ISPE Member Spotlight: Reflections from Basmalah Etri, ISPE Foundation Professional Development Grant Recipient

At the 2026 ISPE Europe Annual Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, this past April, Professional Development Grant recipients joined pharmaceutical leaders, innovators, and practitioners from around the world to explore the latest developments in areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. For many students and recent graduates, the experience offered a unique opportunity to move beyond the classroom and engage directly with the global life sciences community.

One of this year’s grant recipients was Basmalah Etri, a student at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom who is eager to expand her understanding of the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors while exploring potential career pathways. Through conference sessions, conversations with industry leaders, and interactions with fellow attendees, Basmalah gained valuable insights into the future of the industry and the role young professionals can play in driving innovation and progress.

In this Member Spotlight, Basmalah shares her reflections on attending the conference, the lessons she learned from connecting with professionals across the industry, and how the experience reinforced her aspirations for a career in pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields.

Insights from Basmalah Etri

What inspired you to attend the 2026 ISPE Europe Annual Conference and what you were hoping to gain from the experience as a recent graduate?

I have come across the ISPE Europe Annual Conference in previous years through Linkedln and hearing the experiences from others was a great eye opener to the available opportunities. Strengthening my understanding of the pharma and biotech industries was the main drive for applying. After attending a more GAMP®-focused conference, I realized how much more I need to learn and the 2026 ISPE Europe Annual Conference was the perfect time and opportunity. I wanted to be able to stand out through my CV and experience when applying for graduate roles within the pharma and biotech industry, learn from professionals, and network with people that are doing what I aspire to do in the future.

From what you saw and experienced at the conference, how do you think ISPE is helping shape the future of the pharmaceutical industry, especially for the next generation of professionals?

ISPE is connecting experience with potential! I think as a student with minimal experience but the drive to make the difference, talking to industry leaders, CEOs, and other professionals gives the positive perspective that pharma is a community and ISPE made that happen!

As a new ISPE member, how did attending an international conference shape your perspective on the global pharmaceutical industry and your place within it?

Attending the conference definitely gave me the opportunity to learn about more specific topics like Al and sustainability. This really showed that we (students and graduates) are the future as these have been the drive of our studies and understanding from early on. We need a more data-driven sustainable industry and that's where I see myself supporting the industry.

How do you see this experience influencing your academic path or early career, and what advice would you give to other ISPE students or recent graduates who are considering attending a future ISPE conference?

This experience has definitely proven to me that pharma and biotech are the industries I want to be in and there are so many different areas I can enter as an early career graduate. For other students, if you get the opportunity to go, GO! These opportunities won't come very often and they will definitely make an impact on your professional journey through networking, global insight, and developing professional and personal understanding.

Building Confidence, Connections, and Career Direction

Basmalah’s experience demonstrates the transformative impact that professional development opportunities can have on students and recent graduates entering the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Through the support of the ISPE Foundation Professional Development Grant program, she was able to gain exposure to global industry conversations, connect with accomplished professionals, and deepen her understanding of emerging topics such as AI, digitalization, and sustainability.

Her reflections highlight one of ISPE’s greatest strengths, creating meaningful connections between experienced industry leaders and the next generation of talent. For aspiring professionals, these interactions provide more than networking opportunities; they build confidence, expand perspectives, and help clarify future career pathways. Basmalah’s takeaway is clear: the pharmaceutical industry thrives through collaboration, and there is a place for motivated young professionals who are eager to learn and contribute.

The ISPE Foundation remains committed to empowering future industry leaders through programs that bridge the gap between education and professional practice. By supporting attendance at global events, the Foundation helps students and recent graduates gain the knowledge, relationships, and inspiration needed to launch successful careers in the life sciences sector.

Students and recent graduates interested in advancing their professional development are encouraged to explore grant opportunities and consider attending upcoming ISPE events, including the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo, taking place 18–21 October in Washington, D.C., USA.

Learn more about the upcoming 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo.