2026 Launch Day Conference Agenda

Agenda for Life Sciences Week Launch Conference

9am – 5pm, Millennium Point, Birmingham
TimingSession nameSpeakers / panellists
Auditorium
9:15Take Your Seats
9:25Welcome from Your Host, Phil UptonPhil Upton
9:30Panel: The Honest Conversation - Where Are We Really?Panellists
Moderator: Phil Upton
Luke Southan, Director, Spark the Midlands
Farid Khan, Investor
Joshua Dale, Associate Director, West Midlands Health and Wellbeing Innovation Network
Nikke Osterback, COO, GetMet
Kanika Darbar, MHRA, Medical Devices Regulatory Advisory Manager, Innovative Devices,
10:05Welcome Address from the Lord Mayor of BirminghamLord Mayor of Birmingham
10:10Address from Prof. Dorin Camen, University of Life Sciences, RomaniaProf. Dorin Camen, University of Life Sciences, Romania
10:15Opening Address, Preet Gill, MPPreet Gill, MP
10:30Biotech : A Commonwealth of Science Prof. Chris Molloy, CEO, Bioindustry Association, BIAProf. Chris Molloy, CEO, Bioindustry Association, BIA
11:00Coffee Break
11:20Panel: AI Spotlight: From Hypothesis to Molecule - How AI is Rewriting Drug DiscoveryPanellists
Moderator: Phil Upton
Sandeep Khanna, Cloud Managing Director for Manufacturing & Industry and Ireland, Google
Amrik Mahal, COO, Amino Data
Vid Stojevic, Co-Founder and CEO, Kuano
12:05Panel: From Discovery to Impact - Closing the Translation GapPanellists
Prof. Chris Molloy, CEO, Bioindustry Association, BIA
Marco Cerato, Executive VP & Global Head- Innovative Business, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
Nipun Jain, ex-Head of Innovation Hubs and Partnerships for International, AstraZeneca
Mark Eccleston, CEO, VailRx
12:45Lunch
13:30Panel: The NHS Data Opportunity - Turning Assets into OutcomesPanellists
Prof. Alastair Denniston, Professor of Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham
Anand Das, Digital and Technology Lead UK, Pfizer
Prof. Prokar Dasgupta OBE, Professor of Surgery, King's College London
Prof. Simon Ball, SRO West Midlands Secure Data Environment, Senior Science Advisor Health Data Research UK
Samarah Ahmad, Associate Chief Pharmacist, Research and Development, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
14:10Panel: AI and the New Commercial Playbook: How Pharma Goes to Market NowPanellists
Rohit Dayama, Cognizant Global Client Partner
Scott Gavin, Content Experience, Innovation & Gen AI, Pfizer
Nipun Jain, ex Head of Innovation Hubs and Partnerships for International, AstraZeneca
Marco Cerato, Executive VP & Global Head- Innovative Business, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
14:50Break
15:15Panel: Co-create or Compete: Pharma and AI/Tech at the Same TablePanellists
Amrik Mahal, COO, Amino Data
Anand Das, Pfizer
Vid Stojevic, Co-Founder and CEO, Kuano
Lisa Page, Partner, Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP
15:55Panel: The Decade AheadPanellists
Amjad Khan, Healthcare Leader, AI evangelist and Speaker, NED
Prof. Prokar Dasgupta OBE, Professor of Surgery, King's College London
Prof. Chris Molloy, CEO, Bioindustry Association, BIA
Scott Gavin, Content Experience, Innovation & Gen AI, Pfizer
Jeff Bousfield, CEO, Nonacus
16:50Closing Remarks
17:00Close
Platform Agenda
10:10Welcome
10:15Opening Keynote: Dame Yve Buckland, Chair, University Hospitals BirminghamDame Yve Buckland, Chair, University Hospitals Birmingham
10:20Keynote: Harpal Mattu, Chair of the West Midlands, IoDHarpal Mattu, Chair of the West Midlands, IoD
10:30Advancements at NHS Blood and Transplant, Prof. Renata Gomes, NHS Blood and TransplantProf. Renata Gomes, NHS Blood and Transplant
10:50A New Era for Digital Skills, Life Sciences and Inclusion, Suzie Branch, Vice Principal - External Development, BMet CollegeSuzie Branch, Vice Principal - External Development, BMet College
11:00Break
11:30Panel: Making the UK the Destination for Life Sciences InvestmentPanellists
Preet Gill, MP
Kanika Darbar, MHRA, Medical Devices Regulatory Advisory Manager, Innovative Devices,
Prof. Chris Molloy, CEO, Bioindustry Association, BIA
Farid Khan, Investor
Tim Davis, Regional Head, Primary Markets at London Stock Exchange Group
Kanika Darbar, MHRA, Medical Devices Regulatory Advisory Manager, Innovative Devices,
12:00Panel: Fireside on Cancer DiagnosticsPanellists
Feroz Agad, Founder and CEO, SAH Diagnostics
Sarah Hughes, Managing Director, West Midlands Cancer Alliance
Joanne Tolley, Head of Programmes Cancer & Diagnostics, NHS Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull
Jeff Bousfield, CEO, Nonacus
Dr Masood Nazir, Chair at West Midlands SDE Clinical and Scientific Advisory Board
12:45Lunch
13:45Accelerating the Translation of New Discoveries into Dementia Treatments, Prof. Fiona Ducotterd, Alzheimer's AssociationProf. Fiona Ducotterd, Alzheimer's Association
14:05PET Scan: Developing Services for the Patients of Birmingham and Beyond for the Next 10 Years, Stuart Green, Director of Medical Physics, University Hospitals BirminghamStuart Green, Director of Medical Physics, University Hospitals Birmingham
14:25Final Thoughts from the Platform
14:30Platform Close

Graham Combe

Strategic Consultant,
Life Sciences Week
+44 (0) 121 227 4156
info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

Bio

Graham Combe is an experienced strategic consultant, relationship builder, and entrepreneur in the global life sciences sector. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from University College London (UCL) and spent over a decade with Nature, where he pioneered key initiatives such as Nature’s BioPharma Dealmakers and Nature’s SciCafe.

In May 2011, he founded Biosell UK, a consulting and event management firm that collaborates with global life science publishers, event organizations, and marketing partners. Beyond BioSell, Combe is the founder or co-founder of several prominent networking and thought-leadership platforms, including #BiotechBuddies, #coffeebuddies, the #AgileLeaders Forum, and the Creative Disruption Forum—the latter three events co-hosted with his business partner, Professor Tony Sedgwick.

Specializing in the early-to-mid stages of drug development (from pre-clinical research through Phase 3 and clinical proof-of-concept), Graham focuses on facilitating forums to promote peer-to-peer discussion, strategic growth, investment and meaningful connections between biotech innovators, investors, and industry service providers.

Apply for a complimentary Conference Day VIP Pass

Apply for a complimentary Conference Day VIP Pass

Complimentary Conference Day VIP Passes are reserved for senior leaders and decision-makers with influence over purchasing, commissioning, investment or technology advancements and adoption across UK life sciences.

A Conference Day VIP Pass includes:

  • Complimentary access-all-areas to the Launch Day Conference
  • Access to the dedicated VIP green room alongside Conference speakers
  • Access to all general keynote, panel and programme sessions
  • Curated networking opportunities
  • Opportunities to meet conference speakers and other approved VIP attendees

The VIP Pass applies to the Launch Day Conference only. It does not include admission to the Life Sciences Week Gala Dinner or other separately ticketed events.

Applications are reviewed individually and submitting this form does not guarantee a complimentary pass. To maintain a balanced, high-quality audience, we may limit the number of VIP Passes issued to any one organisation.

    First Name *

    Last Name *

    Work Email Address *

    Telephone Number *

    Job Title *

    Organisation *

    LinkedIn

    Organisation Information

    Which best describes your organisation? *


    If other, please specify

    Which best describes your level of seniority? *

    If other, please specify

    Which areas are you responsible for or directly involved in? *

    If other, please specify

    What best describes your role in purchasing, investment, commissioning or adoption decisions? *

    Attendance Information

    Briefly, what is the number one thing you are hoping to get out of attending Life Sciences Week 2026? *

    Final Confirmation

    Is your role primarily focused on selling products or services, consultancy, account management or business development? *

    Please Confirm *

    I understand that VIP applications are subject to review and approval.
    I understand that the complimentary VIP Pass covers the Life Sciences Week Launch Day Conference only and does not include the Gala Dinner Awards or other separately ticketed events.
    The information supplied in this application is accurate.

    Shabna Raja

    Advisory Partner,
    Life Sciences Week
    +44 (0) 121 227 4156
    info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

    Bio

    Shabna Raja is a senior leader in enterprise transformation within Life Sciences, with over 20 years’ experience spanning pharma, consumer health and large-scale digital programmes.

    She specialises in bridging strategy and execution – helping organisations translate AI, data and digital innovation into tangible business outcomes. Her work focuses on complex transformation
    initiatives across commercial, data and operating model domains within regulated environments.

    Shabna spent seven years at GSK, where she played a key role in transformation programmes, including as part of the Consumer Health joint venture with Pfizer — one of the most significant integrations in the sector. This experience provided her with deep expertise in  organisational change, integration and operating model evolution at global scale.

    More recently, she has spent over three years working closely with Haleon through a strategic
    services partnership, leading enterprise client engagement and managing a multi-million-pound account while supporting transformation across a newly independent global organisation.

    Her experience spans the end-to-end life sciences value chain, including R&D, commercial, supply chain and patient engagement, giving her a holistic perspective on how technology and transformation can unlock value across the industry.

    Amjad Khan

    Executive Partner,
    Life Sciences Week
    +44 (0) 121 227 4156
    info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

    Bio

    Amjad Khan is a UK-based entrepreneur, AI strategist, and senior technology leader with over 15 years of experience at Pfizer, where he held multiple leadership roles across digital strategy and transformation. As Global Digital Client Partner, he was responsible for digital strategy and execution across Global Business Units covering Vaccines, Hospital, and Medical Affairs. Most notably, he led the commercial launch for the Covid franchise transforming and accelerating the model for how new medicines are brought to market.

    Following his tenure at Pfizer, Amjad channelled his expertise into building at the frontier of AI. His work spans AI leadership, stakeholder engagement, and agile delivery helping organisations adopt and scale emerging  technologies to drive meaningful outcomes.

    Dr. Richard Fallon | Business Consultant | WM Life Sciences

    Dr. Richard Fallon

    Co Founder, Life Sciences Week 
    +44 (0) 121 227 4156
    info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

    Bio

    Dr Richard Fallon is an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder who connects industry leaders, investors and public-sector stakeholders to accelerate collaboration and commercial growth.

    As the Founder of the Technology Supply Chain and co-founder of the Innovation Awards, he has spent more than two decades convening influential networks that help emerging businesses find capital, strategic partners and new routes to market.

    Richard’s work spans leadership and consultancy across major organisations, alongside building membership and partnership platforms that bring universities, industry and investors into the same room – and turn conversations into practical outcomes.

    With his focus on life sciences, Richard supports organisations and people driving breakthroughs in healthcare, biotechnology, medical technology and advanced research. He is passionate about creating the conditions for transformative ideas to move from concept to real-world impact – by connecting innovators with the funding, expertise and opportunities they need to scale.

    Through Life Sciences Week, Richard is championing the UK’s world-class life sciences community and helping position it at the forefront of innovation, investment and patient outcomes.

    Amy Deakin | Chief of Staff | WM Life Sciences

    Amy Deakin

    Event Managing Director,
    Life Sciences Week
    +44 (0) 121 227 4156
    info@lifesciencesweek.co.uk

    Bio

    Amy Deakin is a Birmingham-based leader specialising in building partnerships and fostering innovation in the life sciences sector. With a degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Amy brings a grounded understanding of human health and performance to her work and a strong interest in the developments shaping healthcare today.

    Amy is Managing Director of Life Sciences Week, part of the One Thousand Trades Group, and also serves as Director of One Thousand Trades Events. In these roles, she convenes researchers, clinicians and industry leaders to strengthen collaboration, unlock new partnerships and help accelerate real-world innovation across the life sciences ecosystem.

    Her career spans both commercial and third-sector environments. She began in automotive design, delivering projects for Volkswagen, McLaren, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover, before moving into the third sector with Acorns Children’s Hospice. She later joined Western Union, working as a Partnerships Manager for international payments

    An avid netballer, Amy is a committed advocate for health and wellbeing – bringing energy, clarity and connection to everything she builds, and actively involved as a participant in health related research studies.

      Award Category Voting

      Here's a list of all categories you can vote for. Simply click each category to cast your vote. Voting in each category is not mandatory, so please feel free to click just the category that interests you.

      Day you've not voted in, will be denoted with an ❌

      If you're having issues submitting the form, please ensure all the category boxes are closed and try again.

      Recognising pioneering research, technology, or therapies that are transforming healthcare and biotechnology.

      No VoteProf. Alex RichterBlack Space TechnologyAston Vision Sciences

      Celebrating an emerging leader making significant contributions to the field through research, innovation, or leadership.

      Recognising pioneering research, technology, or therapies that are transforming healthcare and biotechnology.

      No VoteShashank Chaganty – VichagLeah Vanono - PBS InnovationsKloe Avon- KZ Organics

      Honouring successful cross-sector partnerships driving advancements in life sciences, from academia to industry.

      No VoteProf Liam Grover- WMHTIAJudith Stewart- Health Innovation West MidlandsAdam McGuinness - Plug and Play

      Awarding an individual or organisation for exceptional long-term impact on the industry.

      No VoteDavid KidneyMedilink MidlandsUniversity of Birmingham

      Highlighting innovations in treatments, diagnostics, or healthcare delivery that have significantly improved patient outcomes.

      No VoteJean-Louis Duprey - Linear DiagnosticsSian Dunning - MD-TECKarim Vissangy - HoloMedix

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