Pogačar, Head Chemical Operations Mengeš, when presenting the donation.
The new chemistry classroom at the Mengeš Primary School is expected to be operational in the school year 2025/26.