NextGen Biomed 2026

Andreas Plückthun is a trailblazer in protein engineering, renowned for transforming how antibodies and GPCRs are designed, stabilised, and translated into therapies. A Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Zurich with over 400 publications, an h-index above 100, and 20+ patent families, he has shaped both science and industry. His groundbreaking work has earned him the Christian Anfinsen Award, Wilhelm-Exner Medal, and Karl-Heinz-Beckurts Prize, among others. Beyond academia, he’s a serial biotech founder—launching MorphoSys, Molecular Partners, and G7 Therapeutics—proving his innovations don’t just inspire research, but fuel real-world breakthroughs.

Professor Charlotte Deane MBE is a bioinformatician at the University of Oxford, known for pioneering work in protein and antibody modelling and for developing widely used research tools. She led UKRI’s COVID-19 response, earning an MBE in 2022, and has held senior roles including Head of Oxford’s Statistics Department. In 2023, she became Executive Chair of EPSRC, highlighting her impact on science, leadership, and policy.

Fernando Albericio is a Research Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) and Emeritus Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Barcelona (Spain) with 50 years of experience in peptide chemistry.
His major research interests cover practically all aspects of peptide synthetic methodology as well as the synthesis of peptides and small molecules with therapeutic activities (cancer and infectious diseases). Lastly, he was working on greening the solid-phase peptide synthesis processes. He has published more than 1000 scientific articles, filed more than 60 patents, and graduated more than 80 Ph.D. students.

Professor Eggermont is a melanoma specialist and immunotherapy development specialist. He trained at the Surgery Branch of the NCI (Steve Rosenberg) with a PhD in Tumor Immunology. He was the PI on multiple adjuvant immunotherapy trials in melanoma: FDA approvals in 2009 (Peg-IFN), 2015 (ipilimumab) and pembrolizumab (2019). Also TNF-isolated limb perfusion EMA approval in 1998 for advanced sarcomas of the extremities. Amongst his many honours includes the German Cancer Aid Award (2019) & the John Wayne Award of Clinical Research (2018).

Daniel Larocque, PhD, is Innovation Lead at Sanofi Vaccines and part of the External Scientific Affairs department. He is taking care of the scientific coordination with early biotech and universities. He has been human immunology and microbiology platform head. He is at Sanofi since 2015. Before, he has been a biotech entrepreneur and before he was Immunology head in Canada for GSK Vaccines (2007 to 2014). His special interests are related to vaccinology, new vaccines platforms, bringing immunotherapies into the traditional vaccines strategy.

This panel discussion in the morning networking break brings pharma, biotech, and academia together to break down silos and ignite collaboration. The high-energy discussion will tackle how to bridge cultures and align goals, unlock shared resources and expertise, and accelerate translation from discovery to clinic. By spotlighting how partnerships can streamline the path from lab to market, this session offers a rare chance to hear how leading stakeholders are working together to fast-track innovation and shape the future of healthcare.

Wrap up Day 1 with interactive Roundtable Discussions—an open forum where peers and experts come together to exchange ideas, debate challenges, and share fresh perspectives. These dynamic, small-group conversations create a relaxed yet focused space to deepen connections, spark collaboration, and turn insights from the day into actionable strategies. 

Discover cutting-edge regulatory insights across proteins, antibodies, oligonucleotides,
immunotherapies, and vaccines as leading experts from Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, Scancell, and more
unpack the evolving landscape shaping next-generation biologics. This agenda spotlights high-level
presentations, panels, and roundtables that delve into emerging challenges, technical considerations and future-focused strategies driving regulatory excellence in 2026 and beyond

Candid conversations with industry leaders sharing insights, strategies, and the ideas shaping the future of biomedicine—offering rare behind-the-scenes perspectives, actionable takeaways, and thought-provoking discussions that inspire innovation, spark collaboration, and illuminate the path from discovery to real-world impact.

Day One Afternoon Break: 
•    Regulatory Fireside Chats 
•    AI In Immunotherapy & Vaccines Development 

Building on the success of last year’s panel, join leading female scientists and industry trailblazers in the morning break for an inspiring conversation on innovation, career journeys, and breaking barriers in STEM. This discussion highlights the achievements, challenges, and future opportunities for women shaping the next generation of scientific discovery.