Agenda Day 1
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
8:30 am - 8:35 am
Program Director's Welcome
Helaina Molloy, Smart Lab Exchange Director, IQPC Exchange
8:35 am - 8:45 am
Chair's Opening Remarks
Nicki Vo -
President and Founder,
NIVO Innovations
8:45 am - 9:30 am
OPENING PANEL DISCUSSION: From Messy Data to Smart Decisions: How Data Science is Unlocking Lab Insights Today
Diana Smirnova -
Vice President Research and Development,
Avery Dennison
Terry Moros - Sr. Director Global Measurement Sciences - Foods & Beverage, Pepsico Inc
Yu Tian - Director II, R&D Digital and Data Strategy, AbbVie
Kristina Lopez - Senior Director, Johnson & Johnson
Peter Tsolis - Vice President of Skincare, The Estée Lauder Companies
Cathy Kuang - Head of Data, Digital, and Technology for Research and Labs, Takeda
Labs often work with scattered, half-structured data that isn’t “AI-ready.” This panel discussion will explore how data science can turn existing datasets into actionable insights, improve decision-making, and prepare teams for next-generation AI applications.
During this panel discussion, experts will discuss:
• How we can unlock value from existing data: Learn how to extract actionable insights from scattered, half-structured lab datasets without waiting for perfect “AI-ready” data.
• Ways to drive smarter decisions: what are those practical ways data science can improve decision-making and operational efficiency in R&D and lab environments.
• Prepare for next-gen AI: how can we set up teams, workflows, and data strategies to take advantage of emerging AI tools, including agentic AI and advanced analytics?
9:30 am - 10:00 am
PRESENTATION: Unlocking the Value of Vendor-Agnostic Digital Labs to Reduce Silos & Drive Harmonization
Anna Codina -
Senior Director Strategy & Business Development,
SciY
Digital transformation often stalls when labs are locked into vendor-specific systems that don’t talk to each other. SciY offers a vendor-agnostic platform that integrates instruments, automation hardware, and scientific data into one environment, following FAIR data principles. This approach enables organizations to reuse and preserve data, streamline workflows, and prepare their labs for AI-driven innovation — all without costly disruption.
• Tackle the challenge of vendor lock-in and discover how a neutral platform can future-proof your lab ecosystem.
• Overcome data silos and incompatible systems by harmonizing and reusing data across all instruments and workflows.
• Address the AI-readiness gap by learning how to extract maximum value from your current infrastructure with minimal disruption.
Sponsored by: SciY
10:05 am - 10:35 am 1:1 Business Meetings
10:40 am - 11:10 am
1:1 Business Meetings & Networking
11:50 am - 12:20 pm
CASE STUDY: Building a Solution Ecosystem to Achieve Data Democratization
Mads Torry Smith -
Director, Digital Transformation, Applied R&D,
Novonesis
Organizations are moving toward software-agnostic, modular data ecosystems — flexible architectures built from interchangeable “Lego-like” components that support scientists directly in their workflows. By enabling any site to ingest data regardless of vendor tools or system maturity, this approach creates a unified foundation for accessibility, reusability, and scale.
During this case study presentation, attendees will explore:
• Strategies to build a flexible, connected data ecosystem helps organizations avoid years of slow, sequential consolidation
• How a modular, software-agnostic approach breaks down silos and provides every stakeholder visibility across the full data landscape
• Insights into creating an accessible environment where data truly lives sets the stage for unlocking value from Model Context Protocols (MCP) and future AI-driven innovation
12:25 pm - 12:55 pm
PRESENTATION: Unleashing the Future: How Agentic AI and Smart LIMS Are Transforming Laboratory Operations
Traditional Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) have long served as the lab’s digital backbone, but a new wave of innovation is transforming what’s possible. We are entering an era where intelligent LIMS converge with Agentic AI to create not just automated laboratories – but autonomous, intelligent ones. These next-generation systems can interpret data in real-time, adapt dynamically, and offer actionable insights at high speed.
Join us to learn:
• What is Agentic AI and why your lab can’t afford to ignore it?
• What is the application of Agentic AI?
• How to leverage AI-driven actions without compromising data integrity?
Sponsored by: LabVantage
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
1:1 Business Meetings & Networking
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm
Networking Lunch
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm 1:1 Business Meetings
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm LIGHTNING DEBATES
2:50 pm - 3:20 pm
PRESENTATION: Formula for Change: Calculating Impact Over Inertia
David Lutness -
Head of R&D Digital Platforms + Data Excellence,
Kenvue
Implementing AI and digital transformation in a laboratory environment often faces resistance due to established practices, workflows, and behaviors. This session presents proven strategies by focusing on the fundamentals to mitigate and overcome these challenges, ensuring successful adoption and long-term success.
• Overcoming resistance to change: Learn practical strategies to get scientists and lab teams on board, reducing friction when adopting new digital and AI tools
• Aligning leadership and lab priorities: Discover how to demonstrate the value of AI initiatives to secure investment and executive support
• Ensuring effective adoption of technology: Understand how structured change management, training, and feedback loops maximize usage and long-term benefits of digital solutions
3:20 pm - 4:05 pm
PANEL DISCUSSION: Proving the Value of New Technology Use Cases to Build a Robust Business Case
Rob Guenard -
AVP CMC Analytics,
Parabilis Medicines
Nathan Moore - Senior Director of Research Technology & Digital Transformation, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
In today’s rapidly evolving lab environment, adopting new technologies is only part of the challenge—demonstrating their value to leadership is just as critical. This keynote will guide you through how to articulate the impact of your technology initiatives in a way that resonates with decision-makers.
Key takeaways:
• Demonstrate tangible impact: Translate technology initiatives into measurable improvements in productivity, speed-to-market, or cost reduction
• Overcome stakeholder scepticism: Show how new tools integrate seamlessly with existing workflows and deliver actionable insights without disruption
• Build a compelling narrative: Frame use cases to highlight strategic value, long-term ROI, and alignment with broader business objectives
Nathan Moore
Senior Director of Research Technology & Digital TransformationTakeda Pharmaceuticals
4:10 pm - 4:40 pm 1:1 Business Meetings
Sponsored by: Albert Invent
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
1:1 Business Meetings & Networking
5:20 pm - 5:50 pm
PRESENTATION: AI in the Modern Lab: Understanding the Spectrum of AI Technologies and How to Deploy Them with Scientific Impact
Grab a glass of Champagne and join a table that resonates with where you currently are on your journey and discuss with your peers in similar positions how you can move forward.
Grab a glass of Champagne and join a table that resonates with where you currently are on your journey and discuss with your peers in similar positions how you can move forward.
Grab a glass of Champagne and join a table that resonates with where you currently are on your journey and discuss with your peers in similar positions how you can move forward.
