October 3, 2005: Novartis has been named a “top employer” in Science magazine’s ranking of the world’s most respected biopharmaceutical employers.
 
This ranking, determined from a survey commissioned by Science, appeared in a special supplement in the September 30 issue. This year Novartis ranked fifth overall, improving on the previous year’s ranking of ninth.
 
“Being in the top five is truly a wonderful recognition and demonstrates that we are portraying our distinctiveness. It is NIBR’s talent that attracts talent,” said Lynne Cannon, Vice President and Global Head of Human Resources for the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR). “In addition, our leadership and our team culture or ‘culture of collaboration’ is highly recognized by this ranking. The survey confirms that NIBR is a place for talented scientists to excel while collaborating with others at all stages of the drug discovery process.”
 
Similar to the surveys of past years, this survey set out to identify the companies with the best reputation, based on responses from the readers of Science and a group of select additional respondents. The survey measured attributes such as treating associates with respect, being an innovative leader, and having a clear vision of where the company is heading, among others.
 
The main drivers for Novartis’ success is its recognition as an innovative leader. Furthermore, the survey participants attest that Novartis does important quality research, that the work culture is aligned with personal values, that the company treats its associates with respect and has a clear vision of where it is headed.
 
This is great external recognition of the efforts taken at Novartis, and NIBR in particular, to make the company a great place to do innovative science that in the end benefits the patients.