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 diverse 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 a representative from the Gates Foundation, who will share unique perspectives on “Innovation to Reshape Women’s Health Equity.” Our panel discussion, “ Representative Leadership Driving Innovation in Cambridge,” will include thought‑leading panelists such as Shaun Grady, Chair of AstraZeneca UK; Professor Charlotte Summers, University of Cambridge; and Emma Roffe, Oncology Country Head at Takeda.

During the lunch session, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in networking workshops and roundtable discussions, moderated by experienced life‑sciences coaches and leaders, focused on timely and relevant healthcare topics. Our final speaker lineup and confirmed agenda will be announced in due course.

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

Hear candid perspectives on their experiences from trailblazers across the healthcare industry, life
Meet professionals committed to advancing health access and Representative leadership
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: Opening Keynote Aradhana Sarin (AZ CFO and HBA Woman of the Year) a

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

12:15pm - 12:45pm: Keynote Speaker 2: Gates Foundation - How Innovation is reshaping Women Health's Equity

12:45pm - 13:45pm: Lunch and Networking workshops

13:45pm - 14:15pm: Keynote Speaker 3: TBC

14:15pm - 15:30pm: Panel Discussion 1: Representative Leadership driving Innovation in Cambridge

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

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

Additional Event Information

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

Dietary restrictions must be submitted by email in advance. Every effort will be made to communicate submitted requests to the venue or catering partner; however, accommodations cannot be guaranteed.Attendees are responsible for their dietary choices made prior to the event and while in attendance. Dietary restrictions not shared in advance may not be accommodated.

Featured Speakers

Mary Stutts
CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen's Association
Speaker

Aradhana Sarin
Group CFO and Executive Director, AstraZeneca
Speaker

Event Sponsor

Members receive up to 50 percent discount

Event Policies

Photography Policy
By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you may be photographed, videotaped, and/or audio-taped during the meeting and hereby give permission for your image, voice, or survey comments to be used in education, training, promotion, and/or trade and communications media by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association in any and all media throughout the world, without restriction as to frequency or duration of usage.

COVID-19 Policy
The HBA requires that all persons who participate in in-person events do so at their own risk and that each participant agrees to the following agreement before taking part in the activity and urges all participants to act in such a manner as to protect their own safety and the safety of others.

By registering for this event, I fully understand that my participation in the program is purely voluntary. I desire to participate and agree to act reasonably and prudently under the circumstances. I further understand that any HBA volunteers participating in the activity will act individually and will not represent the HBA. As a condition to my participation the activity, I waive and release the HBA and their officers, employees, and agents from any claim that I may have for any damage to property or injury to my person that may result in whole or in part from my participation.

Special Needs Policy
The HBA will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with special needs can enjoy all of its programs. Contact us if you require special accommodations for this event.