2025 Pre-Conference Workshops—2026 Coming Soon!

Bio-IT World is pleased to offer morning and afternoon pre-conference workshops on Monday, April 2. They are designed to be instructional, interactive and provide in-depth information on a specific topic. They allow for one-on-one interaction and provide a great way to explain more technical aspects that would otherwise not be covered during the main conference tracks that take place Thursday-Friday.

  • Engage directly with industry experts and thought leaders.

  • Apply new methodologies in interactive, small-group settings.

  • Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and technologies shaping the future of life sciences.

Separate registration required.


Wednesday, April 2, 2025  9:00 - 12:00 pm

W1: FAIRification Lab—Applying FAIR Principles to Enhance Data Stewardship

Detailed Agenda
This hands-on workshop provides an interactive exploration of the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data landscape, with a focus on real-world applications. During the session, three expert speakers from prominent data stewardship projects will share their experiences and insights into how FAIR principles are being applied. Following the presentations, attendees will break into small groups for a practical “FAIRification” exercise, working with provided datasets to apply FAIR principles and gain a deeper understanding of the process.
Munazah Andrabi, PhD, Data & Community Manager, The University of Manchester
Ishwar Chandramouliswaran, Program Director, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH
Andrew Hasley, PhD, Program Analyst, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH
Vassilios Ioannidis, PhD, Team Lead FAIR Data Management Unit, Vital-IT, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Nick Juty, PhD, Senior Research Technology Manager, eScience Lab, University of Manchester
Nick Lynch, PhD, Founder & CTO, Curlew Research; Member, FAIRplus Consortium
Giovanni Nisato, PhD, Consultant, Project Manager FAIR implementation, Pistoia Alliance
Susanna-Assunta Sansone, PhD, Professor of Data Readiness, Department of Engineering Science; Academic Lead for Research Practice, University of Oxford
David Tanenbaum, PhD, Director, Health and Society Innovation Center, MITRE
9:00 am

FAIRification Lab—Applying FAIR Principles to Enhance Data Stewardship

Munazah Andrabi, PhD, Data & Community Manager, The University of Manchester

Ishwar Chandramouliswaran, Program Director, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH

Andrew Hasley, PhD, Program Analyst, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH

Vassilios Ioannidis, PhD, Team Lead FAIR Data Management Unit, Vital-IT, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics

Nick Juty, PhD, Senior Research Technology Manager, eScience Lab, University of Manchester

Nick Lynch, PhD, Founder & CTO, Curlew Research; Member, FAIRplus Consortium

Giovanni Nisato, PhD, Consultant, Project Manager FAIR implementation, Pistoia Alliance

Susanna-Assunta Sansone, PhD, Professor of Data Readiness, Department of Engineering Science; Academic Lead for Research Practice, University of Oxford

David Tanenbaum, PhD, Director, Health and Society Innovation Center, MITRE


GOALS:
The workshop will expose participants to best practices and guidelines to make data FAIR and walk them through step-by-step recipes to make research data findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.

OUTCOMES:
Participants will get hands-on experience of FAIR planning and adoption using example research datasets. Working in groups, participants will be able to experience the FAIRification journey and ask questions of the FAIR community experts. Participants will leave with an understanding of the FAIR framework, ability to conduct a FAIR assessment, and tools to improve the FAIRness of their research data.

AUDIENCE and PREREQUISITES:
The workshop will serve those seeking to deliver value from data management best practices at all stages of their "FAIRification" journey. No prerequisites necessary to register for this workshop.


AGENDA:

9:00 am Organizer's Welcome Remarks

9:05 am Chairperson's Remarks
Ishwar Chandramouliswaran, Program Director, Office of Data Science Strategy, NIH
Nick Lynch, PhD, Founder & CTO, Curlew Research; Member, FAIRplus Consortium

9:15 am Short/Lightning Talks—Part 1

  • Short Talk 1: FAIR Assessment—Overview of Community Activities
    Susanna-Assunta Sansone, PhD, Professor of Data Readiness, Department of Engineering Science; Academic Lead for Research Practice, University of Oxford
  • Short Talk 2: Pistoia Alliance's FAIR Maturity Matrix
    Giovanni Nisato, PhD, Consultant, Project Manager FAIR implementation, Pistoia Alliance

At any given time, organizations are at varying stages of their FAIR implementation journeys, making it challenging to benchmark the level of FAIRness achieved. While several FAIR data maturity models and metrics exist, until recently, there was no comprehensive maturity assessment model tailored for implementing FAIR data principles at the organizational level in life sciences. To address this gap, the Pistoia Alliance FAIR Implementation Project developed the FAIR Maturity Matrix, a framework collaboratively designed by over 20 experts from leading pharmaceutical and life science organizations, as well as consultancies.

The matrix identifies seven dimensions critical to FAIR implementation: Data, Leadership, Strategy, Roles, Processes, Knowledge, Tools, and Infrastructure. These dimensions are complementary rather than hierarchical, ensuring flexibility in application. The model defines six maturity levels:
  • 0: Life is unFAIR: Lack of awareness.
  • 1: Started the FAIR journey: Awareness initiated.
  • 2: Getting FAIR: Pilot implementations underway.
  • 3: Pretty FAIR: Transitioning to good and best practices.
  • 4: Really FAIR: Reflecting best industry practices to date.
  • 5: FAIRest of them all: Aspirational goals yet to be realized.
Descriptive rather than prescriptive, the FAIR Maturity Matrix equips stakeholders with a consistent framework to assess, qualify, and measure organizational progress. It supports effective management of advancements toward FAIR compliance, enables benchmarking both across organizations and within internal departments, and fosters a shared understanding of FAIR maturity. The first version of the FAIR Maturity Matrix was released in March 2024 and is accessible at fairmm.pistoiaalliance.org.

 

  • Short Talk 3: FAIRification Journey Using the FAIRification Framework
    Nick Juty, PhD, Senior Research Technology Manager, eScience Lab, University of Manchester
  • Short Talk 4: RDMKit
    Munazah Andrabi, PhD, Data & Community Manager, The University of Manchester
  • Short Talk 5: FAIR CookBook
    Vassilios Ioannidis, PhD, Team Lead FAIR Data Management Unit, Vital-IT, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics

10:15 am Networking Coffee Break

10:30 am Group Activity—Part 2
Activity Supporters: Navjot Juty, Munaza Andrabi, Vassilios Ioannidis, David Tanenbaum, and Andrew Hasley

Part 2 begins with a brief overview of instructions for the activity, followed by a break to facilitate group formation and discussions. Participants will then engage in a hands-on collaborative session of FAIRification group work, applying best practices to real-world data scenarios. Afterward, a break allows teams to come back together and prepare for report-outs. The workshop concludes with a dynamic session where groups present their findings and engage in open discussions, fostering knowledge exchange and actionable insights.

11:55 am Closing Remarks

12:00 pm End of Workshop


INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Experienced Community and Data Manager, leading significant data management initiatives for ELIXIR and serving on the management and steering committees of the ELIXIR-UK node. As a leading editor of RDMkit, the ELIXIR data management toolkit for best practices in life sciences, I’m actively involved with the content creation process and editorial responsibilities, ensuring high-quality of data management content. Co-lead of the ELIXIR Research Data Management (RDM) community, fostering and facilitating the usage of the data management resources to promote the application of FAIR principles. Community lead on the ELIXR Training eSupport System (TeSS), a training platform developed to provide a one-stop shop for trainers and trainees to discover online content. In addition, I’m responsible for the product management and community development of the data management platform, FAIRDOM-SEEK, handling its major users spread across the world. With a Ph.D. in bioinformatics from Japan and extensive experience working in different countries and cultures, I engage with a wide range of stakeholders in the field of life sciences.

Ishwar Chandramouliswaran is a Program Director and technical lead for the strategy, planning, coordination and oversight of establishing a FAIR data ecosystem at the NIH Office of Director, Office of Data Science Strategy (ODSS).

Dr. Andrew Hasley works for Covalent Solutions LLC and serves as a program analyst on the FAIR Data & Resources team in the NIH Office of Data Science Strategy. He works on the strategy, planning, and oversight of establishing a FAIR data and repository ecosystem.

As a Lead Computational Biologist with deep expertise in FAIR data management, I head the FAIR Data Management Unit at Vital-IT/SIB, advancing best practices in Research Data Management (RDM), FAIR principles, and Open Science. I actively contribute to both national and international initiatives, leading and co-leading work packages that drive sustainable and interoperable data management strategies. Additionally, I serve as co-lead of the FAIR Cookbook editorial board, helping to develop accessible guidance that empowers researchers in effective Data Stewardship.

Nick Juty is a Senior Research Technical Manager in the eScience Lab, based in the Department of Computer Science at The University of Manchester. He is involved in numerous EU projects relating to aspects of FAIR and interoperability, particularly with respect to identifier systems and metadata. Nick previously worked at EMBL-EBI where he helped create the identifiers.org identifier resolution system. Nick holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Southampton.

Dr. Lynch has over 25 years’ experience in Data science & Informatics in various start-ups and biopharma. He is interested in making data more accessible for better analysis, and established Curlew Research in 2014, working with pharma/biotech and life science informatics/data science companies.

Giovanni Nisato is a Pistoia Alliance Associate where he currently manages the FAIR implementation project. Giovanni works as a consultant for bio-pharmaceutical organizations, innovation networks and digital health start-ups. He has 25 years’ experience in collaborative innovations in international settings across diverse industries. Affiliate professor at the Grenoble School of Management’s Biopharma Program, Giovanni holds a PhD in physics and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP/PMI).

Since 2001, Susanna operates in the area of data interoperability, research integrity, and the evolution of scholarly publishing, working with and for researchers, service providers, journal publishers, library science experts, funders, and learned societies in the academic as well as in the commercial and governmental setting. With her Data Readiness Group (https://datareadiness.eng.ox.ac.uk), at the University of Oxford, she: (i) enables science by investigating and implementing methods, standards and tools to improve data curation and publication; (ii) influences data policies by leading and promoting guiding principles for data management and stewardship to support data reuse; (iii) prepares the new generation of scientists by creating and delivering educational material, to address the glaring lack of courses in these specialized subjects. An author of the FAIR Principles, Susanna has initiated and participated in a variety of community activities across disciplines, including: founder of the Nature's Scientific Data journal, member of several Boards of Directors (e.g. Dryad, Centre of Open Science) and formal standardization groups (e.g. ISO TC/276, EOSC FAIR Metrics and Data Quality Task Force). In the context of ELIXIR, she a co-lead of the ELIXIR Interoperability Platform (https://elixir-europe.org/platforms/interoperability).

Dr. David Tanenbaum, Director of the Health and Society Innovation Center at MITRE, supports the NIH ODSS Data Management Center of Excellence.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025  8:30 - 1:00 pm

W2: Foundations of Quantum Computing in Drug Discovery

Detailed Agenda
Quantum computing is poised to revolutionize drug discovery by accelerating computations and unlocking new possibilities for pharmaceutical innovation. In this workshop, participants will gain a foundational understanding of quantum computing principles and explore its transformative potential for solving complex challenges in drug discovery. Industry leaders will share early-stage case studies showcasing how quantum computing is being applied today, providing attendees with the knowledge to engage with this rapidly evolving field. A panel discussion will explore areas in more detail, followed by a guided brain walk, where attendees may apply workshop insights directly to their career development. The session will conclude with a tour of MIT's Center for Quantum Engineering.
Christopher Bishop, Chief Reinvention Officer, Improvising Careers
Thomas Ehmer, PhD, Business Technologies R&D Science and Technology - Innovation Incubator, Merck Group
Olivier Ezratty, author, researcher, cofounder, EPITA, Quantum Energy Initiative
Andrei Petrenko, Head of Product, Quantum Circuits, Inc.
Juliette Peyronnet, US General Manager, Alice & Bob USA, Inc.
Raffaele Santagati, PhD, Quantum Computing Scientist, Boehringer Ingelheim
Holly Stemp, Postdoctoral Researcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Gabriela Cimpan, PhD, Partner Manager, Quantinuum
Sara Dolcetti, Vice President of Business Development, Qubit Pharmaceuticals
Johannes Galatsanos-Dueck, Researcher, Initiative on the Digital Economy (IDE) and the Center for Quantum Networks, MIT; Co-Founder, CEO, Diffraqtion
Holly Stemp, Postdoctoral Researcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Huafeng Xu, PhD, CEO, Atommap Corporation
8:30 am

Drug Design and Quantum Computers

Christopher Bishop, Chief Reinvention Officer, Improvising Careers

Thomas Ehmer, PhD, Business Technologies R&D Science and Technology - Innovation Incubator, Merck Group

Olivier Ezratty, author, researcher, cofounder, EPITA, Quantum Energy Initiative

Andrei Petrenko, Head of Product, Quantum Circuits, Inc.

Juliette Peyronnet, US General Manager, Alice & Bob USA, Inc.

Raffaele Santagati, PhD, Quantum Computing Scientist, Boehringer Ingelheim

Holly Stemp, Postdoctoral Researcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The current limitations of classical computing methods inaccurately describing quantum systems hinder the application of quantum chemistry to drug design. More precise computations could replace many labor-intensive experiments. Quantum computations could offer key insights into chemical systems, justifying high computational costs in an industrial setting. However, to significantly impact the pharmaceutical industry, quantum computers must address a broader set of problems, including those involving large protein structures.  Significant advancements in hardware and quantum algorithms have reduced computational costs over the years, sparking optimism for the future use of quantum computing in quantum chemistry. However, harnessing the full potential of quantum computing in the pharmaceutical industry requires further improvements in hardware and novel algorithms. We will discuss these challenges and several routes to achieve these goals and address these challenges. Open research integrating academia and industry will help make quantum computing an essential tool for designing better drugs faster.

10:45 am

Advanced Applications and Roadmap for Quantum Computing in Pharma

Gabriela Cimpan, PhD, Partner Manager, Quantinuum

Sara Dolcetti, Vice President of Business Development, Qubit Pharmaceuticals

Johannes Galatsanos-Dueck, Researcher, Initiative on the Digital Economy (IDE) and the Center for Quantum Networks, MIT; Co-Founder, CEO, Diffraqtion

Holly Stemp, Postdoctoral Researcher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Huafeng Xu, PhD, CEO, Atommap Corporation

In this session on Quantum Computing, attendees with build on the foundational concepts introduced in the morning workshop, to explore real-world case studies from industry leaders in quantum computing innovation and pharma. The session concludes with an interactive roundtable discussion on the future roadmap, offering participants insight into the next generation of quantum-driven drug development. This workshop is Part 2 of a two-part workshop series. After this session, attendees are welcome to attend a guided tour of the MIT Center for Quantum Engineering. Sign up will be available after registration.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

I describe myself as a nonlinear multimodal careerist - I have had 8 so far - from touring rock musician in the 70s to 15 years at IBM - and with several others along the way. My most recent career finds me engaged as a deep tech MC for various quantum events in Silicon Valley, Montreal, Washington, D.C, New York, London and Singapore. I also host the Quantum Tech Pod where I have interviewed over 55 senior execs at leading quantum companies.I am also passionate about helping people reinvent themselves and prepare for the future of work - focusing on career guidance and life design skills. Based on how I successfully navigated my own atypical career path, I have developed a Future Career Toolkit designed to enable learners to be successful when pursuing their own nonlinear, multimodal career path. I conduct workshops titled "How to succeed at jobs that don't exist yet" using the toolkit to excite and empower students at universities as well as in Millennial/GenZ workplaces. With over 14 years of experience as a chief reinvention officer at improvising careers, I help learners of all ages and stages prepare for the 21st century's global borderless workplace.

Thomas Ehmer is a seasoned technology strategist with over two decades of experience in IT innovation, business development, and R&D within the pharmaceutical industry and co-founder of the Quantum Interest Group in the company. He currently is in the Sector Data Office - AI Governance and Innovation Incubator at Merck Group, Merck Healthcare, where he scouts emerging and disruptive technologies, demonstrating their potential value for R&D applications with a focus on quantum technologies. Throughout his career at Merck, Thomas has played a pivotal role in shaping IT strategy, business process optimization, and digital transformation across the entire pharmaceutical value chain, currently focussing on transparent AI and how and where emerging technology can help patients live a better life. His expertise spans technology scouting, business analysis, and IT program leadership, having successfully driven major global projects. Beyond his corporate career, Thomas is an active private seed investor and has contributed to quantum computing research and applications in drug discovery, authoring publications on the potential of quantum computing and machine learning in pharmaceutical R&D. He holds a PhD in Physics, Biophysics, and Physiology from Heidelberg University and continues to mentor within the Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft (DPG). His forward-thinking approach, combined with deep technical expertise, has earned him multiple innovation awards, and he remains dedicated to bridging the gap between emerging technologies and real-world industry applications.

Olivier Ezratty is a freelance quantum engineer, author, trainer, teacher and researcher, mostly known for “Understanding Quantum Technologies”, his comprehensive open-source book on quantum technologies (September 2024, 7th edition, 1,554 pages). He is a teacher and lecturer on quantum and classical technologies at EPITA, CentraleSupelec, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay, and other Universities. He works for a diverse set of government institutions and industry organizations, as a referent expert for Bpifrance, Agence Nationale de Recherche (France) and the European Commission. He is also one of the cofounders of the Quantum Energy Initiative.

Andrei Petrenko spearheads the product strategy at Quantum Circuits with a keen focus on fostering a strong customer ecosystem and user experience with the company’s unique, differentiable features. He has nearly 15 years of experience in quantum computing across industry and academia. His background is in quantum hardware, and he received his Ph.D. from Yale University in the lab of Professor Rob Schoelkopf, focusing on quantum error correction. As one of the first employees of Quantum Circuits, Andrei built key areas of the company’s product and software stack. He was instrumental in defining the hardware roadmap. Over time, this has led to successful engagements with key external partners, full-stack cloud deployments of Quantum Circuits’ cloud services, and control system deployments with cutting-edge features. Andrei speaks regularly as an industry expert, providing Quantum Circuits with a public voice to convey its novel superconducting architecture to science and commercial audiences. Andrei loves to spend time with his family and friends around a campfire in New Hampshire and teaching his kids how to do a cannonball at the local pool.