PLATINUM & GOLD SPONSORS
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Susie Stephens, PhD, is a technology and R&D strategy leader with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of science, data, technology, and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. She has led technology and informatics strategy across global biopharma organizations, helping translate emerging technologies into meaningful R&D capabilities and align technology investment with strategic priorities. Her experience spans scientific research, technology strategy, product development, and digital transformation, with a particular focus on realizing measurable value from technology and AI investments. Susie is a recognized thought leader and frequent speaker on R&D technology, data, analytics, AI, and the evolving Lab of the Future. She holds a PhD in Physiology, completed postdoctoral research in Molecular Biology, and is an alumna of Harvard Business School.
Experienced professional of antibody engineering, multi-specific Biologics modeling and design. My arsenal for bio-therapeutic engineering and design includes structural informatics, molecular dynamics simulation, function-driven rational design, and more importantly, their combination with power of data analysis. My goal is to design First-in-class and Best-in-class Biologics from de novo, which can truly empower patients’ lives.
Ph.D. trained molecular biologist; Internationally recognized scientist; Ph.D. jointly awarded between USA & Oxford, UK in biomedical sciences focused on neurodegenerative disorders and pharmacology. Over 27 years of clinical-based rare diseases, and antibody research experience, leading international and national collaborative clinical and scientific research teams. Pioneered the development of the first Next-Generation Sequencing Core Facility for the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development. Led multiple biomarker discoveries across four different metabolic syndromes. Ran high-throughput drug screens and validations in vivo which have led to clinical trials. Extensive li ne management, mentorship, and leadership experience within teams. Scientific research has resulted in 80+ peer-reviewed publications and one book chapter, spanning multiple fields from rare metabolic diseases, drug screening, and validation to cancer research. Well-versed in cutting-edge technology with the ability to synergize multiple large data sets to formulate actionable therapeutic interventions. Passionate about driving innovative solutions to complex problems in real-time. Recipient of multiple research excellence awards and research funding.
Director leading a >50-person global Research Informatics organization (North America, Europe, India) at Amgen BC. Expanded scope beyond Technology leadership to cross-department portfolio governance, CAPEX/OPEX budget management, and strategic roadmap development across Research Technology. Also served as Interim Chief of Staff to the VP of Research. Driving large-scale programs spanning lab automation, AI-enabled data systems, and global Research site modernization across 6 sites.
Shruti Vij is the Director of Innovation and AI Strategy at RDU IT, leading the shift from incremental optimization to horizon oriented solutions and embedding innovation as a strategic capability to shape the enterprise roadmap. Partnering across science, technology, and the business, she designs and scales AI enabled platforms and operating models that accelerate discovery, risk decision making, and unlock new value at both portfolio and program levels while preparing organizations for what’s next.
She brings a cross functional trajectory spanning engineering, imaging, product strategy, and applied data science across the value chain. Previously, she developed clinical decision support and digital health solutions at Philips Healthcare, applied product strategy to AI driven solutions at PerigonAI and led data science for cell therapy process development at Takeda. Her rigorous academic foundation and hands on clinical translational research coupled with business acumen shaped by growing up in a family owned enterprise equip her to lead change with a distinctive, outcomes focused perspective.
Steven Winig is the Executive Director of Technology and User Services (TUS) at Novartis Biomedical Research. The TUS organization enables 5,300 researchers across multiple international campuses. Before joining Novartis, Steven held senior IT leadership roles at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, served as a Principal at American Management Systems, Inc., and was a Director at Computer-Ed, Inc. He holds a BS in Computer Science from The Johns Hopkins University and lives by the mantra that relationships matter. Known as the resource of last resort, Steve is often called upon to tackle the most nuanced challenges. Interestingly, his college advisor stating that AI will be the future has proven to be prophetic, albeit a few decades early.
I’m a technology-driven product leader with deep expertise in AI, informatics, and digital solutions for life sciences R&D. With a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and neuroscience, I’ve built my career at the intersection of science and technology—moving from bench research to product management, marketing, sales, and IT leadership. I believe software product management is a career, not just a role on a Scrum team. Success in this space requires a blend of strategic vision, technical fluency, and customer empathy. The skills I’ve developed—bridging science, technology, and business—are not only critical in life sciences but also highly transferable across industries. My focus remains on leveraging AI and digital innovation to drive meaningful impact in complex, data-driven environments.
Mohit Goel is a visionary technology leader transforming biopharma, life sciences, and laboratory automation through AI, robotics, and intelligent systems. With deep expertise in systems engineering, software architecture, and autonomous technologies, he is shaping the Lab of the Future, where AI-driven automation accelerates scientific discovery and biomanufacturing at scale.
As the Head of Systems Integration at Moderna, Mohit leads enterprise-wide technology innovation, building next-generation automation platforms that seamlessly integrate AI, robotics, and digital ecosystems to optimize laboratory and manufacturing operations worldwide.
A key driver of global biotech innovation, Mohit serves on the Executive Committee for multiple SLAS tracks, influencing automation, AI, and robotics adoption across life sciences. He is also a Senior Member of ISA and an active member of IEEE, IEEE RAS, IEEE EMBS, and ISPE, shaping the future of biotech at the intersection of AI and advanced automation. Passionate about bridging technology and science, Mohit is building the intelligent, connected, and scalable laboratory ecosystems that will define the next era of biotech innovation.
Raveen Sharma is a Managing Director in Deloitte’s Life Sciences R&D with over 25 years of experience delivering research, clinical, and real-world data informatics solutions for life sciences organizations. He leads teams to develop strategy, business case, roadmaps, solution design, and execution for data-driven programs to transform R&D. Most recently, he launched and co-leads the Lab of the Future practice to help life sciences organizations improve efficiency and increase innovation in the lab environment.
Julie is a visionary architect of global transformation with a proven track record of orchestrating AI, data science and industrial-scale technology with dynamic leadership into a competitive engine to accelerate the creation and supply of life-saving treatments. With a sophisticated command of both fiscal strategy and operational complexity and a record of securing high-impact investment, Julie bridges the gap between bold, smart risk and the steadfast credibility required to lead a premier enterprise. A respected voice within the C-suite and across the life sciences ecosystem, Julie combines purpose and passion to cultivate and empower global organizations to deliver measurable P&L impact. Julie stands out as a singular force in the industry—a digital-native executive who does not support the business but embodies every facet of pharmaceutical lifecycle: from identifying breakthrough treatment paradigms, developing new drugs, orchestrating global R&D and manufacturing operations, to leading global digital functions transforming science to supply. Julie bridges the gap between high-level strategy and operational reality; she has “walked the talk” in the lab, the plant, and the boardroom. This unique perspective ensures AI-enabled workforces leverage solutions forged to solve the complex, real-world challenges of delivering life-altering treatments at a global scale.
I am a digital and tech senior leader with purpose, presence and agility. I bring a track record of successful digital strategy development and value delivery at scale, with extensive experience in broadening impact, building connections, and developing organizations. I am known as a collaborative partner and engaging communicator with contagious positive energy. My superpower is connecting with people and building a culture where individuals come together and shine. My multi-year global work assignments in China and the UK give me a unique perspective to relate to the international teams I lead. My purpose to positively impact human lives carries through into my work as a foster parent in our community and my seat on the board of a non-profit.
My organization is driving a digital revolution of the next-generation of labs and plants for Sanofi scientists. Our teams deliver digital products and services that enable robust and effective lab and plant operations, while capturing trusted AI-ready data.
Our scope includes instrument connectivity, data automation, experiment and results capture, laboratory workflow solutions, as well as digital manufacturing solutions. We enable all of Sanofi’s R&D labs, across research, pre-clinical and CMC, spanning all pharma modalities and vaccines. We are also driving digital transformation in the manufacturing environment for CMC pilot plants and enable launch excellence in digital technical transfer to commercial scale manufacture.
Gisele Tavares currently serves as the Head of R&D Business Operations at Takeda. In this role, she oversees business operations, the Takeda One Cambridge Campus project, Laboratory Operations in Massachusetts and Austria, and contract management. Gisele acts as the primary point of contact and engagement for functional leaders within Takeda R&D, as well as enterprise business partners including Legal, Takeda Business Services, Real Estate, Facilities, and Procurement.
Gisele began her career in the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist and has held leadership roles in the USA, France, and Switzerland, gaining valuable insights into the benefits of diversity and multicultural environments. Prior to joining Takeda, she held increasingly responsible positions at Hoffmann-La Roche and Novartis Pharma, transitioning from scientific research to clinical operations, procurement, alliance management, and business development.
Gisele holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from the University of Parana, Brazil, and a PhD in Science from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil/Pasteur Institute, France, in Physical Chemistry. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the Boston Biomedical Research Institute, Yale University, and Stanford University.
