International pharmaceutical company Stirling will be setting up shop in Ħal Far later this year and is working with the University of Malta to employ pharmacy graduates.

The company is awaiting the go-ahead from the planning authority to set up the factory at the Ħal Far industrial estate.

Anthony Serracino Inglott, from the University's Pharmacy Department, said he had been involved in meetings with the mother company and was told that its expansion in Malta depended on the availability of scientists.

Prof. Serracino Inglott spoke during a press conference held to launch the seventh World Meeting on Pharmaceutics, Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, which starts on Monday in Valletta.

There are about 1,000 pharmacists and some 10 pharmaceutical companies in Malta and the University is working very closely with the industry to assist them.

University Rector Juanito Camilleri said the conference was important for Malta's visibility in the industry because it brought together key players from about 50 countries. The 1,300 delegates participating in the conference included representatives from large companies, academics and policy makers.

Prof. Camilleri stressed the importance of the interplay between the commercial and social interests of the pharmaceutical industry. "This industry looks into solutions and cures for illnesses. It is important that these solutions are affordable and accessible to people. That is why it is important that the government and private companies work together," he said.

Prof. Camilleri added that the role and duties of pharmacists had evolved. The University was no longer "making" pharmacists trained to dispense medicines or work in factory-style environments.

Health Minister Joe Cassar spoke of the important and evolving role of pharmacist. This year, he said, a call for applications had been issued to fifth-year pharmacy students to work with the public service once they graduated.