Women in Advanced Therapies Congress

Returning to Advanced Therapies Europe 2026, the Women in Advanced Therapies Congress goes beyond gender parity to explore deeper, structural change. Through open dialogue and peer-led discussion, WIAT tackles critical issues like representation, access, mentorship, and the ongoing disparities in research and healthcare outcomes for women.

Join us for a dynamic and empowering session that champions diversity, challenges systemic gaps, and elevates voices shaping the future of cell and gene therapy across Europe.

Apply to Attend View the Congress Agenda

Wiat

Redefining Inclusion in Advanced Therapies

Join us for a dynamic and empowering session that champions diversity, challenges systemic gaps, and elevates voices shaping the future of cell and gene therapy across Europe.

View the 2026 Programme

Lunch

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

60 mins
- Investment Summit
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress

Opening & welcome

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

5 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress

Building tomorrow's medicine - Insights from a career in cell and gene therapy

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

20 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
Angela Vollstedt, Cell & Gene Therapy Executive / Board Advisor - Novartis

Fireside chat: We’ve heard the challenges. Now, what are we changing?

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

30 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
After years of discussion around bias, barriers, and representation, the question remains: what is actually changing and what isn’t? This candid opening session sets the tone for WiAT by shifting the ...

Montse Daban, Director of Strategic Foresight and International Relations - BIOCAT

Vasiliki Kalodimou, Assistant Professor - European University Cyprus

How I did it: Real stories from building, funding, and leading

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

35 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
What does success actually look like and how do you get there? In this session, leaders share honest, experience-based insights into building careers, securing investment, and navigating pivotal trans ...

Lindsay Davies, CSO - NextCell Pharma

Laura Koivusalo, CEO - StemSight

Networking Break

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

30 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress

Roundtable: Founding & investment reality – what actually gets backed

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

60 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
- Roundtable
In Partnership with Advantera
Roundtable: Leadership & career progression - Breaking the invisible ceiling

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

60 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
- Roundtable
Focus: progression into senior roles in pharma, biotech, and startups

Azadeh Kia, VP Gene Therapy Research - Beacon Therapeutics
Roundtable: Building & scaling in advanced Therapies - From idea to execution

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

60 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
- Roundtable
Focus: the operational reality of building companies and careers in CGT/biotech

Kayleigh Thirlwell, Senior Director - Resolution Therapeutics
Roundtable: The power of community: Building your industry network

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

60 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
- Roundtable
Focus: refine how you present your experience, expertise, and ambition

Margot Pont, VP Translational Development - Integra Therapeutics
Roundtable: Creating a high performing culture

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

60 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
- Roundtable
In Partnership with Fresenius
Roundtable: Unleash yur inner crone

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

60 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
- Roundtable
Leila Abbas, Preclinical Lead - Rinri Therapeutics
Action Lab: Give to gain: Building a sponsorship framework

Theatre 1&2 (Ruby & Zafir)

60 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress
In Partnership with CGT Circle

Closing statement. From insight to action: What happens next?

Workshop Room (Rossini 1&2)

5 mins
- Women in Advanced Therapies Congress

What You’ll Take Away from the WIAT Congress

This is not your average summit. WIAT 2025 is designed to facilitate real conversation, practical tools, and long-term empowerment. You’ll hear from inspiring leaders, dive into nuanced scientific topics, and engage with others working to shift the landscape of health innovation.

WIAT Summit Key Takeaways

Leave with the insights, tools, and community support to lead, mentor, and advocate for meaningful progress in CGT.

Strategies to build inclusive leadership and authentic allyship
Scientific discussions on the impact of sex differences in CGT research
Mentorship insights and career navigation advice
Real-world implications of gender gaps in clinical development
Investor relationship-building tips for female founders

What to Expect on the Day

Hosted on Day 1 of Advanced Therapies Europe, the WIAT Summit offers a dedicated space for reflection, dialogue, and collective action. Whether you’re a senior leader, early-career professional, or ally, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives and new connections.

Roundtable Discussions

Engage in peer-led sessions designed for honest, open exchange — from inclusive leadership to the investor gender gap.

Inspiring Role Models

Hear from women across science, business, and policy who are leading the charge for change in cell and gene therapy.

Scientific Deep-Dives

Explore the clinical relevance of sex-based differences in CGT and how research can better reflect women's health needs.

Allyship in Action

Discover practical strategies to build more inclusive teams, foster equitable workplace culture, and support the next generation of women in advanced therapies.