Discover our new Erasmus Mundus Master

The European Master programme "BIOPHAM (BIO&PHArmaceutical Materials science)" is a two-year (120 ECTS) programme entirely taught in English and jointly operated by the University of Lille (France), the University of Pisa (Italy), the University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland) and the Polytechnic University of Catalunya in Barcelona (Spain).

The University of Lille is in charge of the general coordination and initiation of the programme activities in collaboration with the partners.

BIOPHAM answers to an international demand for qualified graduates with theoretical and applied high-level training in materials science and physics & chemistry of materials and their applications to pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals.

BIOPHAM aims to meet the growing international demand for highly qualified graduates with both theoretical and applied high-level training in materials science (physics-chemistry) and its applications to pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical materials. The programme offers a comprehensive education and training curriculum covering soft matter, biomaterials, the physical states and transformations of drugs, artificial intelligence, modelling, and advanced experimental characterization techniques, including the use of instruments available at large-scale research facilities. One of BIOPHAM’s primary objectives is to foster the emergence of the new discipline of "pharmaceutical materials science" addressing the significant shortage of skilled professionals in this field. This initiative is particularly relevant to the research-based pharmaceutical sector, including large pharmaceutical companies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), spin-offs, start-ups, contract research organizations, drug manufacturers and international cluster of public and private organizations.

In addition to academic training, and in recognition of the need for interdisciplinary expertise, BIOPHAM students benefit from collaboration with an extensive network of industry and research partners. These include 21 major and smaller pharmaceutical companies, one international health cluster/incubator and 4 large-scale research facilities, such as synchrotron and neutron sources.

The programme is further strengthened by partnerships with 11 prestigious universities across Europe and beyond. These partners contribute actively to the programme, ensuring that its content reflects the evolving needs of potential employers while preparing the next generation of pharmaceutical material scientists.

Beyond technical expertise, BIOPHAM equips students with a range of transversal skills, including entrepreneurship, project management, economic and strategic intelligence, marketing, and bibliographical research and synthesis. The programme also fosters soft skills such as intercultural communication, research experience, scientific communication, and proficiency in the national languages of the host universities. These additional competencies enable graduates to integrate seamlessly into the global professional environment and adapt effectively to their future careers in academia and industry.