CRO & CDMO Forum
Behind every drug, medical device, or diagnostic tool that reaches a patient, there is an entire network of specialised partners that made it possible. Contract Research Organisations (CROs) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) are the backbone of that network. They are the ones running clinical trials, managing regulatory submissions, developing formulations, manufacturing at scale, and ensuring quality and compliance at every step of the journey.
This is why one of Biovia’s strategic priorities are focusing around Clinical trials.
For most life sciences companies, and in particular for start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs, CROs and CDMOs are not optional. They are essential. Without them, the gap between a promising innovation and an approved, market-ready product would simply be too wide to bridge. They bring the infrastructure, the expertise, and the regulatory know-how that most R&D companies cannot build in-house, especially under the time and cost pressures of today's environment.
Yet despite how central they are to the product development process, CROs and CDMOs often operate behind the scenes. Their challenges, their capabilities, and the critical decisions involved in selecting and working with the right partner are rarely discussed openly. That is exactly what this forum is here to change.
What is the CRO & CDMO Forum?
The CRO & CDMO Forum is a structured, non-commercial peer exchange designed to bring CROs, CDMOs, and life sciences R&D companies into the same room, to talk honestly about what works, what doesn't, and what the ecosystem needs to move faster and smarter. This event is for Biovia members only. |
The session runs on one simple principle: real conversations about real challenges, with clear rules to keep the focus on learning and collaboration.
CROs and CDMOs get a structured platform to share concrete case studies and highlight their strengths in front of R&D-driven companies. R&D companies get honest, first-hand insight into what makes partnerships succeed or fail, and what to look for when selecting and working with service partners.
How does it work?
The forum runs for one to two hours online and is structured around three core moments:
1. Opening
We open with a framing of the current landscape: is CRO-CDMO collaboration under increasing pressure? How are regulatory, technical, and time-to-market constraints reshaping the way these partnerships operate? This sets the context for everything that follows.
2. Lightning spotlights, real cases, real lessons
Each participating CRO or CDMO presents a concrete case study. The format is consistent and focused:
- Context and scope of the project
- Key challenges encountered
- Solutions implemented and lessons learned
- Impact on timelines, quality, or outcomes
These spotlights are designed to be honest and practical, real stories from the field.
3. Panel discussion
A moderated panel digs into the themes that matter most to the ecosystem:
- Collaboration and handover challenges between CROs, CDMOs, and sponsors
- What enables or blocks effective collaboration with R&D companies
- The impact of regulatory pressure (MDR/IVDR) on execution, planning, and risk management
4. Q&A
An open floor for questions from attendees to speakers and panellists.
Who should attend?
- CROs and CDMOs, clinical, regulatory, manufacturing, testing, and digital
- Life sciences R&D companies
- Innovation leaders, programme managers, regulatory and quality leaders
Speakers & moderation
- Karen Gabriels, Archer Research
- Jurgen Vercruysse, Eurofins CDMO
- Moderation & Chair: Nancy Cottigny, Ad Hoc Clinical
For more information or to register your interest as a speaker, please contact rita.prota@biovia.be.