Agenda

1100–1145 Registration and refreshments
Level 2 Foyer
1145–1205 Welcome and overview
Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
AUD B&C
1205–1250 Keynote session
Chair: Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Ian Rees, MHRA
tbc
1255–1405 Networking lunch, exhibition review and poster session
Level 2 & Level 3 Foyer Areas
1405–1505 CMAC showcases (parallel sessions)
Conference Rooms 3, 4 & 5, Level 3
AUD A, Level 2
1505–1535 Networking break with exhibition review and poster session
Level 2 & Level 3 Foyer Areas
1535–1700 Accelerating impact
Chaired by Massimo Bresciani (CMAC), this session will demonstrate how CMAC is helping partners turn cutting-edge research into real competitive advantage.
This collaborative session unites our academic and industry partners to showcase recent progress in Core projects, share success stories and spotlight the latest advancements in regulatory innovation.
AUD B&C
Chair: Massimo Bresciani, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Industry Overview
Sophie Martin, Sanofi
Building Predictive Frameworks for Continuous Direct Compression: From Material Characterisation to Process Robustness
Billy Hicks, AstraZeneca & Dr Bilal Ahmed, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Translating a Scale-up Framework for Spherical Agglomeration from Lab to Pilot Plant
Dr Kevin Girard, Pfizer & Dr Thomas Pickles, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Automated Model Based Design of Experiments for Crystallisation Processes: an industry and academic insight
Marie Ward, GSK
tbc
1700–1705 Wrap-up Day 1
Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
AUD B&C
1705–1855 Poster session with drinks reception
Level 3 Foyer
- 17:10-17:45 Odd numbered posters
- 17:45-18:20 Even numbered posters
- 18:25-18:50 All posters
1915–2300 Networking drinks and buffet
The Collector’s Hall, George Street, Glasgow
0815–0900 Registration and refreshments
Level 2 Foyer
0900–0910 Welcome and overview
Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
AUD B&C
0910–1025 Sustainable medicines manufacturing research
In this session, chaired by Prof Amparo Galindo ( Imperial College London), we explore cutting-edge approaches to greener, smarter and sustainable medicines manufacturing.
Highlights include insights on Quality by Digital Design workflows, innovations in data-driven synthesis and nanomedicine development, followed by CMAC flash presentations showcasing emerging research.
AUD B&C
Chair: Prof Amparo Galindo, Imperial College London
Dr Ian Houson & Dr Murray Robertson, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Quantifying the benefits of a Quality by Digital Design workflow
Dr Roisin O’Connell, CMAC, University of Leeds
An Autonomous Flow Reactor for Synthesis and Optimisation of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Prof Clare Hoskins, University of Strathclyde
The big impact of small in pancreatic cancer
Flash presentations
Dr Hikaru Jolliffe, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
User-friendly model-based experimental design via user interfaces in the crystallisation screening data factory
Dr Diego Alvarado, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
PharmaCrystNet: Improving the predictive capabilities of crystallisation models in the pharmaceutical industry
Dr Daniel Powell, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Resolving release mechanisms of amorphous solid dispersions using optical coherence tomography
Dr Mariam Siddique, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Polymer-assisted spherical agglomeration of benzoic acid: process development and scale-up
Mingrui Ma, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Accelerating the Formulation Development for Pharmaceutical Tablets via Automated Sessile Drop Testing
Ishwari Wale, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
A mechanistic approach to understanding punch sticking in direct compression
1025–1055 Networking break with exhibition review and poster session
Level 2 & Level 3 Foyer Areas
- 10.30 - 10.50 Even numbered posters
1055–1155 CMAC showcases (parallel sessions)
Conference Rooms 3, 4 & 5, Level 3
AUD A, Level 2
1155–1255 Networking lunch, exhibition review and poster session
Level 2 & Level 3 Foyer Areas
- 12.05 - 12.55 Odd numbered posters
1255–1410 Lab of the Future
Chaired by Prof Paul Chapman (Glasgow School of Art), this session takes a bold look at the next generation of research environments and capabilities.
Discover how investments in new modalities are paving the way for future medicines, and explore the transformative power of knowledge graphs and digital frameworks in streamlining workflows. The session wraps up with dynamic flash presentations showcasing cutting-edge ideas and emerging technologies set to shape the Lab of the Future.
AUD B&C
Chair: Prof Paul Chapman, Glasgow School of Art
Prof Craig Jamieson, University of Strathclyde
Development of new modalities capabilities – investing in medicines of the future
Dr Tabbasum Naz, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Knowledge Graph-Based Semantic Data Fabric for CMC
Dr Jenna Johnston, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
The Crystallisation Screening DataFactory - An Autonomous Solution to Crystallisation Problems
Rufus Logan, University of Strathclyde
Presentation title – Strathclyde's Sustainability Strategy: tackling the environmental impacts of our science and research activities
Flash presentations
Muhammad Ahmad Saleem, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
A Digital CMC Sandbox: Developing a Non-competitive Space for the Evaluation of Digital Tools Across Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC)
Dr Humera Siddique, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Integrated digital workflow for crystallisation development: coupling hybrid modelling, process analytics, and predictive control
Harrison Fraser, CMAC, Imperial College London
Crystallisation work-up optimisation: systematic exploration of flowsheet alternatives
Dr Michael Devlin, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Presentation title – Amorphous Screening CMC DataFactory
1410–1440 Networking break with exhibition review and poster session
Level 2 & Level 3 Foyer Areas
1440–1630 CMAC lab tours
1630–1715 Keynote presentation
AUD B&C
Chair: Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Paul Forsyth, NHS Golden Jubilee
Poly-pills in cardiology: the past, the present, and the future
1715–1720 CMAC Data Lab Launch & Wrap-up – Day 2
Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
AUD B&C
1900–0000 15th anniversary dinner and ceilidh
Civic drinks reception hosted by the Lord Provost and Glasgow City Council
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
0900–0930 Registration and refreshments with breakfast rolls
Level 2 Foyer
0930–0935 Welcome and overview
Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
AUD B&C
0935–1020 Keynote presentation
AUD B&C
Chair: Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Prof Liz Bacon, Abertay University
From Tools to Coworkers: Navigating the Next Wave of Intelligent Systems
1020–1120 Panel Session: Bridging Lab-Scale Innovation and Industrial-Scale Impact
AUD B&C
Panel Chair: Massimo Bresciani, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Panel Members:
- Dia Banerji, Cherpa
- Dr James Berwick, ELDICO Scientific
- Dr James Mann, AstraZeneca
- Ella Dehghani, PwC
- Dr Janita Good, Fieldfisher London LLP
1120–1150 Networking break with exhibition review
Level 2 & Level 3 Foyer Areas
1150–1300 Empowering tomorrow: shaping the leaders for an Industry 5.0 future
AUD B&C
Chair: Dr Catriona Clark, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Prof Nik Willoughby – RESILIENCE
RESILIENCE for a Resilient Workforce of the Future
Joe Camden, Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Industry Skills Accelerator: Addressing skill needs with apprenticeships
Prof Morten Lindow, University of Copenhagen
People, Data and Drugs. Initiatives and challenges to increase data literacy in Danish PharmaSchools
Flash Presentations by:
Shannon Carr, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
CMAC SkillsFactory
Dr Natalie Maclean, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
CEDAR CDT: Training Cyber-Physical Leaders for Industry 5.0
Dr Chantal Mustoe, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Digital CMC CERSI Training for Industry, Regulators and Academia
Dr Mohammad Salehian, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
Building Digitally Competent Leaders: CMAC's Recipe for Digital Operations Excellence
1300–1400 Networking lunch with exhibition review
Level 2 & Level 3 Foyer Areas
1400–1410 Principal’s Remarks
Prof Stephen McArthur, Principal, University of Strathclyde
AUD B&C
1410–1440 Prize giving and closing remarks
Prof Alastair Florence, CMAC, University of Strathclyde
AUD B&C
1440–1500 Comfort break
1500–1630 CMAC lab tours

Download Agenda

Keynote speakers

A man with a bald head, glasses, and a beard smiling, wearing a light blue collared shirt, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

A middle-aged woman with blonde hair, wearing a dark blazer over a white blouse, standing in an office or technology workspace with computers and monitors in the background.

Paul Forsyth

Consultant Pharmacist in Cardiology. NHS Golden Jubilee

Paul is Consultant Pharmacist in Cardiology, with his time split between NHS Golden Jubilee (80%) and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (20%). His main academic interests are heart failure, coronary heart disease, primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, population health, and pharmacist advanced practice. He has authored >60 peer-reviewed publications and two textbook chapters. He has also been part of successful research grants from public, charity, and pharmaceutical company funders.

Professor Liz Bacon

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University

Professor Liz Bacon FRSE, CEng, CSci, CITP, FBCS, FIScT is Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University and a Professor of Computer Science with a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a National Teaching Fellow, and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is a past President of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, and EQANIE (European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education), a past Trustee and Director of Bletchley Park Trust, and a past Chair of CPHC (Council of Professors and Heads of Computing) Committee, and in 2015 was voted the 35th Most Influential Woman in UK IT. Professor Bacon is a worldwide speaker on a range of topics such as the fourth industrial revolution and improving diversity and participation in STEM, particularly among women and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A man with gray hair wearing a white shirt and a purple tie with a circular pattern, standing in front of green foliage with a few butterflies.

Ian Rees

Assessor, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

Ian joined the MHRA as a GMP inspector in 2001, before this he was an inspector with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and before that he helped create a startup biopharmaceutical firm during which time it was authorised by US FDA and MHRA’s predecessor, the MCA.

In 2004, Ian became a manager responsible for the London based team of GMP inspectors, he was promoted to Expert GMP Inspector in 2006 and Unit Manager Inspectorate Strategy and Innovation in 2014 managing a team of Expert GXP Inspectors.

Between 2008 and 2015, Ian was MHRA’s representative on the EMA’s GMDP Inspectors Working Group and also chaired the EMA/HMA Joint Audit Programme, the programme that assures consistency of GMP inspections throughout Europe. Ian was also one of the MHRA’s representative at EU Blood Authority Meetings.

Ian was part of the team that created MHRA’s Innovation Office in 2013 to provide regulatory advice to organisations developing innovative processes or novel manufacturing processes. In 2014 Ian was part of the team that created the UK cross regulatory ‘One Stop Shop’ to provide regulatory advice on ATMPs. Based on enquiries received by MHRA, Ian led MHRA’s work in developing the new regulatory framework for decentralised manufacture. Although he retired from MHRA in March 2023 he has since rejoined MHRA on a part-time basis to help complete the development of this new regulatory framework. On January 23rd 2025 the legislation (SI 2025 87) was signed into UK law and guidance documents were published on 10 June ahead of the legislation coming into effect 23rd July 2025.