Roberto Gorni works in the Technical Regulations Area of Cosmetica Italia, The personal care Association. He is expert in cosmetic’s regulatory and he provides advice and support in the technical-productive and law field applied to the manufacturing and marketing of cosmetic products. He is a member of several national and international working groups in the cosmetic technical field, and he is frequently a speaker at major conferences and seminars on cosmetic legislation.

After a PhD in Cosmetic Science and Technology, in 1999 Francesca Bernacchi was enrolled in Cosmetica Italia, the personal care association. In 2008 she joined the Technical – Regulatory Area, where she is still working, giving technical and scientifical support and to member companies. She is an expert in cosmetic, REACH an CLP regulations, participating in several expert teams and working groups at both national and international level. She is frequently invited as a speaker in meetings and seminars .

Luisa Fiandra is Researcher and Aggregate Professor in Cytology and Comparative Anatomy at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca (UNIMIB), Italy, and she is member of the Research Center POLARIS (Particular Matter and Health Risk) and of the Nanotoxicology Laboratory of UNIMIB.

2020 – Research and Assistan Professor in Clinical Biochemmistry at University of Milano Bicocca. Research activity in Nanomedicine; study of the efficiency of biologically active molecules and nanodrugs against tumours and neurodegenerative diseases on advanced 3D cell sytems.

2018 – Researcher and Assistant Professor in Cytology and Comparative Anatomy at University of Milano Bicocca.

2017 – Lab Manager of NanoBioLab, Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences (BtBs), UNIMIB.

2010 – Senior researcher and scientific coordinator of the project “Development of novel nanostructured materials for the diagnosis of breast cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and modulation of antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV” (financed by Regione Lombardia), Nanomedicine Unit of the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. “Sacco”, University of Milano (UNIMI)

2003 – PhD in Invertebrate Biology; 1998, M.Sc. in Life Sciences, UNIMI.

From 2010 to 2017, LF coordinated pre-clinical studies mainly devoted to the use of nanotechnology for cancer therapy and diagnosis, and for biological barriers overcoming. From 2018 LF is involved in the safety evaluation of different types of nanoproducts by in vitro and in vivo (Zebrafish) assays. Within the current project PROTECT (EU Program H2020), the main area of interest is the safety of metal oxides nanoparticles  on 3D in vitro skin models according to standardized protocols (OECD, ISO).

LF is author of 31 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Francesca Granucci is Full Professor at the University of Milano-Bicocca since 2016 and director of the laboratory of Innate Immunity at INGM, Milan since 2019. She received her PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Milan in 1996. She then performed the Post doc at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute – Boston. From 1998 to 2001 she worked as Research Associate at the CNR in Milan, from 2001 to 2006 she worked as Research Associate at the University of Milano-Bicocca and from 2006 to 2016 she was Associate Professor at the University of Milano-Bicocca. She has pioneered systems biology approaches to study complex dynamic processes, such as host-pathogen interactions and the process of dendritic cell maturation. More recently she focused her research activity on signalling events downstream of Pattern Recognition Receptors within cells of the mammalian innate immune system and she identified some of the key functions played by the NFATc family of transcription factors activated in phagocytes in response to PRR agonists

Luca Munaron is Full Professor of Physiology in the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (University of Torino, Italy).

He is member of the Italian Society for Cardiovascular Research (SIRC), the Italian Physiological Society (SIF), the Scientific Board for the Doctoral School in Life and Health Sciences (Univ of Torino) and the Interuniversity Research Centre on Epistemology and History of Life Sciences- Res Viva (Univ of Rome).

In 1997 he founded the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Angiogenesis, and authored more than 100 papers on international Journals. His main research interest is focused on the cellular mechanisms involved in the physiology and patology of the vascular system. He wrote two books and several book reviews in italian, mainly on Evolutionary Physiology and History and Philosophy of Biology.

He attended tens of national and international Congresses and Meetings as invited speaker and chairman and served as reviewer for high impact international journals and research grants.

Since 2011 he is scientific supervisor for University-Industry agreements.

The major research interest of Stefania Recalcati, Associate Professor – University of Milan, is the molecular regulation of iron metabolism. She is currently very active in studying the different expression of iron proteins in various populations of macrophages, thus contributing to dissect peculiar and specific functional roles of polarized macrophages in various pathological conditions. Her studies provided relevant information to understand the molecular basis of iron retention in macrophages during inflammation, an event involved in the pathogenesis of the anemia of chronic diseases. She also started to study iron metabolism in cancer, producing, for example, strong evidences on its key role in cholangiocarcinoma development and progression.

Less recently she also took part in studies regarding the modifications of iron metabolism under conditions of increased erythropoiesis and pathological conditions, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. In the past she studied and described the abnormal expression of iron-related proteins in hereditary hemochromatosis.

Francesco Di Pierro is the Scientific Director of Velleja Research a company whose aim is to provide the biopharmaceutical development of products, whether dietary supplements, medical devices, cosmetics or medicines

Thanks to his passion for pharmacological, phytotherapeutic and nutritional sciences, Di Pierro’s interest follows the need for rational ideation and scientific development of new products/preparations for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic sectors, as well as of medical devices with particular regard to the branch of dietary supplements and phytotherapeutic remedies.

She received her master degree in Sanitary Biology at the University of Turin in 2007. In 2013 she obtained the title of PhD in Experimental Medicine and Therapy (Cardiovascular Physiology) at the University of Turin, Italy.
After the PhD she started her post-doctoral activity in the Cellular and Molecular Angiogenesis Laboratory at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Turin, Italy. Her research focuses on the characterization of the paracrine communication between cells that populate dermal/epidermal interface and sub-cutaneous vasculature. In collaboration with pharmaceutical companies she pays her attention on the characterization of the role of natural alternative strategies during skin alteration (i.e. Androgenetic Alopecia) using in vitro co-culture and tri-culture approaches.

Alessio Tacchi, Master degree in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies in UPO in 2003, is the Head of Process Technology in Procos, an important API manufacturer in the Novara Area. Along his career he has gained excellent experience in the scale-up of industrial chemical processes, besides in their optimization and technology transfer on different productive lines, with more than 25 chemical processes successfully scaled-up and industrialized, for more than 100 different synthetic steps. His experience gave him an excellent knowledge in the plants for the batch production of APIs and pharmaceutical intermediates as well as an excellent experience in plant management, setting-up, modification and improvement.

Plastic and maxillofacial surgeon with broad experience and highly innovative approach.

Regenerative medicine has become a major focus after patenting Lipogems technology in 2010 with strong collaborative ties with major world institutions. The focus remains in translational clinical research with thousands of patients treated and followed and teaching courses on Lipogems use worldwide.

• 1983-1989 School of Medicine and Surgery – University of Milan, Italy Medical degree (October 1989)
  • 1989-1994 Post-graduate school of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – University of Parma – Specialization in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (July 1994)
  • 1994-1996 Department of Plastic Surgery – Lodi Hospital, Legnano Hospital, Niguarda Hospital Internship and collaboration in research projects and teaching courses
  •1996-2004 Post-graduate school of Maxillo-facial surgery – University of Parma Contract Professor (course: surgical anatomy of the face )
  • Sept 1996-May 2010 Chief of Plastic Surgery sevice, Department of Maxillo-facial Surgery, San Paolo Hospital Reconstructive surgery of acquired and congenital anomalies of the face and body
  • 1999-2003 Post-graduate school of Maxillo-facial surgery Specialization in Maxillo-facial surgery (July 2003)
  • 2005-2010 School of Dentistry – University of Florence
  Contract Professor (course: plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face)
  • Feb 2010-May 2010 Adjunct professor DRI institute – University of Miami
  Research on adipose derived mesenchimal stem cell (DRI federation)
  • May 2010- Consultant Plastic and Maxillo-facial surgeon in different public and private Institutions and universities
• Head of Istituto image Srl

Marisa Gariglio MD, PhD, is Professor of Medical Microbiology at the Medical School of Novara, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara-Italy. She received her degree in Biology in 1984 and her Medical degree in 1990 from the University of Turin-Italy, where she also completed her PhD program in Immunology and Virology. After post-doctoral training at the Department of Molecular Biology “Hoffmann La Roche” (Basel-Switzerland) studying transcriptional regulation of interferon-inducible genes, she joined the Novara Medical School in 1996 as Assistant Professor. Since 2001, she is full professor and P.I. of the laboratory of Molecular Virology.  Her laboratory has interests in the pathogenesis, molecular genetics and biochemistry of human papillomaviruses (HPV). Emphasis has been placed on understanding betaHPV-epithelial keratinocyte interactions in naturally occurring patient lesions, such as skin cancer developing in immunosuppressed patients (including organ transplant recipients) and patients suffering from primary immunodeficiency (including Epidermodysplasia verruciformis), and on developing experimental model skin systems (organotypic raft cultures and transgenic mice) that closely reflect these events. Her background is also including the interferon system, particularly the role of the DNA sensor IFI16 in intrinsic antiviral immunity against cytomegalovirus and papillomavirus. At present her h-index is 35.

Andrea MALTAGLIATI is the Market Manager for Personal Care in Roelmi HPC. He is in charge of planning medium-long term strategies by looking at worldwide market trends. Thanks to the acquired know-how in the biofermentation processes, Andrea is also Product Manager for Biotechnology product lines such as PrincipHyal full spectrum hyaluronans. After an initial experience as technical director in an Italian distribution company for cosmetic, he gradually gained experience developing business in other European countries (and worldwide) as marketing manager, export manager and sales manager. Andrea MALTAGLIATI joined Principium Europe in 2012, where he helped build the strong company reputation as supplier of active ingredients, thanks to his technical background and international expertise. Before joining to Roelmi HPC he had an experience as Product Manager for 3 years in a multinational company. Graduated in Chemistry at Milan University, Andrea naturally owns innate effective communication skills and speaks fluent English.

Giorgio Corsico has been the Director of Value & Access & Policy and Regulatory of Amgen, since 2018. He leads the VA&P and Regulatory Team in Italy both at national and regional level, is member of the European Access Leadership Team and is responsible of the reimbursement strategy at national and regional level.

From 2005 to 2018, we was Director of Regulatory & Compliance of Amgen and European Head of Regulatory Affairs, where he directed the Regulatory activities for Europe. He was Member of the European Senior Regulatory Leadership Team. He was also responsible for communication with regulatory agencies regarding regulatory applications, field alerts, recalls, and inspections to address questions, provide routine updates and promote/develop positive relationships. He was Chairman of the International Digital Committee & Regulatory representative in the Multichannel European Team.

From 1990 to 2005, we was Director of Regulatory Affairs and head of Corporate Regulatory staff. In different Companies he had the possibilities to cover different roles of growing responsibilities link into the definition of world-wide registration strategy for medicinal product, cosmetics and medical devices. Furthermore, he was Regulatory advisor for product under development at a corporate level and special projects (like for example “Wisdom”: an I.T. project aiming to put all the Company on a common net, or a Technical Operations project, working on the rationalisation of the production plants).

After having received a PhD in Organic Chemistry in 2007, she worked at the Technology Transfer Office at Politecnico of Milan managing several aspects of the intellectual property rights in relation with the university research activities (prior art research, freedom to operate analysis, patentability of inventions, licensing and cooperation agreement between university and private companies). During the same period she spent several months at the office Technology and Research Service of Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh and at the Technology Licensing Office at MIT in Boston to cooperate in the exploitation of IP rights. Between 2010 and to 2014 she worked as licensing manager of IP rights at the consultant company Mito Technology srl.

Since 2014 she has joined Procos SpA, a subsidiary of the Japanese company, CBC Co. Ltd Group specialized in the development, scale-up and production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), as Business Development & IP Expert. Thanks to her expertise she is in charge for the identification and the evaluation of new business opportunities in the field of generic APIs, by analysing the patents landscape related to each business opportunities, the potential project profitability and identifying strategic alliances. Her duties include also the management of the IP rights owned by Procos SpA.

Marina Gallarate is Associate Professor at the University of Torino since 2001. She received her PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Turin and she worked as Research Associate at the University of Torino from 1990 to 2001. She is teacher in the Courses ”Tecnologia, Socioeconomia e Legislazione Farmaceutiche I and II“ in the Combined Bachelor and Master -300 ECTS in Pharmacy and in in the Specialization School in Hospital Pharmacy.

After several-year experience in the cosmetic fields, her recent research is focused on advanced pharmaceutical technology, aimed to the development of nano/micro-systems such as micro/nanoemulsions, liposomes, lipid micro/nanoparticles, nanocomposite hydrogels as possible drug delivery systems for different administration routes.

She is author or co-author of almost 100 peer-reviewed research papers on international journals, some Italian patent and of many congress communications.

She obtained her degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology and then she received the title of PhD in Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Turin, Italy. After the PhD she started her post-doctoral activity in the laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology at the Department of Drug Science and Technology, Turin, Italy. Her research focused mainly in the study of colloidal systems for the delivery of drugs and/or functional substances. Object of her study were several vehicles such as emulsions, microemulsions, micellar solutions, liposomes, nanoparticles, cyclodextrins, mesoporous silica, etc. and their application in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. Her background also includes in vitro tests with model systems for assessing the release and effectiveness of drug delivery systems; recently she developed an ocular flow cell as a screening tool for innovative ophthalmic formulations. At the present, she is co-author of 47 peer-reviewed publications in international journals.

Gabriele Depta is a makeup fanatic and an innovation hunter. She is Director of Research and Innovation at Intercos spa, leader manufacturer of color cosmetics. List of clients include L’Oréal group, Estée Lauder group, LVMH group, Chanel, Sisley, Kiko, etc.

Born in Germany yet grown in Italy her personality was shaped from the best of the two cultures: precision and passion. She graduated in pharmacy at the University of Milan where she held a research grant for two years after graduating and co-authored 3 publications. She dreamt about becoming a great researcher that could help “save the world”.

Gabriele then found a job at a pharmaceutical company where she worked at the regulatory affairs department in charge of technical dossiers which didn’t fulfill her professional ambitions. Call it destiny, in 1997 she got a job offer at Intercos to join their creative marketing team and decided to change course as she was in love with makeup from age 12 and it was a world she could understand.

Having a background in chemistry, Gabriele quickly got involved more and more with the lab dividing her time between marketing and formulation developing winning products that enriched the company’s portfolio and increase the business.

Surely after a few years she became manager of the applied research lab. Being always curious and in search for innovation she collaborated also with the exploratory research and blue sky labs helping shape and grow what ten years later would be hers. In 2011 Gabriele became R&I Director leading the innovation laboratories in Italy, China, Korea, Brazil and USA. Since 2016 Gabriele is in charge of R&D Make up Global Sr. VP – Corporate Exploratory Research – Applied Research – Regulatory Affairs – Corporate Color Development Intercos SPA.

She is also a lecturer at the Master in Cosmetics offered by the University of Milan, enthusiast horticulturist and loving wife and mom.

Marco Erreni got his bachelor’s degree in Medical Biotechnology in 2005 and his PhD degree in Experimental Pathology and Neuropathology in 2012. Starting from 2007, he has been working at the IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy, in the field of cancer-related inflammation, with a specific focus on macrophage involvement in tumor progression. During his career, he acquired a strong expertise in the field of imaging, in bright field and wide field microscopy, confocal microscopy and 2-photon microscopy. He applies different imaging technologies (including live cell imaging, TIRF, FRAP, FRET, FLIM and STED) to different in vitro and in vivo models to study biological processes in a variety of research fields, including immunology, oncology, cardiovascular disease and neuroscience. He is also involved in the development of new experimental models for pre-clinical optical in vivo imaging and 2 photon intravital microscopy applications. At the moment, he has a position as staff member in the Unit of Advanced Optical Microscopy
at the IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital.

Claudio Pari has worked at L’Oréal since 1984, after obtaining his degree in Chemistry with a specialization on Analytic Chemistry at the University of Turin. He spent his entire professional career at L’Oréal until June 2021.

At l’Oréal Italia he was Scientific and Technical Regulatory Director before moving to Paris at l’Oréal France as World Technical-Regulatory Director.

In 2012, he was appointed Vice President Asia Pacific for Security and Regulatory Affairs based in Shanghai.

From 2016 to 2020, he finished his career in Paris as World Director of Regulatory Affairs.

During his professional career, he was vice president of the technical committee of Cosmetica Italia president of the cosmetic group of EUCCC (European Chamber of Commerce of China), member of numerous working groups at Cosmetics Europe and president of the China Task Force.

Currently, he is an independent professor and consultant on different subjects such as Regulatory Cosmetics and Asiatic Culture and Geopolitical affairs.

Dermatologist, PhD in Translational Medicine, Researcher at the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy.

Graduated in Medicine in 2013, Dr Scharf has focused her career on non invasive diagnostic techniques in dermatology, dermato-oncology and aesthetic medicine.

Has authored several scientific publications in the field and acted as a speaker in national and international congresses.

Chiara Moltrasio graduated in Biology at the University of Milan-Bicocca in 2014. In 2016, she obtained a Master degree in Biology and Biotechnology of Human Reproduction and in 2020 she obtained an Executive Master degree in Advanced Genetic Counsellors at the University of Siena. After a PhD in Science of Reproduction and Development at the University of Trieste, in 2023 she was hired as Researcher at Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan. She performs genetic counselling in the field of immune-mediated autoinflammatory skin diseases and conducts research activities aimed at studying the molecular mechanisms and genetic basis of various skin conditions. She participates in several working groups at both national and international level. She also participates as a speaker in meetings and seminars.

Gaia Alaimo, Founder of School of Work, is amulticultural (Italian/Greek) entrepreneur with 9 years of international experience in Human Resources and Marketing, working at companies such as Apple and Gi Group Holding.

Passionate about empowering others, she is a CIPD certified HR professional who  coached and trained hundreds of young people, including EMOTION Master’s students. In 2022, she was included in the Italian Forbes Under 30 list.

Dr Daniela Marino is the Co-Founder and CEO of CUTISS. During her PhD in Sciences from ETHZ, she
focused her research on vascular biology and stem cells. She then joined a research group at UZH as
post doc and before starting CUTISS, she was the co-leader and business developer for the project
denovoSkin™ at the Wyss Zurich. She co-founded CUTISS, where denovoSkin™ is being developed
towards commercialization. Worldwide, millions of people suffer from skin defects requiring surgical
interventions to restore skin function. Current standard of care to treat large, deep skin defects is
often not available in sufficient quantities, and it frequently leaves these patients with permanent,
painful, disfiguring, and debilitating scars. denovoSkin™ is a personalized human skin graft that can
be bio-engineered in large quantities. It promises to grow with the patient, limit scarring, and
drastically reduce the number of follow up corrective surgeries required, particularly in children. It is
currently in Phase 2 clinical trials and could be of great benefit for patients with burns, traumas, that
undergo reconstructive or plastic procedures. CUTISS won the Top 100 Swiss Start-up Award and has
raised more than CHF 65 million from private investors, family offices and public bodies.

Loredana Barozzino graduated in Foreign Languages and Literatures at the University of Turin. After completing a master’s degree, she began her career as a conference interpreter and translator. At the same time, she has been teaching English since 2004. She began her career at the University of Turin and later joined the Catholic University, where she teaches English in the Occupational Therapy program. Over 20 years, she has also taught public speaking to both students and corporate managers. Loredana has collaborated with TEDx Torino, sharing her expertise in communication. For the past four years, she has been working as a journalist for a Turin-based newspaper. In addition to her teaching and journalism roles, she instructs students on how to write scientific articles for a general audience.
Loredana’s diverse experience and dedication to education led her to teach students how to communicate effectively.

Caroline Constandt is an healthcare professional with a background in nursing and an impressive 17-year track record in Clinical Operations. Since 2018, she has excelled as a Global Study Manager, overseeing projects spanning from Phase 1 through 3, and currently focusing on Value and Outcome. Caroline’s expertise extends across various therapeutic areas in pharmaceuticals, devices, and her current passion, vaccines. Her versatile experience encompasses roles on both the Sponsor and Contract Research Organization (CRO) sides, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in managing global clinical studies.

Sandra Huysseune holds a PhD in biomedical and pharmacological sciences from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) where she performed research on Alzheimer disease. After a post- doctorate in developmental neurobiology at the University of Liège (ULg), she started working at Chemcom s.a., a company dedicated to the development of products and services in the field of chemosensory perception.
As Senior Scientific Manager, she is currently in charge of several projects on sensorial receptors, their ectopic expression, and their physio-pathological function(s) in non-bucconasal tissues (ectopic GPCRs). She also supervises a team of scientists and the industrial internships of master and PhD students. She is actively involved in the global scientific strategy of the company and is the head of the screening platform. She is inventor of patents and co-authored a series of scientific publications.

Alex Veithen is Project Leader and Scientific manager at ChemCom s.a., a company dedicated to the development products and services in the field of chemosensory perception.
He achieved his doctoral thesis in cell biology at the deDuve Institute from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL). After the obtention of his PhD degree, he performed a post-doctoral research at the Pasteur Institute of Lille. He joined ChemCom s.a. at its creation in 2000 as principal investigator in charge of developing in vitro functional assay for olfactory receptors. He is currently in charge of managing different internal and external projects pertaining to olfaction, taste and trigeminal perception. He actively participates to the scientific direction and IP strategy of the company. He co-authored a series of scientific publications on olfactory and taste receptors and is co-inventor of different patents.

Florence Debacq-Chainiaux is an FNRS Research Associate working in the field of cellular senescence and ageing. She holds a PhD in biological sciences at the University of Namur, where she leads the “SAGE” (Stress and AGEing) team established within the Laboratory of Cellular Biology (URBC-Narilis). Her team is mainly focused on the impact of stress (oxidative stress, UV rays, irradiations) on the development of premature senescence, mainly in a skin context. The team’s objectives are to better decipher the molecular signaling pathways involved in the onset of senescence, to evaluate the impact of senescent cells on their cellular and matrix microenvironment and to detect biomarkers of stress and senescence in normal and pathological ageing.

Graduated with a Master in Business Engineering (LSM), focused on Innovation Management and Human Resources, Robin has always been passionate about the life science sector, and the Belgian biotech ecosystem in particular. After working for a year as a recruiter specializing in the pharmaceutical quality at Gentis in Brussels, he launched Yellow5 in January 2023 with two industrial pharmacists. Yellow5 is a recruitment and consulting company dedicated to the life science sector based in the Legia Park in Liège. His recruitment-focused vision of the sector drives him to link the worlds of academia and industry more effectively.

Etienne’s strong background as international HR Director, Coach, consultant and actor has a broad spectrum of expertise within the different areas of the HR spectrum within international and intercultural organizations,
His broad experience in different sectors (chemistry, pharma, food, metallurgy, medical,…) gave him a broad understanding about the business and market specificity. Etienne has been working at different levels within the HR area including the role of regional HR Director for Eurasia and EMEA. With this expertise he has also been evolved as expert for the Belgian and French government and he is a recognized speaker.

María is a Pharmacist with a Bioengineering Master (Toxicology and Pharmacology specialization). She has ten years of experience in Quality Assurance, ISO and GMP for the Cosmetic, Pharmaceutical, Medical Devices and Food Industry. She is also an expert in International Regulatory Affairs in the field of dietary supplements, cosmetics and medical devices and Lecturer at Miguel Hernández University (Pharmacy degree). She has also experience as an internal auditor of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, ISO22716 and cGMP for dietary supplements following 21CFR part 111 (FDA).

Maria Rúbies is pharmacist and completed her education with a master’s degree in R&D&I at the University of Navarra and a master’s degree in financial management and marketing at ESIC. Since 2013, he has been responsible for regulatory affairs and business development at Laboratorios Ojer Pharma, a company specialized in the development of new technologies for the release of dermatological active ingredients.

José Aguilera has a degree in Biology, Doctor of Biology and Doctor of Medicine. Professor of Dermatology at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Malaga. Specialist in Dermatological Photobiology, he works on everything related to sunlight and artificial light and its relationship with the skin. He is an expert in phototherapy and photodiagnosis as well as a specialist in research and dissemination of multiple photoprotection tools focused on the prevention of skin cancer. He is currently developing new methods for measuring protective factors in topical sunscreens, as well as the development of photodiagnostic devices and techniques and photodynamic therapy. He has published more than 120 articles, 20 patents, participates in more than 40 projects and 30 contracts and has carried out 6 research stays in foreign centers. He has enjoyed the prestigious Scholarships of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany and the Ramón y Cajal Program in Spain and is the current coordinator of the Spanish Photobiology Group of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Veneorology.

María Matabuena de Yzaguirre is Operations Director of Invitrotecnia S. L., a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of in vitro tools and protocols.

She graduated in Biological Sciences, completed her PhD in Cellular Biology and Genetics and was a professor and researcher at the Autonoma University of Madrid, participating in both national and international research projects, funded by the Carlos III Health Institute, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the European Regional Development Fund and the European Commission, among others, which led to various publications in specialized journals.

In 2010, she was part of the teaching and research staff of the University of Alcalá de Henares, in the Department of Plant Biology, where he carried out the Scientific Direction of a research project for the development of new products with regenerating properties.

In 2014, she consolidated her professional career in the business world as Laboratory Director and R&D of Invitrotecnia S. L. In 2018, she constitutes ILICE EFFITECH, a Spin-off of the Miguel Hernández University, dedicated to the development and commercialization of Strategic Bioactive Ingredients. He currently coordinates the INVIEW-LABS specialized R&D laboratory platform for the development and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of products for human use.

She has participated as a trainer in all editions of the Course of Experts in Evaluation of Cosmetic Products organized by STANPA and San Pablo CEU, and for a few years, she has been part of the teaching staff of the Master’s Degree in Cosmetics and Dermopharmacy at CESIF.

Daniel Pando is CEO and co-founder of Nanovex Biotechnologies and INdermal. He is Chemical Engineer and later obtained an international Ph.D. specializing in the design, development and manufacture of drug delivery systems for applications in medicine, cosmetics and food. 
He has completed his university education with several master’s degrees in business administration, project management, process engineering and risk prevention. Daniel has 16 years of experience in the field of drug delivery and has worked in various European universities specializing in the application of these systems to the skin, publishing several scientific articles and book chapters.

I bring over two decades of rich experience in business development, sales strategy, and commercial acumen. My current focus lies in spearheading the growth of cutting-edge health startups, leveraging deep insights into fundraising strategies and sustainable business model development. With a robust background in leading sales and enhancing performance in multinational companies across fashion, FMCG, and luxury sectors, I have successfully transitioned these skills to the dynamic health sector.

My collaborations with renowned consultancy firms such as Boston Consulting Group and McKinsey & Company have enriched my strategic outlook, enabling me to drive significant top and bottom-line gains. I am committed to applying this knowledge to revolutionize the health sector, steering startups from concept to successful business realization.
I have a proven track record in sales strategy optimization and commercial growth, having worked with startups and large corporations to scale their operations and market presence. My expertise in business development is not just about expanding the customer base but also about creating sustainable value and long-lasting relationships in the health industry.

Lorenzo Polenzani works Independent Lifesciences and Healthcare Consultant with the aim to share technical knowledge of more than 30 years’ experience in research and development of new solutions, throughout the development from discovery to early and late phase. He worked for many years in primary as well in secondary research, in academia and in the industry in Italy and abroad.
He has developed is technical background in molecular pharmacology and electrophysiology mainly at the
Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology University of Florence (Italy), at the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Lab at the University of California Irvine (USA) and at the Biophysics Lab of the Cancer Institute Regina Elena Rome (Italy). In the 1993 joined the pharmaceutical industry as Head of the Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Lab. During his career he become industry Executive first as Therapeutic Area leader and then as R&D Pipeline Strategy Manager. In last 12 years he was the Head of the Scientific Networking and Competitive Intelligence Unit.
While focused on the neurobiology field, he had the opportunity to work in several research areas and therapeutic areas including wellbeing products, pain relief, disinfection. During the manager experience in the pharmaceutical industry, he worked in scouting and evaluating opportunities. As member of many Due Diligence teams from early to late-stage projects, he has evaluated several hundreds of new products, platforms, and research programs, spanning from small molecules, biologic and medical devices.

Significant part of his activities was and is dedicated to management of Intellectual Properties to support product/project value proposition creation.
His mantra is: “Focus, Enthusiasm, Accountability”.

Cristina González obtained her degree in Biology at the University of Leon (Spain). She has more than 10 years of experience in successful management of technology transfer, analysing and assigning funds to the protection of research results; Since 2017 she is Patent Examiner in the Chemistry Area at the Spanish Patent and trademark Office.
She plays a crucial role inexamining patent applications and deciding whether a patent is to be granted. From 2019 to 2022 she was an expert for IP diagnosis program (European Commission).

Raj is a serial entrepreneur with passion for identifying, launching and nurturing spin-out companies with over 20 years track record of building lasting partnerships.

Raj currently serves as CEO and NED of Adendra Therapeutics, a company he co-founded as Entrepreneur in Residence at Apple Tree Partners (ATP).
Raj is also co-founder and serves on the board of Revitope Oncology and on SAB of Hawk Biosystems.
He joined ATP from GammaDelta Therapeutics – a company he co-founded, served as interim CEO, board member and later as Director of Business Development. At GammaDelta, Raj led the efforts to raise >$100M funding, establish innovative partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, acquisition of Lymphact and spinning out of Adaptate Biotherapeutics. Takeda subsequently acquired both GammaDelta and Adaptate.

Prior to GammaDelta Therapeutics, Raj spent over 18 years at Cancer Research Technology (CRT) where he served in a variety of leadership roles. Whilst at CRT, Raj founded and served as interim CEO/NED of BliNK Therapeutics.

Molecular Biologist PhD by education and training, with 10 years of classic academic research experience, joined the “dark side of the force” in 1998 as R&D project manager for the pharmaceutical industry. In 2001 became CEO of Advancell, the first biomedical spinoff from the University of Barcelona, and since then has been involved as executive, entrepreneur or investor in more than 15 companies created to facilitate the transition between academic biomedical research and the market.  As CEO, he has raised more that 40M€ in different early stage companies to advance to clinical stage more that 10 projects derived from academic research. Is author in more than 30 peer reviewed papers (Medline Keyword Ruiz-Avila L), several books on the biomedical business and 6 patents. It participates regularly as speaker in tech transfer, Science management of entrepreneurship masters or seminars, and teaches biomedical business as associate professor in the biomedicine grade of the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. He also is Director of the Master Degree in Biomedical Business Management of this university. He currently serves as CEO for Leukos Biotech, an spinoff from the Institut Josep Carreras for Leukemia Research developing a first-in-class product for cancer entering phase Ib as of January 2024, and as Executive President in Aquilon Cyl SL, a veterinarian Spinoff from the University of Leon focused on biological products to increase animal productivity alternative to antibiotics. He also sits in the board and acts as business angel, advisor or mentor of several early stage Biotech and Medtech companies and acceleration programs.

Magdalena Nikolaeva Koleva has a degree in Biotechnology and an Industrial Ph.D. (2021) in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the Miguel Hernández University performed in the spin-off company AntalGenics SL. She has collaborated in different projects related to the design and development of new active ingredients with cosmetic, nutraceutical and pharmacological applications. She has an expertise in computational and in vitro electrophysiological techniques focusing in skin and neurosensory targets. Currently, she is a researcher in the physiopathology and pharmacology neurosensory neurobiology line at IDiBE, collaborating in a project for valorization of fruit waste to microalgae-based raw materials to obtain new high value-added cosmeceutical products.