Archives: Speakers

Sarah Bischof, is Head of Clinical Development at invIOs, bringing over 16 years of experience in clinical research and development within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Throughout her career, Sarah Bischof has held key leadership roles and successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and global partners to advance drug development programs from early phases through to regulatory approval.

Marie Rasoanandrasana brings over 19 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Currently Head of Supply Chain & Vendor Management in Pharmaceutical Development, her extensive background includes clinical supply planning and managing external manufacturing, with a track record of successful technology transfers and strategic partnerships with Contract Manufacturers. Marie’s expertise lies in ensuring robust and uninterrupted supply chains for global clinical trials.

Throughout her career, Marie has demonstrated the ability to work effectively with international cross-functional teams. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and an Executive MBA from HEC-Paris. She is passionate about driving operational excellence, embracing new technologies, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement.

A Clinical Research Professional with over 13 years’ experience across various settings such as Site, CRO, Small Biotech and Pharma. Expertise in various therapeutic areas from Oncology and Rare/Orphan Disease. Experience from early phase first in human to late phase and Nov Intervention RWE generation and Registries. Focused on Clinical Operations excellence and process improvements for the benefit of the patients we serve. Currently Director, CPL at Alexion, AZ Rare Disease leading a Cross Functional clinical team.

Mara Hummel is a life sciences leader with expertise in clinical research, digital innovation, and strategy. With a background in nutrition and extensive experience in clinical research across all phases and many disease areas, she has led initiatives integrating advanced technologies into clinical development. Passionate about transforming healthcare through open innovation and data-driven approaches, she focuses on modernizing clinical trials and fostering collaboration across the ecosystem.

Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha is a world-renowned medical doctor with deep expertise in neuroscience and psychiatry, combined with a proven track record in organizational leadership, research, and clinical development. She is the founder and pro bono CEO of the Women’s Brain Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to applying precision medicine to understand the impact of sex and gender on mental and brain health.

In addition to her role at the Women’s Brain Foundation, Dr. Chadha serves as Vice-President and board member of Euresearch, the Swiss agency supporting research and innovation across Europe. She is also an advisor to Innosuisse, where she supports the growth of Swiss SMEs in the innovation space.

Dr. Chadha’s career spans academic institutions, leading pharmaceutical companies such as Roche and Biogen, the Swiss regulatory agency for therapeutic products, and international policy organizations. She previously served as Chief Medical Officer and ad-interim CEO of Altoida, a digital health company pioneering AI-driven diagnostics in precision neurology. Across all her roles, she has led large teams in corporate, academic, and clinical environments.

Her work has earned widespread recognition. She has been named among the Top 100 Women in Business in Switzerland since 2018 and was honored as Woman of the Year in Switzerland in 2019. Dr. Chadha is also a recipient of the World Sustainability Award for advancing precision medicine, and the “Premio Medicina Italia” for her leadership during the pandemic. In 2022, she received the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award in Switzerland. Most recently, in 2024, she was honored with the “Women Empowering Award” and  recognized for her contributions to Swiss reforms with the prestigious “Katherinenturm” Project. In 2025 she was listed among the Women leaders to watch.

Maria Rigoroso-Brandt is a global leader in patient engagement, with over 20 years in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. As the current Global & US Patient Engagement Lead at Pfizer, Maria has spearheaded significant initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and access. Her leadership includes the #Prism project, which focuses on closing care gaps in IBD through the innovative application of intestinal ultrasound, as well as the #Uninhibited Summit, which brings together and supports communities of shared interest. Additionally, she oversaw the pilot and rollout of forpatients.roche.com, a website designed for patients and caregivers that offers clinical study information in accessible language.

Earlier in her career, Maria managed early phase clinical studies at Quintiles (now IQVIA) and GlaxoSmithKline, where most trial participants and volunteers were male. She led teams in Phase I–IIa research, overseeing recruitment, training, and daily operations, and worked to ensure patient safety and effective communication with diverse populations.
Maria’s experience spans clinical operations, patient advocacy, and medical and commercial product launches across multiple therapeutic areas. She holds an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her work has earned multiple industry awards and contributed to peer-reviewed publications on patient preference and clinical practice.