Interview with Susanne Kern, Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry, Petra Huber, Lecturer in Cosmetics and Toxicology and Steffi Lehmann, Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Technology and Pharmacology at ZHAW

Susanne Kern, Lecturer in Analytical Chemistry, Petra Huber, Lecturer in Cosmetics and Toxicology and Steffi Lehmann, Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Technology and Pharmacology,
ZHAW

What triggered the development of the new CAS "Detergents & Cosmetics"?

In the past, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) organized several summer schools on industry-specific topics together with SEPAWA Switzerland. As these were met with great interest, the idea of developing a more comprehensive further education program was born during a board meeting, or to be more precise, over a glass of wine after the meeting.

Once the decision of setting up such a program was made, SEPAWA Switzerland brought SWISS SCC (the Swiss Society of Cosmetic Chemists) on board. Having long-standing experience in training and promoting young talents in the field of Cosmetic Science and Technologies, this Society is a great partner for the development of such an educational program. In collaboration with the ZHAW and the Haute Ecole Spécialisée de la Suisse Occidentale (HES-SO), the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland, the concept for the new CAS course was then set up.

Why has there been no comparable further training program for specialists in the detergent and cosmetics industry in the DACH region until now?

Potential reasons for this are on the one hand, the high degree of specialization of the topics relevant to the industry and their interdisciplinary nature, and on the other, the different focuses of the individual companies. At the same time, close cooperation between academia and industry is required in order to successfully develop such training. SEPAWA Switzerland intensified its cooperation with the ZHAW and appointed two ZHAW scientists to the board for this purpose. Moreover, a ZHAW lecturer also guarantees scientific exchange with the industry on the board of the SWISS SCC.

Who is the CAS specifically aimed at? What qualifications should interested parties have?

The course is aimed at specialists from the detergents and cosmetics industry who have either a bachelor's degree or several years of professional experience. The course is addressing individuals active in this industrial sector who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of the scientific principles underlying the development of cosmetics and detergents and associated market-relevant and regulatory requirements.

What prospects does the program offer career changers, e.g. professionals switching to the cosmetics/detergents field from chemistry or pharmaceutical technology?

This CAS course is designed to facilitate professionals with a degree in an industry-related discipline lateral entry into the detergents, cleaning agents and cosmetics field. At the same time, the CAS will help career changers grow their own professional network as various industry members are also involved as lecturers.

What topics do the individual course modules (Detergents, Cosmetics, Regulatory) cover - and why were these chosen?

The three modules reflect the different thematic focuses of the industry.

The "Detergents" module will provide insights into the development of cleaning agents and detergents. The various product ingredients, in particular surfactants, will be discussed. The development and production of cleaning agents and detergents will be studied through practical laboratory exercises. Information on the necessary quality controls will also be included.

In the "Cosmetics" module, both career starters and longstanding employees will receive practical input for a sustainable and innovative cosmetics industry. We will compare conventional with more sustainable and time-efficient development and manufacturing processes for cosmetics. In formulation, we will pay attention to traditional product quality with regard to predictive stability assessments and sensory analysis. Specific, thematic focus topics such as the effects of the EU Green Deal will complement the lesson and internship programs.

The "Regulatory" module will cover the most important legal bases for the manufacture, approval and sale of cosmetic and detergent products.

What practical components (e.g. laboratory, excursions) are included in the CAS and how important are these for learning?

For each of the modules, 4 or 5 days on site teaching are planned. Approximately half of this time will be dedicated to practical exercises in the laboratory. These are key to successful learning because they will allow to interlink theory and application. The lab exercises will enable participants to directly apply the newly gained knowledge and to set it into the context of practical product development.

Within each module, there will be an excursion to an industrial partner in the field.

What role does application-oriented research as conducted at the ZHAW institutes ICBT (Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology) and ILGI (Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation – Institution für Lebensmittel und Getränkeinnovation), play?

The ZHAW and also the HES-SO (partner university in French-speaking Switzerland) mainly conduct application-oriented research, often in close cooperation with industrial partners. The theoretical input taught in the CAS modules will be undermined with examples from our research. In addition, various industry partners will lecture in the CAS and use practical examples to demonstrate how new products are developed in practice.

What significance does the CAS have for the detergent and cosmetics industry in the DACH region?

The new CAS course will increase the attractiveness of this industrial branch in the DACH region and neighboring countries by creating a tailored, practice-oriented further training program for employees. At the same time, the CAS program will help to attract new staff by facilitating the switch into the cosmetics and detergents field from related industries.

How is the topic of sustainability, for example regarding toxicological aspects or packaging, covered in the program?

Sustainability, which plays a central role within the SEPAWA industry, will be addressed in all modules. Sustainability aspects, will for example, be discussed in the context of packaging materials for detergent and cosmetic products. Sustainability along the value chain of raw materials and processes will also be critically examined. Toxicological issues will be illustrated as part of practical laboratory exercises - for example using in vitro tests.

How are future-oriented topics such as artificial intelligence integrated?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in the formulation and manufacture of cosmetic products and detergents. We will take a look at the state of the art in this context and test one or the other AI-based tools for the development of formulations.

How will the cooperation between ZHAW and HES-SO be organized in practice?

The ZHAW and HES-SO are collaborating regarding the setup of the "Detergents" and "Regulatory" modules. Each module consists of two blocks of 2 or 3 days of on site teaching, which will take place either at the HES-SO in Sion (VS, Switzerland) or at the ZHAW in Wädenswil (ZH, Switzerland).
The "Cosmetics" module will be taught in two blocks at the ZHAW in Wädenswil.

Why will this course be offered alternately in German and English?

The aim of organizing the course also in English is to ensure that French-speaking Switzerland has access to this offer and that non-German-speaking specialists from the DACH region and neighboring countries can also take part. As SEPAWA Switzerland also has many German-speaking members, the course is also offered in German.

What plans are there for the further development or expansion of the CAS?

We imagine expanding the modules thematically in the future and perhaps offering a 4th module. For example, a module focusing primarily on the development and production of cleaning agents could be foreseen.

Are there plans to make this CAS more international - e.g. for participants from the EU or Asia?

Participants from the EU are very welcome, even if they do not speak German: as mentioned, the CAS course will be carried out in English every two years. The participation of specialists from Asia is more complex and regarding the discussion of regulatory aspects the focus will be on Switzerland/Europe. However, in the future, we plan to offer selected teaching units taking place online rather than on site as separate, continuing-education courses. These can be attended regardless of distance.

Further information is available at the following web address.
https://www.zhaw.ch/en/lsfm/continuing-education/detail/course/cas-detergents-cosmetics