HBA CAMBRIDGE PRESENTS

Empowering Change in Healthcare: HBA Cambridge Innovation Leadership Forum

On 21st May 2026, join HBA Cambridge and leaders from across Cambridge and the UK for an inspiring, thought-provoking forum exploring how innovation, collaboration, and representative leadership are redefining the life sciences. The event will take place at Homerton College from 9:45 AM to 5:00 PM.

Immerse yourself in the energy of a full day event that reflects the dynamic and innovative spirit of Cambridge and the UK’s healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences leadership community. The event will feature:

• Keynotes, panels, and interactive sessions that explore Cambridges unique innovation ecosystem and how leadership accelerates real-world impact.
• Engaging workshops and leadership conversations designed to translate insight into action
• Curated networking opportunities to connect ideas, collaborators, and opportunities

 
Be part of a day that reflects the bold, collaborative spirit of Cambridge and the UK’s healthcare and life sciences community—helping move the industry forward and empower meaningful change in healthcare.

We are honored to have Mary Stutts, HBA CEO, alongside Aradhana Sarin (AstraZeneca CFO and HBA Woman of the Year), as well as a distinguished group of leaders from across academia, industry, and the British healthcare ecosystem. Together, they will share powerful perspectives on leadership, innovation, and transformation, offering insights into how distinct leadership approaches can shape the future of healthcare and create lasting impact.

The event will also feature Maike Scharp, Deputy Director, Diagnostics, at the Gates Foundation, who will share unique perspectives on “Innovation to Reshape Women’s Health Equity” and Harriet Fear, MBE, Founder Director HFA Ltd delivering a keynote titled “The Spirit of Cambridge: how to navigate the ecosystem and make an impact”. Our panel discussion, “Representative Leadership Driving Innovation in Cambridge,” will include thought leading panellists such as   Charlotte Summers, Professor of Intensive Care Medicine, University of Cambridge; Emma Roffe, Oncology Country Head at Takeda; Jason Mellad, CEO and founder of OtoImmune; Tanya Moore, Investment Principal at Cancer Research Horizon; Alison Jones, Senior Science Director at Charles River and Shaun Grady, Chair UK, AstraZeneca as panel moderator.

During the lunch session, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the “Circle Effect” networking sessions, moderated by experienced life sciences coaches and pharma leaders. The name of the moderators alongside the workshop title are listed below:

• Victoria Higgins, Executive Coach and Founder of Beyond the Noise. Workshop Title: What if you Believed you Could?
• Nathalie Cordell, Accredited Psycho-Spiritual Coach. Workshop Title: Why Does Achievement Never Feel Enough
• Paula Bekinschtein, Founder & CEO CONEXEN/WalkBek Consult. Workshop Title: The Hidden Leadership Accelerator: Activating Networks for Success
• Sarah Mardle, Executive Coach and Business Transformation Consultant. Workshop Title: Connections That Move You Forward 
• Susan Heaton-Wright, CEO, SuperStar Communicator; Professional Speaker and Author. Workshop Title: How to Self-Promote with Impact and Influence.

Five sessions. One opportunity. Choose wisely. A form with more information and the possibility to select the preferred session will be sent via e-mail to attendees ahead of the event day.

If you’re considering getting more involved with HBA or becoming a member, this event is the perfect place to start. Tickets and memberships can be purchased together, and we can’t wait to welcome you.

Learning Objectives

1. Hear candid perspectives on their experiences from trailblazers across the healthcare industry, life
2. Meet professionals committed to advancing health access and Representative leadership
3. Grow your network with curated networking designed for meaningful follow-ups.

Full Agenda

9:45am - 10:30am: Registration and light refreshment

10:30am - 10:45am: Welcome & HBA Cambridge Journey by HBA Leads

10:45am - 11:00am: Opening Remarks by HBA CEO, Mary Stutts

11:00am - 11:45am: In Conversation with Aradhana Sarin (AZ CFO and HBA Woman of the Year). Chairperson: Mary Stutts

11:45am - 12:15pm: Coffee Break and networking

12:15pm - 12:45pm: Maike Scharp (Gates Foundation); How Innovation is reshaping Women Health's Equity

12:45pm - 13:45pm: Lunch and the “Circle Effect” networking sessions

13:45pm - 14:15pm: Harriet Fear, MBE, (Founder Director HFA Ltd); The Spirit of Cambridge: how to navigate the ecosystem and make an impact

14:15pm - 15:30pm: Panel Discussion: Representative Leadership driving Innovation in Cambridge; Shaun Grady (Chair of AstraZeneca UK); Charlotte Summers (Professor, University of Cambridge); Emma Roffe (Oncology Country Head, Takeda); Jason Mellad (CEO & Founder, Otoimmune); Tanya Moore (Investment Principal, Cancer Research Horizon); Alison Jones (Senior Science Director at Charles River)

15:30pm - 16:00pm: Closing Remark (Mary Stutts + HBA Cambridge)

16:00pm - 17:00pm: Drinks and Networking

Additional Event Information

• More information about parking, transportation and selection of the sessions will be sent via e-mail to attendees ahead of the event day.
• Online registration deadline: 20 May 2026
• Event is open to: HBA Members and Non-members
• This event is not refundable.
• Onsite (walk -in) registration: Is Not Allowed