Agenda Day 1
7:45 am - 8:30 am
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
8:30 am - 8:35 am
Program Director's Welcome
8:35 am - 8:45 am
Chairperson’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
Douglas Welsh - CRO, DataJoint
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
10:05 am - 10:35 am THINK TANK: Data Triage: What to Keep, Clean, or Leave Behind
Rekha Lakshmanan - Global Head of Data Office, AstraZeneca
10:40 am - 11:10 am 1:1 Business Meetings
10:40 am - 11:10 am Coffee & Networking Break
11:15 am - 11:45 am 1:1 Business Meetings
11:15 am - 11:45 am THINK TANK: Navigating the Digital Lab: Lessons from a Decade of Transformation
Anna Codina - Senior Director Strategy & Business Development, SciY
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
12:20 pm - 12:50 pm
PRESENTATION: Data Architecture in the Age of AI
Dave Dorsett -
Chief Digital Officer,
Astrix
Discussion of the relevance of Data Architecture within the hierarchy of needs for applications of AI in the process industries; including the role of data products, data quality, and defining and measuring long-term value. The evolving role of standards and legacy data as applied to Data Architecture will also be noted.
• 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?
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm 1:1 Business Meetings
12:55 pm - 1:25 pm Coffee & Networking Break
1:25 pm - 2:15 pm
Networking Lunch
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm 1:1 Business Meetings
2:15 pm - 2:45 pm LIGHTNING DEBATES
Nicki Vo - President and Founder, NIVO Innovations
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
Nicki Vo - President and Founder, NIVO Innovations
Bryan Holmes - Vice President Information Technology, Andelyn Biosciences
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
4:10 pm - 4:40 pm THINK TANK: How to Harness the Real ROI of Digital Transformation and AI
Dexter Wilson - Senior Enablement Specialist, Albert Invent
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm 1:1 Business Meetings
4:45 pm - 5:15 pm Coffee & Networking Break
5:20 pm - 5:50 pm
PRESENTATION: Unifying Your Lab Data: How a Single Platform Accelerates Discovery and Delivers Value
Sponsored by: Uncountable
5:50 pm - 6:30 pm ROUNDTABLE 1: No More Manual: Building the Right Strategy and Foundations
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.
5:50 pm - 6:30 pm ROUNDTABLE 2: Scaling Digital Transformation: Overcoming Roadblocks to Adoption and Standardisation
Nevin Ince - Director, Digital Labs, Research Digital Products, Novo NordiskGrab 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.
5:50 pm - 6:30 pm ROUNDTABLE 3: Pushing Boundaries: Experimenting with AI, Automation, and Emerging Tech
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.
