Pharma.Aero and the University of Antwerp officially announce Osaka and Kyoto as hosts of the 2025 Pharma Logistics Masterclass (PLMC™), the advanced training program for executives in the Life Sciences and MedTech supply chain and logistics industry. This year’s edition is organized in close collaboration with Kyoto University, and the invaluable support of Pharma.Aero members Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo, and Nippon Express Group (hereafter “NX Group”).
The 2025 Pharma Logistics Masterclass is uniquely connected to the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, which will spotlight Japan’s innovative role in life sciences and healthcare.
Prof. Dr. Roel Gevaers, University of Antwerp, Chair of the PLMC™: “As Chair of the Pharma Logistics Masterclass, I am proud to announce the 5th edition of our Masterclass, which will mark an important milestone for us. This ‘anniversary’ edition will, for the first time, be hosted across two top pharma hotspots in Japan: Osaka and Kyoto. Linking this edition to the Expo in Osaka, where life sciences will be a key focus, aligns with our mission to connect business and academia at the intersection of global trends. Following previous editions in Antwerp, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Dallas Fort Worth, this year’s Masterclass continues to strengthen our international footprint and to trigger meaningful collaboration in the pharma logistics sector.”
Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero, Co-Chair of the PLMC™: “Japan, ranking among the top five pharmaceutical markets globally, is an ideal setting for the 2025 Pharma Logistics Masterclass. The country is not only renowned for its cutting-edge research and development in high-value and chronic care medicines but also for its role as a home to major blue-chip pharmaceutical companies. With the World Expo 2025 set to spotlight Japan’s forward-thinking contributions to life sciences and healthcare, this Masterclass will provide a unique opportunity to engage with key industry players and explore the innovative logistics solutions shaping the future of pharma supply chains.”
Trevor Caswell, Chair of Pharma.Aero: “The Pharma Logistics Masterclass has become a cornerstone of Pharma.Aero’s commitment to advancing knowledge and collaboration within the pharmaceutical supply chain. Each year, we bring the Masterclass to a different region of the world, enabling participants to immerse themselves in the unique challenges and opportunities of the local industry. This fifth edition, taking place in the vibrant cities of Osaka and Kyoto, highlights the importance of exploring diverse global perspectives. We are incredibly grateful for the strong partnership and unwavering support from our Pharma.Aero members — Kansai Airports, ANA Cargo, and NX Group — who play a crucial role in making this impactful event in Japan possible.”
Francois Southarewsky, Chief Commercial Officer (Aeronautical): “Kansai Airports is honored to be a Platinum Sponsor of the 2025 Pharma Logistics Masterclass (PLMC) and pleased to host this memorable 5th edition of the PLMC which will be held for the first time in Japan. Kansai Airports has been working to improve the quality of pharmaceutical transportation as an airport, including the establishment of KIX Medica, a pharma dedicated temperature-controlled warehouse, in 2010, and the KIX Pharma Community to acquiring IATA CEIV Pharma, which became the first certified community in Japan in 2019. By hosting the PLMC in Kansai, we hope that our efforts will be recognized widely and make further development by jointly hosting this event together with ANA Cargo and NX Group. Furthermore, since the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai will be held this year, and the theme of the Expo is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, we believe that the Expo will lead to further development of the Kansai economy and pharmaceuticals in the Kansai region.”
Akio Katsube, Executive Vice President of ANA Cargo Inc.: “ANA Cargo is pleased to be a Platinum Sponsor of the 2025 Pharma Logistics Masterclass (PLMC). We are also honored to host the memorable 5th edition of the PLMC in Japan. We are the largest combination carrier in Japan with both passenger and cargo aircraft, and we became the first Japanese airline to obtain IATA CEIV PHARMA certification in 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we fulfilled our mission as an airline in society by establishing a complete vaccine transportation system and delivering vaccines to the citizens of Japan as quickly as possible. Even after the pandemic, we have been sincerely working on developing our services and accumulate know-how in the field of pharmaceutical transportation. For us, who aim to realize pharmaceutical transportation that earns the trust of our customers, Pharma.Aero’s initiatives and the philosophy of the PLMC are something that we can strongly relate to. Through our sponsorship of the PLMC together with Kansai Airports and NX Group, we hope to contribute to the further development of pharmaceutical transportation industry.”
Keiichi Oyama, General Manager, Global Business Headquarters of Nippon Express Holdings: “NX Group is honored to be a Platinum Sponsor of the 2025 Pharma Logistics Masterclass (PLMC). We are also delighted to host the memorable 5th edition of the PLMC in Japan. We hope participants will not only enjoy the unique culture of Japan but also gain valuable insights into the quality and temperature control practices specific to our country. By participating in this event, we aim to further strengthen our collaborative relationship with Pharma.Aero and the University of Antwerp, contributing to the advancement of the entire industry. We are also pleased to join ANA Cargo and Kansai Airports as sponsors. Together, we will set new standards in pharmaceutical logistics.”
Koen Vandenbempt, Associate Dean for Internationalization, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Antwerp: “The Pharma Logistics Masterclass stands as an unparalleled platform for learning, innovation, and professional growth. By seamlessly blending the real-world expertise of pharma and pharma logistics with the analytical rigor and cutting-edge insights of academic research, this masterclass fosters a dynamic environment where practical challenges meet transformative solutions. This unique synergy not only equips participants with actionable knowledge but also drives forward the collective progress of the industry. As we look ahead to the fifth edition in Japan—a global epicenter for life sciences and pharmaceutical advancements—we are excited to continue building bridges between academia and industry, inspiring breakthroughs that shape the future of pharma logistics.”
Founded in 2021 as a unique joint international initiative, the Pharma Logistics Masterclass (PLMC™) has garnered acclaim for bringing together academia, logistics, and life science specialists to shape the strategic roadmap of pharmaceutical logistics during a week of intense interdisciplinary teaching. Each year, the curriculum is meticulously crafted to build on the major takeaways of the previous edition, ensuring a continuous cycle of improvement and innovation.
The detailed program of the 2025 Pharma Logistics Masterclass is available here.
