Name: Pharma industry leaders afterwork connect in Frankfurt
Start: 2026-09-23 16:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-23 21:00+02:00
Location: OutOfOffice

From concept to practice

How can Closed-Loop R&D concepts become reality?

Closed-Loop R&D (also known as lab-in-the-loop) is one of the most promising concepts for leveraging the power of AI to accelerate pharmaceutical & chemical research and development processes. But turning this vision into reality requires more than automating lab workflows or implementing AI models. It requires the right integration of laboratory IT and OT, data platforms, computational and predictive models and the people behind those – all aligned along a structured flow of data.

This exclusive afterwork event brings together decision-makers and senior professionals from R&D to discuss how Closed-Loop R&D concepts can be realized in practice: across teams, systems and disciplines.

The format is designed as a focused exchange with practical impulses and discussion. Short expert impulses from different perspectives will open up the conversation and create space for valuable peer exchange with rooftop view above Frankfurt skyline and foods and drinks.

Group of men standing and talking in a modern office space with ceiling lights and large windows

Why this topic matters

Many organizations already have valuable scientific data, powerful predictive models and initial lab automation initiatives. What is often still missing are the guiding architectural building blocks required to connect these elements into a continuous workflow – with data at the core and the human-in-the-loop.

To make Closed-Loop R&D work in practice, different stakeholders need to contribute:

Digital transformation leads
Lab scientists
Lab automation engineers
IT and platform teams
Data analysts
Computational scientists and AI specialists

Each of these groups faces its own challenges. No single team can solve this alone. Progress depends on cross-functional collaboration and a shared understanding of how laboratory processes, data architectures and AI capabilities come together. This event creates a space for exactly that exchange.

What to expect

The event combines concise expert impulses with open discussion and curated networking. The goal is to offer participants practical insights from industry-peers, cross-functional perspectives and relevant takeaways for their own organizations.

Topics include:

What Closed-Loop R&D means in practical terms for organizations
Where the biggest implementation barriers typically arise
How laboratory automation, data infrastructure and AI models and platforms need to work together
Which organizational interfaces matter most
What decision-makers should consider when shaping future lab and R&D environment

Who should attend?

This event is designed for senior professionals and decision-makers who are shaping the future of R&D and laboratory environments.

Including:

Heads of R&D
Heads of Laboratory Operations
Heads of Digital / Data / AI
Heads of Automation / Engineering
Leaders responsible for lab strategy, digital transformation or scientific platforms

Why attend?

This event is for those who want more than a high-level concept. It is for those who want to understand what Closed-Loop R&D requires in practice — and what it means for the future direction of R&D labs, data environments and AI-enabled research.

You can expect:

Practical perspectives instead of abstract theory
Exchange across functions and disciplines
Insights from real-world challenges and implementation thinking
Valuable conversations with peers facing similar questions

Speakers

Dr. Thomas Licher Head of Integrated Drug Discovery
Sanofi

Topic: Synthetic Molecules Design

Dr. Marc Siggel Head of Digital for Next Gen Drug Delivery
Merck KGaA

Topic: Digital Chemistry

Dr. David Heinz Senior Business Development Manager
ZEISS Digital Innovation

Topic: Blueprint IT architectures for closed-loop R&D process

Register now

Pharma & Chemical R&D industry leaders afterwork connect.

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Location and event format

Small group of people networking on the OutOfOffice rooftop terrace in Frankfurt at dusk, with string lights and the Frankfurt city skyline in the background. — OutOfOffice rooftop terrace in Frankfurt.

Pharma industry leaders afterwork connect

Wednesday, 23 September | 5:00 PM

ZEISS Digital Innovation invites you to an exclusive evening event in Frankfurt for selected guests, featuring short impulse talks with industry perspectives, a moderated discussion and exchange, and networking in an afterwork setting.

OutOfOffice
Geleitstraße 14,
60599 Frankfurt am Main
Germany