An event at Discovery Park explores the intersection of pharmaceutical AI, automation and green chemistry on 14 October.
Discovery Park is announcing two keynote speakers for the event:
Thomas Balkizas, Senior Director R&D Industry Advisory, Healthcare and Life Sciences Industry, Microsoft
Through his experience leading Microsoft Discovery, an agentic AI platform for scientific research, Thomas works with pharma and biotech leaders across Europe on the shift from digital labs to agentic laboratories. Thomas will highlight how AI is transforming scientific discovery and R&D, with direct implications for clinical outcomes.
Steve Fussell, Senior Manager – High-Throughput Experimentation Lead in Chemical Research & Development, Asymchem
With over 20 years’ experience in pharmaceutical R&D, Steve has played a key role in bringing 11 commercial medicines to market. He will share valuable insights into how high-throughput experimentation and automation can reshape pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing. Attendees will also gain behind-the-scenes access to Asymchem’s laboratories and pilot plant during afternoon tours.
The day will be chaired by Abbie Kempe, Director of Research, Enterprise & Innovation Services at Canterbury Christ Church University. Speakers include leaders at Particology, Thermo Fisher Scientific, GSK, University of York, CatSci, Pistoia Alliance, Venner Shipley and AstraZeneca. View the full speaker line up here.
The event is organised by Discovery Park and sponsored by Asymchem, Particology, Venner Shipley and the IChemE Pharma Group.
Event details:
The Lab of the Future & Green Chemistry Innovation
Wednesday 14 October 2026, 10am–3pm
Lawrence Suite, Building 500, Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, CT13 9FF
Free to attend: View the full agenda and register your place here