8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Registration & Networking Breakfast 

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Debbie Hart, President & CEO, BioNJ

 BE INFORMED

EDUCATIONAL TOPICS

9:15 a.m.– 10:00 a.m.

Opening Keynote: Beyond the Lab – Essential Skills for STEM Leadership and Impact

As scientific innovation accelerates, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Today's STEM leaders must navigate communication, influence, finance, public engagement and strategic decision-making. This session will explore the foundational skills that enable professionals to amplify their impact and lead meaningful change.

10:00 a.m.– 10:45 a.m.

Panel: How Science Gets Funded – Understanding the Financial Ecosystem Behind Innovation

From venture capital and angel investing to public funding and IPOs, scientific breakthroughs require investment to reach Patients. This session will demystify funding pathways and provide insight into how investment decisions are made.

Topics for Discussion:

• Venture capital, angel investing, and strategic partnerships
• Public vs. private funding models
• What investors look for when evaluating opportunities
• Fundraising lessons from biotech entrepreneurs
• Translating scientific value into business value
• Career opportunities at the intersection of science and finance

Panelists:

• Josh Barer, Managing Director, Astr Partners 
• Yidian Liu, Co-Founder & COO, PolyGone Systems
• Ariane Vasilatis, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder, Zena Therapeutics

10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Networking Break & Exhibitor Showcase

BE INVOLVED

INTERACTIVE TOPICS TO PROMOTE ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS/STEPS FOR ALL

11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Interactive Workshop: Telling the Story of Science

Effective communication is essential for building trust, advancing innovation and engaging diverse audiences. Participants will work through practical exercises on translating complex scientific concepts into compelling and accessible stories.

Table Discussion Themes:

• Communicating with non-scientific audiences
• Building trust in science
• Storytelling for leadership and influence
• Communicating innovation to investors and policymakers
• Media, public engagement and advocacy

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Introduction of Workshop / Table Discussion Topics

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch & Table Discussions/Workshop & Exhibitor Showcase

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Debrief on Table Discussions/Workshop

BE INSPIRED

INSIGHTS TO INSPIRE

1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Update on Women-Centered Research & Innovation

Explore the latest advances in women-centered research and innovation, highlighting emerging discoveries, evolving approaches and opportunities to address longstanding gaps in women’s health. Hear how researchers and industry leaders are driving progress toward more inclusive research, better health outcomes and a healthier future for women.

Speaker:

• Elizabeth Garner, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Sena Therapeutics

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Panel: Uncharted Paths – Unexpected Careers Making a Difference in STEM

Many of today's most impactful STEM careers are not found in traditional career maps. Hear inspiring stories from professionals who built successful careers in fields, such as market access, policy, entrepreneurship, corporate affairs, Patient advocacy, business development and innovation.

Topics for Discussion:

• Navigating non-linear career journeys
• Lessons learned from career pivots
• Building influence beyond your technical role
• The growing importance of cross-functional leadership

Panelists:

• Maureen Cruz, Ph.D., Principal, Faegre Drinker
• Shannon Wisniewski, Board Secretary, Executive Director, Business Development & Program Management, Starton Therapeutics

2:45 p.m.

Closing Remarks