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.

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. 

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 

Celebrate, connect, and be inspired. The Awards Evening is your chance to recognise the brightest achievements in biomedicine and enjoy time with peers in a vibrant, high-energy setting. With categories spanning proteins, antibodies, peptides, oligonucleotides, vaccines and beyond, the Awards shine a spotlight on excellence across every modality. Join your community in honouring the breakthroughs that are shaping the future of biotherapeutics and driving life-changing medicines to patients faster.

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.