Main Stage Talks

Donna Mongiello

How can we build technology that we don’t have to hate?

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Donna dives into the necessity of future-proofing patient-facing technology in clinical trials, focusing on user-centric design and adaptability. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, trial software must evolve alongside it.

Laura O’Donnell

Is unseen friction creating uncomfortable blockage?

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Laura delves into the pressing issue of FRICTION in clinical trials—how it builds up unnoticed (...like a certain personal health issue) and blocks progress. Laura shares candid stories and industry data, pointing out key areas where friction slows enrollment and site performance.

Julius Kusserow

How to use technology to accelerate, not as a set back?

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What is causing this friction between data managers and technology? Julius delves into the complexities of driving innovation within pharmaceutical organizations. Through real-world examples, Julius highlights how misalignment between processes and tools leads to inefficiency and frustration.

Denise Bronner

Why is it important to transform vendors from rescuers to partners?

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Despite the industry's push for patient-centricity, vendor relationships in pharma often stay transactional. Denise shines a light on this and offers three ways to change the dynamic. How can we foster deeper collaboration between vendors and pharma—and why does it matter?

Jonathan Norman

What is keeping patients worldwide from accessing life-changing research?

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The answer lies in the translation bottleneck. Outdated localization practices are excluding patients who could benefit most. Jonathan reveals how outdated localization practices impact inclusion and calls for a change. What can we do—as sponsors, tech vendors, and localization teams—to reduce barriers, making trials truly accessible for all?

Laura Hilty

What does it take to turn visionary ideas into sustainable solutions? And what keeps that from happening?

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Despite countless great ideas, many fail to become lasting solutions. Laura explores the pitfalls that keep transformative innovations from reaching their potential. We must embrace risk intelligently, collaborate, and listen deeply to build for a change where we can save more lives through innovation.

Bill Illis

How can we go fast AND far in clinical trials to deliver the treatments patients need?

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Data interoperability is critical to clinical trials, ensuring systems and stakeholders work together smoothly. It’s like texting between iOS and Android—without alignment, communication falters. Bill highlights similar challenges in clinical trials, where a lack of standardized protocols leads to delays and fragmented data.

Lisa Moneymaker

How to learn from the past without repeating our mistakes?

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Lisa dives into the evolving role of data and AI in clinical trials, and the need to control for biases and historical underrepresentation in the data that trains AI models. “We can’t just copy and paste.”

Dr. Tala Fakhouri

What is slowing down the usage of AI in Drug Development? Is AI just another hype? Or the key to unlocking drug development potential?

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With AI’s rapid advancements outpacing Moore’s Law, why hasn’t it dramatically improved the efficiency of pharmaceutical innovation? Dr. Fakhouri explores how AI could help us decipher the "language of biology" and streamline drug discovery, while addressing the myths and challenges that regulatory bodies like the FDA must navigate.

Enrique Martinez-Gonzalez

How do we get outside of the garage and into the garden?

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Enrique challenges the way we think about innovation. Instead of a garage or assembly line, he sees it as an organic, interconnected process. Drawing from his work with top institutions, he argues that we’ve misunderstood innovation, getting stuck in myths like the “garage inventor.” For Enrique, innovation isn’t a rigid process, but a living ecosystem.

Lindsey Wahlstrom

How can we imbue the magic of life-saving science with the magic of living?

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In this deeply personal talk, Lindsey Wahlstrom shares the lessons she learned as both a clinical research professional and a mother navigating her daughter Rona’s rare disease treatment.