CONFERENCE AGENDA

CONFERENCE AGENDA

The future of work is on everyone’s agenda. This event brings thought leaders together to share cutting edge ideas on the future, from both a people and technology perspective.

It will allow an understanding of the key drivers of change and enablers of innovation that will shape how, where and when work takes place. Our conference programme will explore future technologies, cutting edge award-winning workplaces and people, change and engagement within the life sciences sector.

 

CONFERENCE AGENDA

Conference Opens

Resiliency & Workplace Experience: Shaping the Future of Life Sciences

As the life sciences sector continues to expand, it stands out for its resilience, driven by the essential, physical nature of its work and ongoing demand for innovation. As companies in biotech, pharma, and medical research navigate economic uncertainty and shifting employee expectations, the intersection of real estate strategy, workplace experience and leadership has never been more critical. This theme examines how forward-thinking organizations are integrating workplace, real estate, and technology to create environments that are not only operationally resilient but also human-centered and data-driven.

Opening Keynote: Genius at Scale: The ABCs of Leading Innovation

How do exceptional leaders beat the odds and build agile organizations that deliver on customers’ shifting needs? How can you architect cultures and capabilities that scale innovation, bridge partnerships to access critical digital talent and tools, and catalyze key stakeholders across your ecosystem to create the conditions for sustainable growth? Drawing on extensive global research, Hill will share actionable insights to foster collaboration, unleash creativity, and shape resilient, adaptive, and innovative organizations for the future.

The Power of Placemaking: Driving Innovation & Collaboration

Innovation in life sciences is increasingly fuelled by ecosystems, where talent, research, and industry co-locate to share knowledge and resources. This theme explores how strategic placemaking and the development of innovation clusters are unlocking new opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, commercialization, and scientific advancement.

The Art of Placemaking: Powering Innovation

In the life sciences, innovation thrives where talent, ideas, and resources converge. Strategic placemaking—designing environments that bring together researchers, startups, academia, and industry—is key to accelerating breakthroughs. This session examines how research hubs and innovation districts can enable knowledge sharing, support early-stage and scaling companies, and align people, purpose, and place to drive long-term success.

Networking Break

Moderna’s Global HQ - Designing for What’s Next: The Future of Flexible Science Workplaces

In a time of rapid change in science and business, the workplace is no longer a static asset—it’s a dynamic tool for innovation. This session explores how NBBJ and Alexandria Real Estate Equities partnered to design Moderna’s HQ at 325 Binney Street. Hear how Moderna chose the site, how the building is performing today, and what lessons it offers for navigating shifting markets. From flexibility to resilience, the project provides insights relevant to any organization seeking to future-proof its workplace strategy.

AI, Data & Digital Transformation: Powering the Next Era of Life Sciences

A new wave of digital transformation is reshaping how life sciences and public health organizations harness data to drive discovery, accelerate development, and enhance decision-making. With advances in AI, machine learning, and automation, the potential to turn complex data into actionable insight is growing exponentially. As organizations modernize their digital infrastructure and workflows, leaders are leveraging these technologies to unlock innovation and gain a competitive edge.

Interactive Audience Discussion

Expert Panel: Redefining Workplace Success – Measuring Impact

This panel will explore strategies to break down silos, leverage data, and define new metrics of success that go beyond traditional workplace KPIs. Industry leaders will share perspectives on balancing innovation-driven design with human-centric workplace solutions, optimizing environments for both scientific discovery and employee well-being.

Unlocking Workplace Value: Making Data-Driven Strategy Work

Modernizing the Life Sciences Workplace for Compliance and Efficiency

How Workplace Food Tech is Elevating Employee Engagement

Audience Interaction

Networking Break

Interactive Audience Discussion & Benchmarking Survey Reveal

Talent, Purpose & The Mission Driven Workplace

In today’s competitive landscape, legacy reputation is no longer enough to attract and retain top life sciences talent. The next generation of innovators is seeking more than a job—they want purpose, impact, and alignment with mission. As the industry competes with tech and other high-growth sectors, how can leaders create environments that not only support scientific advancement but also foster a deep connection to organizational values and global health outcomes?

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces

Neurodiversity affects 1 in 5 people, yet many workplaces aren't designed with neuroinclusion in mind. With growing awareness of conditions like ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia, inclusive design is not only the right thing to do—it’s good business. Designing for heightened sensitivities benefits everyone, including neurotypical individuals. This session shares research and case studies from organisations embracing neuroinclusive workplace strategies to support diverse teams, improve employee experience, and foster greater engagement, wellbeing, and performance.

Networking Break

Panel Discussion - The Human Connection: Representing Patients in the Workplace to Engage Employees

Life sciences companies are transforming lives, but how often do employees see and feel the impact of their work? This panel will explore how featuring artwork by artists who experience the very diseases these companies are working to cure fosters a deeper connection between employees, patients, and company mission. Industry leaders will share how patient-centered art in the workplace strengthens purpose, inspires innovation, and humanizes the life sciences workplace by making the patient journey tangible and ever-present.

Knowledge Exchange: Insights, Reflections and Forward Thinking

As the day concludes, join us to reflect on key themes, insights, and takeaways from the conference. This interactive session will distil key learnings, spark discussion, and explore how the ideas presented can drive future action. Share your thoughts, gain fresh perspectives, and leave inspired to turn insights into impact.

Conference Closes

EVENT SPONSORS

Host Partner

  • BioMed Realty logo

Gold Plus Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

  • Vecos logo

Bronze Sponsor

Bespoke Sponsor

Supported By

  • WORKTECH-Academy