Meet the speakers
Get ready to experience an outstanding lineup of speakers representing world-class universities and leading global companies such as Roche, Merck and AstraZeneca. These distinguished professionals bring together a powerful combination of in-depth scientific expertise, pioneering research, and practical insights. From groundbreaking academic discoveries to transformative real-world innovations, our speakers will share knowledge that not only informs but also inspires. Expect thought-provoking presentations, fresh perspectives, and engaging discussions that foster meaningful exchange across disciplines. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding, spark new ideas, or connect with forward-thinking minds, this event offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation and shape the future.
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Prof. Christine Allen Ph.D.
Intrepid Labs, Canada
Christine Allen is a globally recognized researcher, leader, and entrepreneur. She is a Full Professor at the University of Toronto and Co-Founder and CEO of Intrepid Labs, which uses AI and robotics to accelerate drug formulation development. With over 180 publications, she is an expert in drug formulation and collaborates extensively with clinical and industry partners.
Specialties: Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery Systems, Formulation Development, Translational Research, Artificial intelligence
James Mann Ph.D.
AstraZeneca, United Kingdom
With a Ph.D. in Forensic and Analytical Chemistry, James Mann began his career at MSD before moving to AstraZeneca, where he progressed into senior leadership roles. He has led analytical teams and global development programs, focusing on in vitro product performance and cutting-edge analytical technologies. His expertise spans biorelevant dissolution, chromatography, and formulation development.
Specialties: Biorelevant Dissolution, Chromatography, Innovative Dissolution Technology.
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Prof. Deirdre D'Arcy Ph.D.
Dr. Deirdre D’Arcy is a pharmacist since 1999 and currently Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology at Trinity College Dublin. Her research focuses on modeling and simulating drug dissolution, including AI/ML applications, to develop physiologically based biopharmaceutics models. She is also interested in clinical pharmacokinetics, medicines optimization in special populations, and integrating generative AI into teaching. Dr. D’Arcy has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications, led two clinical trials, and is supported by SSPC and Panoz Pharmaceutical Innovation PhD Scholarships.
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Prof. Eric Beyssac Ph.D.
University of Clermont Ferrand, France
Eric Beyssac holds a Master in Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Clermont-Ferrand, where he is now Professor in Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology. He has served as an invited professor at Université Laval in Québec and currently leads the in vitro study platform within the MEDIS research group.
Specialties: IVIVC, Dissolution Testing, Sustained-Release Formulation Development, Analytical Techniques.
Prof. Nikoletta Fotaki Ph.D.
University of Bath, United Kingdom
Prof. Nikoletta Fotaki is a Professor of Biopharmaceutics at the University of Bath with a background in Pharmacy, Toxicology, and a PhD in Biopharmaceutics-Pharmacokinetics. Her research focuses on developing in vitro and in silico tools to predict drug absorption for oral and non-oral administration, including special populations. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to books and patents, and actively participates in scientific societies and expert panels. Prof. Fotaki holds leadership roles within AAPS, has chaired key biopharmaceutics groups, and is a frequent invited speaker at international conferences.
Emmanuel Scheubel Ph.D.
F.Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
Emmanuel is an Expert Scientist who led Roche’s analytical dissolution team in Basel. He specialized in dissolution method development, validation, and control strategies, supporting formulation, biowaiver, and in-silico approaches. He has published in dissolution science and contributes to groups like IQ Dissolution and RTRT. His background includes Industrial Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in oral biopharmaceutics and IVIVC.
Specialties: Dissolution method development & validation, Formulation development, In-silico modelling, Oral biopharmaceutics & IVIVC
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Prof. Matthias G. Wacker Ph.D.
University of Leuwen, Netherlands
Matthias G. Wacker is an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore and will join KU Leuven as Professor of Biopharmaceutics in January 2026. He earned his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical technology from Goethe University Frankfurt and completed his habilitation under Jennifer Dressman and Jörg Kreuter. His research focuses on biopredictive in vitro testing, IVIVC, and computational modeling to improve formulation development and translational success. Prof. Wacker serves on international expert committees, editorial boards, and has received multiple awards, including being listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists since 2022.
Nathan Schulpen M.Sc.
Johnson and Johnson, Belgium
After obtaining his Masters in Chemistry from the University of Antwerp, Nathan began his career in a QC lab environment at MSD, testing Oral Solids, before joining the dissolution sciences team at Johnson and Johnson. He supported the drug product performance characterization and dissolution method development, initially as individual contributor and later as team lead. Over his 10 years at Johnson and Johnson, Nathan has also worked on a framework and strategy to implement automated dissolution testing globally in the company.
Specialties: Biorelevant Dissolution, Automated Dissolution Testing.
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Daniel J. Smith Ph.D.
Merck, United States
Daniel is Associate Principal Scientist at Merck in Rahway, NJ. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Delaware and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in biomedical engineering at the University of Utah. With 12 years in pharma, he specializes in Solid-Dose Automation and is an expert in automating sample preparation and dissolution. At Merck, he leads analytical projects and advances dissolution modeling for product development.
Specialties: Peptide synthesis & biomaterials, Theranostic applications