Archives: Speakers

Blanka is an Associate Director within Precision Medicine Scientific Operations at GSK with over ten years of experience in research spanning from clinical site to sponsor roles, and expertise in biosample operations. She leads operational aspects of trials with a focus on innovation and excellence, successfully managing complex clinical studies while ensuring compliance and participant protection. Herf passion lies in ethical research and strategic improvements for operational efficiency.

Catherine Mela is Executive Director, Head of Precision Medicine Operations, within GSK. In her role, Catherine is accountable for leading the Scientific Operations and Data Operations teams, driving the execution of precision medicine project strategies with efficiency and quality.

Catherine has gained broad experience in laboratory and bio-sample operations, while leading sampling and laboratory operations teams in AstraZeneca and Roche.

Prior to working in pharma, Catherine’s background was in Clinical research within the NHS.  She holds a PhD from Imperial College on ‘The impact of treatment strategies on immune responses in HIV-1 infection’.  Catherine is a fellow of the institute of leadership and is passionate about professional development, mentorship and creating a supportive environment for individuals within her teams.

Dr Rebecca Clark is a Partner at Fylde Coast Clinical Research at Layton Medical Centre, a dedicated commercial trials centre in Blackpool. She is a highly experienced trialist with over 70 Phase II/III clinical trials conducted over the last 13 years, with multiple studies as Chief Investigator in the therapy areas of vaccines, obesity medicine, cardiovascular medicine, asthma and diabetes. She holds a number of senior leadership roles including co-clinical lead for the UK Vaccine Innovation Pathway, a UK clinical trials accelerator.

Fylde Coast Clinical Research at Layton Medical Centre recruits amongst the highest number of commercial participants across the NHS in England and was in the top 1% of NHS recruiting sites when compared with all 637 sites across both primary and secondary care in 22/23. Study participant retention rates exceeded 99%. Her site regularly achieves UK FPV and she is renowned for accelerated set up and recruitment timelines, experience she is now bringing to her role in the UK VIP.

Fylde Coast Clinical Research currently holds contracts with Eli Lilly, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Roche, Amgen, Merck, Novo Nordisk and GSK, with whom they are members of the PEER preferred site network.

Dr Clark continues to be recognised nationally for her excellence in clinical trial delivery, being a former recipient of the Gold Award for Clinical Site of the Year at the Pharmatimes International Clinical Researcher of the Year.

An experienced executive leader within the pharmaceutical industry with a clear focus on and passion for developing high performing cross-functional teams who work without barriers. Highly inclusive yet decisive, adaptable and with a track record of high quality delivery whilst motivating and inspiring the teams around me.

A GMC registered, NHS trained medical doctor with pharmaceutical industry experience across a broad range of therapeutic areas working with both pre-launch and in-market products in the UK and Europe. Known for being commercially astute and a strong cross-functional worker with 10 years of management experience up to a team size of 120 striving always to create a rewarding, high energy environment for my teams.

Laura Clifton-Hadley is Head of Clinical Operations, Northern Europe, based in the UK. She leads all clinical trial and late development activities across the Bristol Myers Squibb portfolio. Laura is an experienced leader, with experience in all phases of trials and therapeutic areas. Prior to BMS, she worked as the head of haematology and brain trials at University College London. She has more than 14 years of clinical operations experience, and more than 12 years of line management experience. She sits on various UK and IE industry bodies/government bodies to promote/facilitate commercial clinical research and to ensure that we are bringing the right studies to the UK and IE.
Laura received her PhD in microbiology from the University of Reading. She also holds an honours degree in microbiology and virology from the University of Warwick.