Emerging Leader in the Advancement of Scientific Knowledge Award

All applicants must be currently enrolled in full (or near full)-time study for a formal academic qualification (e.g. degree, PhD), or be no more than 5 years from the commencement of their first postdoctoral or industrial position.

To be considered, applicants will submit the following:

• Detailed proposal which includes your topic, abstract (300 words or less), session objectives (questions that you aim to address during the duration of the session), as well as any supplemental materials or case studies that will guide the session. Please include a description of the proposed session format, and any additional contributors that can enhance the content.
• Statement of interest (300 words or less) which discusses your interest in the attending WCBP 2026, working with the Scientific Organizing Committee, and how this award will enhance your academic and/or professional path.
• Brief biography
• Letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or supervisor
• Detailed CV or résumé, to include any previous experience presenting at a scientific conference

Developing your proposal: 

The theme of WCBP 2026 is “Integrating Science, Regulations, and Digitalization for Global Patient-Centered Care”, which emphasizes the dynamic intersection of cutting-edge scientific advances, global regulatory collaboration, and transformative digital tools, all converging to improve patient outcomes by delivering transformative biologic therapies worldwide. When developing your proposal, consider a topic that is rooted in one (or more) of the following content areas:

• Science: Novel Modalities and Manufacturing Innovations - Groundbreaking developments in multi-specific antibodies, gene and cell therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and RNA-based biologics are redefining the treatment landscape. Innovations in biologics manufacturing, such as advanced protein engineering, synthetic biology, and analytical techniques, are accelerating the pathway from discovery to delivery.
• Regulations: International Harmonization and Collaboration - Global cloud-based collaborations and use of reliance mechanisms such as those through ICMRA, ICH, and WHO are accelerating the efficiency of regulatory approvals for medicinal therapies across diverse populations
• Digitalization: AI, Predictive Modeling, Automation, Data Management - AI, machine learning, and real-world data analytics enable predictive modeling for manufacturing and CMC data automation for regulatory submissions improved clinical trial design, and personalized treatment approaches, streamlining development and regulatory processes.
• Patient-Centered Care: Ensuring Equitable Access to Life-saving Medicines Globally - by integrating these advancements, stakeholders can address unmet medical needs and empower patients through personalized and digitally connected healthcare solutions.
  

Awardees will be given the opportunity to work side-by-side with industry, regulatory, and academic leaders to craft the content that is integral to the success of the 2026 WCBP Symposium.

In addition, the award recipients will receive the following:

• An opportunity to present your work in either a virtual poster format with an accompanying video presentation, or as part of a roundtable session featured during the WCBP Symposium.
• Waived full-conference registration for the CMC Strategy Forum North America and WCBP 2026.
• Complimentary airfare (up to $700.00) to Washington D.C. for the CMC Strategy Forum and WCBP Symposium.
• Complimentary hotel accommodations (5 nights) at the Mayflower Hotel.
• The ability to join the WCBP Scientific Organizing Committee for the 2026 planning cycle, and the option to remain on the committee for the WCBP 2027 planning cycle and beyond.
• While on-site at WCBP, awardees will have access to:
  • Full conference experience, including the opportunity to attend the leadership and planning meetings that occur throughout the week.
  • Special recognition during the Symposium closing remarks.
  • Registration includes breakfast, coffee breaks, Welcome and Exhibitor Receptions.

Applicants will be selected based on the strength of the proposal's scientific content, alignment with the overall goals of the Symposium, as well as creativity when outlining the proposed session format. 

• WCBP 2026 | August 29, 2025

Please contact Program Manager Mikaela Sanford (msanford@casss.org) with any questions you may have