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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260416T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260416T170000
DTSTAMP:20260411T042716
CREATED:20260318T145734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T180156Z
UID:33493-1776340800-1776358800@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:AI\, Democracy & Digital Rights Forum
DESCRIPTION:AI\, Democracy & Digital Rights Forum\, \nan EU Hub Ontario Initiative\nThe AI\, Democracy & Digital Rights Forum is a half-day event convened under the European Union Hub in Ontario initiative and organized by the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)\, in partnership with The Dais\, OCAD University\, and others. \nTaking place on April 16\, 2026\, at the Université de l’Ontario français in Toronto\, the Forum will bring together policymakers\, researchers\, industry leaders\, civil-society organizations\, and international partners to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence\, democracy\, and digital rights. \nThe event marks an exciting new chapter in the EU’s presence in Ontario. It offers a unique platform for exchanging Canadian and European perspectives in the context of the EU–Canada Digital Partnership Council. Together\, participants will explore ways to strengthen democratic institutions\, promote civic participation\, and advance trusted digital innovation in bilateral cooperation. Discussions will foster cross-sector dialogue between European and Canadian stakeholders on how to advance collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital technologies while safeguarding ethical\, legal\, and human-rights standards. \nTopics\, among others\, will include: \n\nEthical\, social\, and legal dimensions of digital governance\nEU–Canada approaches to AI regulation and innovation\nDigital rights\, data governance\, and public trust\nThe role of industry\, civil society\, and youth in shaping the digital future\nResponsible AI adoption across the economy and society\n\nThe Forum will feature panel discussions\, policy dialogue\, and networking opportunities as part of the broader DemocracyXChange 2026 Summit in Toronto. \nFor more information or questions related to this event\, please email: info@sciencepolicy.ca \nLast chance to register!  \nWe are reaching maximum attendance capacity for the forum: \nRegister HereSpeaker information coming soon!Genevieve TutsEU Ambassador to CanadaSee Bio×Genevieve Tuts\nGenevieve Tuts began her tenure at the helm of the Delegation of the European Union to Canada in September 2024. She has extensive experience gained in several EU institutions\, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs\, and the legal profession. She served as the Head of Cabinet for European Commissioner for Justice between December 2019 and August 2024.The portfolio included Justice\, Rule of law\, data protection\, and consumer law. \nAmbassador Tuts started her career as a lawyer specializing in EU law before becoming a magistrate with the Belgian Ministry of Justice. In 2002\, she transitioned to the cabinet of the Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs\, where she held key roles focused on European and external policies. As Belgium’s Representative in COREPER I in the EU Council of Ministers\, she addressed a wide range of EU policies\, including energy\, environment\, climate\, and digital. She also served 13 years as Director in the Council of Ministers\, leading the work of 3 Directorates: Transport\, Telecom\, Energy- inter institutional affairs and Legal service’s Directorate Quality of legislation. \nThe Ambassador holds a Master’s in European Law and a Law degree. She has been an assistant at Liege University at the law faculty and Master of Conference at ENA. She speaks French\, English\, and Dutch. She has practised improvisational acting and has a deep appreciation for diverse music genres\, playing both piano and guitar. Passionate by cinema she is also an outdoor enthusiast\, she enjoys running along rivers\, lakes\, and coastlines. \nAs the EU Ambassador to Canada\, Geneviève Tuts leads the EU Delegation in its work to strengthen ties between the European Union and Canada\, drawing on her extensive expertise in European policy and international relations. \nDr. Tesh W DagneAssociate Professor and Ontario Research Chair in Governing AISee Bio×Dr. Tesh W Dagne\nProfessor Dagne is an associate professor and holds the Ontario Research Chair position at York University in Canada. He teaches at the School of Public Policy and Administration and Osgoode Hall Law School. Professor Dagne’s current research examines the instrumentality of intellectual property\, privacy and data governance rules and norms in influencing societal outcomes\, either perpetuating or mitigating inequalities in AI deployment.  \n \nMarium Hamid\n Manager of Partnerships\, the Dais See Bio×Marium Hamid\nMarium Hamid (she/her) is the Manager of Partnerships at the Dais where she brings her skills in creating impactful relationships across industries and communities. She is deeply committed to understanding the intersections of economics\, technology\, and culture. At the Dais\, she is the lead on Canadian Democracy @ Work\, a non-partisan learning initiative to build civic skills for the digital age. In collaboration with employers and unions nation-wide\, the project aims to elevate digital media literacy\, AI skills\, and civic engagement – one workplace at a time. \nBefore joining the Dais\, Marium led workforce development at LinkedIn Canada\, enabling the public sector to leverage technology to create economic opportunities for Canadians. She advised libraries\, healthcare\, and workforce development organizations on strategies to better engage the communities around them. Previously\, she was at the Business+Higher Education Round Table delivering large-scale work-integrated learning opportunities to students.  \nBruce SchneierInternationally renowned security technologist & Author See Bio×Bruce Schneier\nBruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologist\, called a “security guru” by The Economist. He is the author of over one dozen books—including his latest\, Rewiring Democracy—as well as hundreds of articles and essays\, and many more academic papers. His influential newsletter Crypto-Gram and his blog Schneier on Security are read by over 250\,000 people. He has testified before Congress\, is a frequent guest on television and radio\, served on several government technical committees\, and is regularly quoted in the press. \nSamir ChhabraDirector General of Marketplace Framework Policy\, Innovation\, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) See Bio×Samir Chhabra\nSamir Chhabra is the Director General of Marketplace Framework Policy at Innovation\, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). In this role\, Samir oversees the development of policy advice on the effective functioning of Canada’s marketplaces\, including corporate and insolvency law\, privacy and data protection\, artificial intelligence\, intellectual property\, and competition law. More recently\, he has been cross-appointed as the Deputy Executive Director of the Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (CAISI) to lead the policy\, coordination and international engagement functions of the CAISI. Samir has broad experience in public policy development and implementation\, having worked at all three Canadian central agencies (Privy Council Office\, Department of Finance\, Treasury Board Secretariat) as well as with the Department of National Defence\, amongst others. He also has significant private sector experience\, including as a strategy consultant in London\, UK\, where he advised organizations including the UK Home Office and large NHS hospitals on service delivery improvement opportunities. \nCostas KapsouropoulosDigital and Science Counsellor\, Delegation of the European Union to Canada See Bio×Costas Kapsouropoulos\nKonstantinos (Costas) Kapsouropoulos is the Digital and Science Counsellor at the EU Delegation to Canada since 1st July 2024. \nHe previously served as International Relations Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Communications Networks\, Content\, and Technology (DG CONNECT). He was in charge of the Digital Partnerships of the European Union with Japan and the Republic of Korea since 2021. He was also the European Union Delegate at the OECD Digital Economic Policy Committee since 2023. \nHis areas of expertise are geopolitics of technology\, digital and science diplomacy\, EU public affairs and digital identities. \nKonstantinos Kapsouropoulos holds a Masters’ Degree in Geopolitics and International Relations from the Sorbonne Paris North University and a Law Degree from the University of Athens\, Greece. \nClaudia KrywiakPresident and CEO\, Ontario Centre of Innovation See Bio×Claudia Krywiak\nDr. Claudia Krywiak is the President and CEO at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)\, a not-for-profit organization that accelerates the development\, commercialization\, and  adoption of new technologies.  \nA champion of innovation in Ontario and across Canada\, Dr. Krywiak has been with OCI  since 2011. She has consistently promoted innovation as a crucial driver of  competitiveness\, productivity\, and economic growth. In her role\, she leads the  development and deployment of emerging technology initiatives that bring together start ups\, government\, post-secondary institutions\, and multinational firms. Her leadership  covers a broad range of initiatives\, including those in artificial intelligence\, autonomous  and electric vehicles\, 5G and next-generation networks\, cybersecurity\, medtech and clean  technologies.  \nPreviously\, Dr. Krywiak was the Vice President of Business Development at Mitacs\, a  national research organization that funds research and training programs. Her career began  at Bruker Corporation enabling scientists to make breakthrough discoveries. She holds a  Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Toronto.  \nDr. Krywiak serves on the Boards of Directors for Signal49 Research\, the Centre for  Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine\, and Waterloo’s Accelerator Centre. \n \nVictoria Lennox\, MSMCEO of the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) See Bio×Victoria Lennox\, MSM\nVictoria Lennox\, MSM\, is an executive nonprofit leader and CEO of the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada\, Canada’s national centre of excellence for the women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. She leads a coordinated national network and stewards a $30M+ developmental loan fund advancing women entrepreneurs toward economic parity. Founder of Startup Canada and co-founder of NACUE (UK)\, she has built enduring institutions strengthening entrepreneurship globally. An Oxford-trained strategist in Global Governance and Diplomacy\, she advises senior governments on inclusive growth\, Indigenous economic development\, innovation\, and governance. Victoria has represented Canada at APEC Summits and Governor General State Visits\, and is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal\, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion\, and the APEC Women Icon Award. \nNamir Anani\, P.Eng.President & CEO\, Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC)See Bio×Namir Anani\, P.Eng.\nNamir Anani\, President and CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Council (ictc-ctic.ca)\, is the chief strategist and driving force in bringing ICTC’s world-class centre of expertise and services to industry\, education and government; enabling Canada’s advancement as a leader in innovation\, productivity in the global economy. Before joining ICTC\, Namir previously led Policy Development & Research at the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). \nHe has also held several executive leadership roles in both the private and public sectors including the Department of Canadian Heritage (Director General & CEO)\, CGI consulting\, Nortel\, and Novartis (Switzerland). Mr. Anani’s experience extends to; strategic policy development and implementation\, learning and capacity building\, business transformation\, national/international strategic alliances\, economic and market research\, and technology innovation. \nNamir holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Salford (UK) and holds Professional Engineer designation in Ontario (P. Eng.). He is also a board member of the Women in Communications and Technology. \nJutta TreviranusDirector & Professor\, Inclusive Design Research Centre\, OCAD UniversitySee Bio×Jutta Treviranus\nJutta Treviranus is the Director of the Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) and professor in the faculty of Design at OCAD University in Toronto. Jutta established the IDRC in 1993 as the nexus of a growing global community that proactively works to ensure that our digitally transformed and globally connected society is designed inclusively.  Dr. Treviranus also founded an innovative graduate program in inclusive design at OCAD University.  Jutta is credited with developing a co-design methodology with her team that has been adopted by public and private sector organizations internationally. She has coordinated many research networks with and by people with disabilities. She is the chair of the Accessible and Equitable Artificial Intelligence standards committee for the Accessible Canada Act and recognized for her work in AI by Women in AI.  \nAshley Rose MehlenbacherProfessor and Canada Research Chair in Science\, Health\, and Technology Communication\, University of WaterlooSee Bio×Ashley Rose Mehlenbacher\nAshley Rose Mehlenbacher is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Science\, Health\, and Technology Communication at the University of Waterloo. Professor Mehlenbacher is a rhetorical scholar who investigates the rhetoric of science\, technology\, and medicine (RSTM). Professor Mehlenbacher is the author of On Expertise: Cultivating Character\, Goodwill\, and Practical Wisdom (Penn State University Press\, 2022)\, Science Communication Online: Engaging Experts and Publics on the Internet (The Ohio State University Press\, 2019). She is also co-author\, with Christopher Thaiss\, of Writing Science In the Twenty-First Century\, Second Edition (Broadview Press\, 2025)\, and co-editor\, with Carolyn R. Miller\, of Emerging Genres in New Media Environments (Palgrave\, 2017). \nMehrdad HaririCEO & President\, Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)See Bio×Mehrdad Hariri\nMehrdad Hariri is the Founder\, CEO\, and President of the Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC)\, where he has built a leading platform for non-partisan\, cross-sector dialogue on science\, technology\, and innovation policy. Since 2009\, he has grown CSPC into a national and international hub\, launching flagship initiatives such as the Canadian Science Policy Conference and Science Meets Parliament. \nA recognized thought leader\, Mehrdad contributes regularly to public discourse through outlets such as Nature\, The Globe and Mail\, and CBC. His work spans science diplomacy and innovation policy. \nHis contributions have been recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2024) and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pin (2022). He is also a Senior Fellow at the University of Ottawa and an alumnus of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. \nJake Hirsch-AllenDirector Partnerships and Advocacy\, The Dais and Senior Fellow\, Public AI NetworkSee Bio×Jake Hirsch-Allen\nJake Hirsch-Allen is the head of Partnerships at The Dais\, Canada’s leading think tank. Current foci include “Kids and Tech”\, “Renewing Democracy” and “AI and the Innovation Economy.” Jake previously built public-private partnerships in workforce development and higher education for LinkedIn. \nJake advises impact investors\, public sector leaders and start-ups\, including on edTech\, responsible tech\, ethical data and Public AI. He co-founded Lighthouse Labs and has acted as a director on many boards. A former intellectual property and international criminal lawyer\, Jake was also chair of the Technology Committee of the Global Education Platform\, taught Global Health at McMaster University and clerked at the Supreme Court of Israel. 
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/ai-democracy-digital-rights-forum/
LOCATION:Université de l’Ontario français\, 9 Lower Jarvis St\, Toronto\, ON\, M5E 0C3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:In-Person Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AI-Democracy-DigitalRights-Forum-Headshots-Panels-April16-2026-1.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260422T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260422T143000
DTSTAMP:20260411T042717
CREATED:20260325T185911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T211538Z
UID:33463-1776862800-1776868200@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Youth Perspectives on Science Policy
DESCRIPTION:Register HereThis panel brings together youth and early-career voices to explore how Canada’s science\, technology\, and innovation ecosystem can better reflect the realities\, aspirations\, and lived experiences of the next generation. Grounded in key insights and learnings that emerged from the STEM Youth Summit & Expo 2026\, this panel will center youth perspectives and will examine how existing structures may miss or overlook diverse voices. The discussion will explore gaps between training and opportunity\, barriers to participation\, and the role of youth in shaping more inclusive and forward-looking policies. By bringing youth voices directly into the conversation\, this panel aims to reimagine a policy landscape where young people are key contributors to Canada’s innovation future. \nSpeaker information coming soon!Nyasha Gondora (Moderator)Director of Research and Policy\, Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) See Bio×Nyasha Gondora\nNyasha Gondora was born and raised in Zimbabwe\, where she developed an early passion for science after witnessing the transformative impact of medicine and science in her community. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Trinity University in the United States\, where she was the recipient of nearly $100\,000 in academic scholarships\, and there she discovered her passion for research. She proceeded to complete a PhD in Neuropharmacology at the University of Waterloo\, becoming the first Black PhD graduate of her department in 2020. During her doctoral training\, Nyasha received numerous competitive awards recognizing her excellence in research\, research and science communications\, and community impact.\nFollowing postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto\, Nyasha transitioned into science policy through the Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship. She also spent six years as an academic consultant\, supporting more than 750 students across North America in their journeys to professional school (e.g.\, medical and pharmacy school) or research careers. Drawing on experience across academia\, consulting\, and government\, Nyasha brings an intersectional perspective to advancing science\, talent development\, and inclusive innovation.\nA passionate advocate for representation and empowerment\, Nyasha has held leadership and board roles in national and international organizations. In recognition of her leadership and impact\, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2024. Nyasha currently serves as Director of Policy and Research at the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST)\, where she is proud to be part of an amazing team advancing meaningful and lasting change for communities across Canada. \nGrace LeeYouth Ambassador from British Columbia See Bio×Grace Lee\nGrace Lee is a Grade 10 student from Vancouver and founder of MindwithGrace\, her passion project dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease by hosting talks at school\, creating educational content to make research accessible to youth\, and advocating for more empathy in dementia care on social media. She’s inspired by the resilience and wisdom of people living with dementia and their families\, and believes youth have an important role in changing how society approaches these conversations. Grace volunteers in research labs\, visiting retirement homes to test interventions with patients and families\, and speaks at conferences about the significance of youth perspectives in brain health and the systems that shape how we understand Alzheimer’s. What brings her joy is connecting with people across generations. \nMelvin AdekanyeYouth Ambassador from AlbertaSee Bio×Melvin Adekanye\nMelvin Adekanye is an entrepreneur and builder focused on creating technology and experiences that help people connect\, grow\, and create meaningful impact. \nMaria PitanYouth Ambassador from OntarioSee Bio×Maria Pitan\nBio coming soon! \nRidhima AroraYouth Ambassador from AlbertaSee Bio×Ridhima Arora\nBio coming soon! \nBurhan HassanYouth Ambassador from AlbertaSee Bio×Burhan Hassan\nBio coming soon!
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/youth-perspectives-on-science-policy/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SCWIST-April22-Panel-en.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260428T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260428T133000
DTSTAMP:20260411T042717
CREATED:20260316T170647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T185104Z
UID:33464-1777377600-1777383000@sciencepolicy.ca
SUMMARY:Unlocking the Promise of Cell and Gene Therapies in Canada Through Translational Research: Making Evidence Where It Matters
DESCRIPTION:Register HereCanada stands at a critical juncture in the development and adoption of cell and gene therapies (CGTs)\, transformative treatments that hold potential for curing or significantly improving the course of life-threatening and chronic diseases. Innovation is progressing rapidly; however\, Canada’s life sciences and healthcare ecosystem is not in a state of readiness to bring these advanced therapies to our patients.  \nRecent reports and discussions have focused on accelerated patient access to CGTs through system integration efforts such as aligning regulatory and reimbursement processes and bolstering healthcare infrastructure and coordination. This panel positions translational research as the lynchpin for converting scientific promise into clinical\, regulatory\, and payer confidence—providing the high-quality\, decision-ready evidence needed to reduce uncertainty and move therapies from discovery into clinical development and\, ultimately\, patient care.  \nUnlike most sectors\, advancing a technology in the life sciences requires repeated engagement with regulators across the full development continuum\, from preclinical programs\, to first-in-human studies\, to pivotal trials\, post-market evidence generation\, and back again as new questions emerge. For CGTs in particular\, this iterative pathway demands a laser focus on clinical translation: generating robust\, credible evidence that satisfies regulators\, payers\, clinicians\, and patients. Importantly\, this focus represents a shared metric of success for both academia and industry.   \nAnchoring this translational work in Canada points to important questions about where evidence should be generated\, how domestic clinical development shapes learning\, and what advantages may emerge when regulators\, researchers\, and developers evolve together through ongoing evidence generation. Drawing on international experts from Europe and the United States alongside Canadian leadership\, panelists with diverse experiences in the research\, healthcare\, industry\, and regulatory sectors will explore:  \n\nWhat evidence unlocks translation of CGTs\, and how does that differ for regulators\, health technology assessment (HTA) bodies\, clinicians\, patients and investors?\nHow do regulators act as partners in CGT translation\, not just gatekeepers?\nHow do we anchor translational research domestically and why does it matter?\nWhat can Canada learn from other countries seeking to enable safe\, timely\, and equitable access to CGTs through product and policy innovation grounded in high-quality evidence?\n\nSpeaker information coming soon!Stéphanie Michaud\, PhDPresident and CEO\, BioCanRx See Bio×Dr. Stéphanie Michaud\nStéphanie Michaud\, PhD is the President and CEO of BioCanRx\, a not-for-profit in Canada that seeks to accelerate the delivery of innovative immunotherapies from the bench to the bedside. In this position\, Dr. Michaud is responsible for running all facets of the organization. She brings more than 20 years of public\, government and private sector experience in research and Science & Technology innovation policy. She strives to create partnerships between government\, not-for-profits\, academia and industry to maximize the impact of research funded by the BioCanRx network on the lives of those affected by cancer. \nPrior to joining BioCanRx\, Dr. Michaud was Deputy Director of the flagship Government of Canada Networks Centres of Excellence (NCE) program. In addition to responsibility for its performance\, management and delivery\, she led the implementation of high profile bilateral international initiatives and provided strategic advice to government and stakeholders. She is a strong contributor to S&T policy\, most notably in intellectual property. Dr. Michaud earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry from McGill University. She is involved with a number of not-for-profit organizations and is a member of the Board of Directors of Research Canada and CQDM and also\, the Advisory Board of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance.  \nPeter Marks\, MD\, PhDSenior Vice President\, Molecule Discovery & Head of Infectious Disease\, Eli Lilly See Bio×Peter Marks\, MD\, PhD\nPeter Marks\, MD\, PhD received his graduate degree in cell and molecular biology and his medical degree at New York University and completed Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Medical Oncology training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He has worked in academic settings teaching and caring for patients and in industry on drug development. In 2012\, he joined the Food and Drug Administration and served as Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research from 2016 to 2025. He is currently Senior Vice President for Molecule Development and Head of Infectious Disease at Eli Lilly and Company\, has published extensively\, and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. \nNatasha Kekre\, MD\, MPH\, FRCPCHematologist\, Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program\, The Ottawa Hospital See Bio×Dr. Natasha Kekre\nNatasha Kekre\, MD\, MPH\, FRCPC is a Transplant Physician/Hematologist within the Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH)\, Scientist and Program Director of the Cancer Research Program within the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)\, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. She holds the Research Chair in Advanced Stem Cell Therapy at TOH. She obtained her medical degree from the University of Ottawa\, where she also trained in Internal Medicine and Hematology. She went on to do a fellowship in stem cell transplantation at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston with a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. \nDr. Kekre’s research focuses on translating home-grown therapeutic strategies into early phase clinical trials for patients with hematologic malignancies. She collaborated with scientists and physicians across Canada to build the internationally recognized Canadian-Led Immunotherapies Collaborative (CLIC) program and initiate the first clinical trial of a made-in-Canada CAR-T therapy. Building on these transformational achievements\, she is now working to expand this platform to other made-in-Canada CAR-T products. Other research interests include clinical research focused on blood and marrow transplant and CAR-T therapy recipients\, and projects with an epidemiologic focus. \nPatrick Bedford\, MBA\, MBHL\, BHScVice President\, Regulatory & Strategic Operations\, Morphocell Technologies See Bio×Patrick Bedford\nPatrick Bedford\, MBA\, MBHL\, BHSc is the Vice President of Regulatory & Strategic Operations at Morphocell Technologies\, Inc and Founder of weCANreg Consulting Group\, Inc. He brings deep expertise in translational\, regulatory\, and compliance strategies for emerging biotechnologies\, having led policy development for biosimilars\, transplant materials\, and cell & gene therapies during his career at Health Canada\, where he also represented Canada internationally on classification and harmonization committees. Since 2016\, Patrick has been a prominent Canadian advocate in the global cell & gene therapy community\, supporting dozens of early-stage programs and multiple commercial cell and gene therapy products. In addition to his industry leadership\, he continues to shape regulatory policy in North America and actively contributes to Canada’s innovation ecosystem as a guest lecturer at universities and an advisor through accelerators such as Creative Destruction Labs and Lab2Market. \n \nCarmen Sanges\, PhDEU Initiatives Scientific & Strategic Project Lead\, Cellular Immunotherapy Program\, University Hospital Würzburg See Bio×Dr. Carmen Sanges\nCarmen Sanges\, PhD is a medical biotechnologist with a PhD in Molecular Biology and Medical Biotechnology and over seven years of industry experience in clinical operations and translational research. She is EU Initiatives Scientific & Strategic Project Lead at the Cellular Immunotherapy Program of the University Hospital Würzburg (UKW) and Executive Director of the T2EVOLVE Association. Carmen coordinates and contributes to multiple European initiatives in advanced therapies\, with a strong focus on CAR-T and TCR cell therapies\, regulatory science\, manufacturing innovation\, and patient access\, and is committed to building sustainable\, cross-stakeholder ecosystems across Europe.
URL:https://sciencepolicy.ca/event/unlocking-cgts/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Virtual Session
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sciencepolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BioCanRx-April28-Panel-en.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Canadian Science Policy Centre":MAILTO:info@sciencepolicy.ca
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