Life Sciences Industry Awards 2026
From Discovery to Impact: Using Digital Innovation to Fast-Track Life Science Breakthroughs
28th Day Of May, 2026
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry
Overview
This panel discussion brings together senior leaders and influential voices from across the life science sector to explore key challenges, opportunities and future trends shaping the industry today.
Through an engaging and thought-provoking conversation, our panellists will share insights drawn from their professional experiences, offering practical perspectives and strategic thinking for those navigating leadership, innovation and change within the life science sector.
From Discovery to Impact: Using Digital Innovation to Fast-Track Life Science Breakthroughs
The discussion will focus on Digital Transformation in Life Sciences and examine its relevance in today’s evolving Life Sciences landscape. Panellists will consider how organisations and individuals can respond effectively to emerging demands, shifting expectations and long-term transformation across the sector.
Moderator
Ivan Yates
Radio and TV Broadcaster, Author, Businessman and Former Politician
Ivan Yates brings extensive experience and a strong track record of leading insightful industry conversations. With a deep understanding of the financial services landscape, they will guide the discussion and encourage a dynamic exchange of ideas among the panel.
Panellist
Brendan McGrath
Site Head & VP Manufacturing, WuXi Biologics Ireland Ltd
Brendan McGrath, the Site Head and VP of Manufacturing for WuXi Biologics Ireland. As the company’s very first employee in Ireland, he has been the driving force behind the landmark €700+ million investment in their state-of-the-art Dundalk facility which is the first CRDMO biologics facility in Ireland. A project that earned the prestigious ISPE Global Facility of the Year Award in 2023. An accomplished executive with a career spanning leadership roles at MSD, Schering-Plough, Organon and Motorola, he now leads a team of over 700 professionals, overseeing end-to-end operations for the world’s only open-access biologics technology platform. A graduate of NUI Galway and Dublin Business School, Brendan is not only a pioneer in biopharmaceutical manufacturing but also a leader in sustainability, having successfully eliminated Scope 1 and 2 emissions at the Dundalk site.
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Dr. Adrienne Fleming
Senior Lecturer in Science in the School of Chemical and BioPharmaceutical Sciences, Technological University Dublin
Dr. Adrienne Fleming. Adrienne is a Senior Lecturer at TU Dublin and the lead Coordinator for the National Pharmaceutical Education Centre. With a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and her current role as Vice-chair of the ISPE Irish Affiliate, she is a key collaborator for the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies.
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Evelyn O’Toole
Founder and CEO, Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS)
Evelyn O'Toole, the Founder and CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS). Since establishing CLS in 1994, she has grown the company into one of Ireland’s most highly accredited contract laboratory providers, supporting global industries like life sciences and semiconductors with HPRA and FDA-approved services. A former EY Industry Entrepreneur of the Year and Irish Tatler Business Woman of the Year, Evelyn is a recognized leader in transforming quality operations through Lean methodologies. Beyond her executive role, she serves on the board of the Irish Medtech Association and contributes her expertise as a judge for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year program.
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Peter Brogan
Operations Director , ABM
Peter is recognised as an operations expert with a particular focus on how digital transformation is reshaping facilities management in life sciences and other regulated industries. He is closely engaged in the frontline application of digital systems such as ABM Connect, supporting clients as they move towards more connected, data-led operations that improve productivity, streamline decision-making and enhance service performance. His expertise lies in helping organisations improve compliance confidence, reduce operational risk and build more resilient, audit ready environments through real-time visibility, predictive insights and digitised workflows.
VIEW MORESession Details
Time: 19:30 – 20:00
Duration: 30 minutes
Format: Moderated panel discussion
Key Talking Points
The panel will explore:
- Where is digital actually shortening the discovery cycle—not just promising to?
- What’s overhyped vs genuinely delivering results?
- Where do breakthroughs typically stall, and how can digital fix that?
- How are you connecting data across silos (R&D, clinical, manufacturing)?
- How do you ensure innovation translates into patient or commercial impact?
- What’s the biggest barrier: tech, culture, or regulation?
What You'll Gain
Attendees can expect to:
- Gain insights from experienced leaders across the finance sector
- Hear diverse perspectives on current and emerging industry issues
- Take away practical guidance to inform career and leadership decisions
- Engage with thought leadership from award-winning professionals
Partner Acknowledgement
This panel discussion is supported by ABM, a valued partner of the Life Science Industry Awards, committed to advancing excellence and inclusion across the life science industry.
Attend the Panel
Book now to attend this panel discussion as part of the Life Science Industry Awards programme, or explore the full event agenda to discover more conversations celebrating leadership, innovation and impact in finance.
BOOK YOUR SEAT
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