We are excited to invite you to the First Virtual Learn & Connect Seminar on Bioprocessing, taking place on June 25, 2026, from 13:00 to 17:30.

This half-day online seminar offers a valuable platform for professionals, researchers, and innovators to engage in open, science-driven discussions focused on the future of bioprocessing. With minimal commercial influence, the event encourages meaningful exchange of knowledge and ideas that drive progress in the field.

We will spotlight the transformative role of digital technologies, advanced modeling, data analytics, automation, analytical devices, and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) solutions in modern upstream bioprocessing. Together, these tools are redefining how we approach process development, monitoring, and control.

Through a series of expert presentations, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities, participants will gain valuable insights into how these cutting-edge approaches are advancing biomanufacturing and paving the way for more agile, data-driven production systems. Whether you're deeply involved in bioprocessing or looking to stay ahead of the curve, this seminar offers the perfect setting to learn, connect, and innovate.

If you're interested, please complete the registration form and save the date in your calendar. The program is currently being finalized, and we will update you via email soon with the full agenda and details on our guest speaker's topics.

Program Details:

13:00 Welcome / Introduction

13:15 Dr. John Churchwell, Associate Lead Scientist , CGT Catapult

Next-generation automation and PAT implementation for QbD and enhanced approaches for cell and gene therapy

Cell and gene therapy products have shown a transformative power in the treatment of many indications with unmet medical need. However, their cost for development and manufacturing remains prohibitive for a widespread patient’s access. Digital and automation technologies have the potential to streamline costly unit operations and in turn overcome access hurdles. Recently, CGT Catapult has been leading an international UK-Swiss consortium looking to implement automated sampling, novel PAT tools, and digital infrastructure to support these approaches for cell and gene therapies. In this presentation CGT catapult will present the technical strategy of its PAT Lab platform and its recent collaboration with Securecell AG, DataHow AG and Horiba emphasizing key challenges, results, and the importance of a collaborative approach. Monitoring and control strategies for transient upstream AAV production utilizing 2D fluorescence (ATEEM) and Raman spectroscopy will be discussed. Additionally, the application hybrid modelling strategies leveraging the PAT Lab’s digital infrastructure will be presented.

13:45 Dr. Alan G. Ryder, Professor, University of Galway, Ireland

APIES (simultaneous Absorbance, Polarised Intrinsic Emission, and Scattering): a new, simple analysis platform for biopharmaceuticals

For proteins, intrinsic fluorescence emission provides a label-free, non-destructive, and sensitive method for measuring protein attributes that is a suitable Process Analytical Technology for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. UV Polarized EEM measurements allow for polarised intrinsic emission (PIE) measurements of proteins providing a unique suite of label free analysis/measurement methods. PIE using parallel polarisers is very sensitive to aggregation, whereas perpendicular polarisers allows measurement in turbid environments. A simple, robust derivative is APIES: simultaneous Absorbance, Polarized Intrinsic Emission, and Scattering measurements as a rapid (<1 min.), robust PAT tool for biologics. APIES provides three orthogonal process data: protein concentration, level of aggregation, and structural stability which is used to monitor protein aggregation, conjugation, and protein-nanoparticle interactions.

14:15 Break

14:30 Company Pitch (Sponsors)

15:15 Networking / Breakout Rooms

16:00 Xingge Xu , PHD Candidate, McGill University

Real-time monitoring and forecasting of adenovirus production in HEK293 cells
This work presents an integrated real-time monitoring and modeling framework for adenovirus production. By combining multi-sensor measurements of cell density and metabolites with a mechanistic mathematical model, the approach enables real-time estimation and forecasting of viral titers in batch and fed-batch processes. The framework supports process optimization, quality assurance, and the development of a digital twin for adaptive control in Biopharma 4.0

16:30 Dr. Umme Ayesa, Senior Scientist, Merck

Advancing PAT Through Automated Sampling and Online Analytical Integration

Effective sampling is a critical component of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in biological development and manufacturing. By integrating sampling strategies across multiple process stages and scales, representative material can be collected in a timely manner to support analysis and decision-making. Autosampler-based systems, such as Numera, facilitate more frequent sampling while reducing manual handling and variability. Integration with analytical instruments for direct injection further accelerates result generation and reduces turnaround time, supporting process understanding, optimization, and control. In this talk, the dual functionality of the Numera system was leveraged to establish a workflow for both sampling and analysis using an Agilent Online LC-MS system.

17:00 End