Networking Events

Exciting First for PGSRM 2025: Three Exclusive Networking Events & Workshops!

For the first time in PGSRM history, we are introducing three dynamic networking events and workshops designed to maximize your professional connections and skill development!

🔹 Expand Your Network – Engage with top researchers, industry leaders, and fellow graduate students in a setting tailored for meaningful conversations and future collaborations.

🔹 Sharpen Your Skills – Participate in interactive workshops that enhance your ability to communicate, present, and navigate career opportunities.

🔹 Gain Exclusive Insights – Learn from experts who have successfully transitioned from academia to industry, uncover career paths, and get insider tips on standing out in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.

 

Each participant will have the opportunity to select their preferred networking event or workshop during registration, ensuring a personalized and valuable experience.

This is your opportunity to make connections that matter while refining skills that will set you apart. Don’t miss out—be part of this game-changing addition to PGSRM 2025!

  • From Lab to Boardroom: Breaking into Life Science Consulting

    Curious about a career in life science consulting? This workshop is designed to introduce graduate students and researchers to the fast-paced world of consulting, where scientific expertise meets business strategy. Whether you’re considering a transition from academia or simply exploring career options, this session will provide valuable insights on how to succeed in the field.

    In this workshop, you will:

    ✅ Understand the Role – Learn what life science consultants do, how they solve complex problems for biotech, pharma, and healthcare companies, and why their expertise is in high demand.

    ✅ Develop Key Skills – Get an introduction to case-based problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication—essential skills for consulting.

    ✅ Explore Career Paths – Hear from professionals who have successfully transitioned from academia to consulting and gain insider tips on the application and interview process.

    If you’re interested in leveraging your scientific background in a high-impact, strategic career, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to get started!

     

    Facilitators:

    Amanda DiGuilio Senior Consultant LifeSci Consulting

    Alex Advani Senior Engagement Manager LifeSci Consulting

    Mike Iacoviello Partner LifeSci Consulting

  • Breaking into Academia: Landing Positions & Mastering Grant Writing

    Pursuing a career in academia requires more than research expertise—it demands strategic career planning and strong grant-writing skills. This workshop will provide essential guidance on securing faculty positions, crafting successful grant proposals, and navigating the academic job market. You’ll also gain insights into building a sustainable academic career.

    In this session, you will:

    ✅ Learn the Hiring Process – Understand what institutions look for in candidates and how to build a competitive academic profile.

    ✅ Master Grant Writing – Get key strategies for writing compelling proposals, securing funding, and effectively communicating your research impact.

    ✅ Hear from Experts – Gain insider tips from faculty members and researchers who have successfully transitioned into academia.

     

    If you’re aspiring to a faculty position or looking to strengthen your grant-writing skills, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed!

     

     

    Facilitators:

    Lindsey McQuade Senior Director, Research and Graduate Resources at University of Illinois at Chicago

  • From Research to Startup: Launching Your Biotech Venture

    Curious about how to turn research into a startup? This interactive workshop will guide you through the journey of launching a biotech venture—from securing early funding to navigating the startup environment. A panel of experts from across the startup lifecycle will share insights on bringing innovations to the clinic and exploring career opportunities in bioentrepreneurship.

    In this session, you will:

    ✅ Explore the Startup Journey – Understand the path from idea to execution, including early-stage funding, VC investment, and startup growth.

    ✅ Translate Innovations to the Clinic – Learn key considerations for taking biotech innovations from the lab to real-world applications.

    ✅ Explore Career Opportunities – Discover pathways in bioentrepreneurship, including internships and fellowships during grad school.

     

    If you’re looking to turn your research into a biotech venture or explore opportunities in bioentrepreneurship, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed!

     

     

    Facilitators:

    Michael Schultz, Senior Director of Venture Operations, Portal Innovations

    Amanda Schalk, Co-Founder Enzyme by Design Inc.

     

    Karol Sokolowski, Director of Strategic Growth, Ex³