Remembering Antonio (Tony) R. Moreira, PhD
ISPE and the ISPE Foundation mourn the loss of a beloved member, mentor, and leader.
ISPE regrets to share the passing of Antonio (Tony) R. Moreira, PhD. Tony was an instrumental force for ISPE over the past several decades. For many in the ISPE community, it is hard to believe he is no longer with us, though his legacy will undoubtedly live on.
ISPE would like to express its sincere gratitude for the contributions Tony made to ISPE, the ISPE Foundation, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and the many lives for which he had a positive impact. ISPE would also like to share its condolences to all who were honored with the great privilege of knowing Tony.
In Recognition of Tony’s Commitment to ISPE and the Pharmaceutical Industry
Tony was an active ISPE member for over 20 years. He was the founding President of the ISPE Chesapeake Bay Area Chapter, established in 1994, which now has more than 625 members.
Tony was also a member of the International Board of Directors of ISPE. He served on five Communities of Practice groups and at least 16 Committees over the course of his ISPE membership. This included participation in the ISPE Biotechnology Conference Program Committee between 2017 and 2024 and the ISPE Biotechnology Conference Strategy Steering Committee between 2015 and 2017.
Additionally, Tony was pivotal in creating the concept of ISPE 101 workshops. He organized the first ISPE 101 workshop for the 2022 ISPE Biotechnology Conference, and, along with his fellow Committee members, invited 20 students to participate in the conference.
In Recognition of Tony’s Service as a Steadfast Leader to the ISPE Foundation
Tony served as the Board Chair of the ISPE Foundation starting in 2020. He spearheaded many initiatives during his tenure, including the Technology without Borders program, which was piloted in Brazil in 2023, and has made translated, culturally relevant, and locally adapted ISPE resources available in-country. More than 125 students have benefited from trainings through this program to date, with three translated courses available.
Tony was also part of the review committee that enabled more than 150 students to participate in the 2023 ISPE Europe Annual Conference, the 2023 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo, and the 2024 ISPE Europe Annual Conference through the ISPE Foundation Professional Development Grants program. He served as a mentor to many and was a strong advocate for students and emerging leaders. Tony became very close to many ISPE Foundation Professional Development Grant recipients, actively supporting them in the early stages of their careers. He met with students and recent graduate grant recipients at conferences and events, providing them with guidance, expert counsel, and support.
In Recognition of Tony’s Many Accomplishments
Tony dedicated his career to educating and helping others. He worked for over 30 years in the biopharmaceutical sector and nearly ten years in management positions in the private sector.
Tony was the co-editor of several books and a frequent speaker at national and international conferences, including ISPE Facilities of the Future, Biotechnology, Annual Meeting & Expo, and Pharma 4.0™ and Annex 1 conferences. Tony also regularly presented short courses in biotechnology topics for industry and regulatory agencies.
He was published in many peer-reviewed publications and was a guest author for the iSpeak blog, with recent contributions including: “Trends and Innovations in Bio-Manufacturing. Global Outlook on the Future of Biopharmaceuticals” and previous posts including “Biomanufacturing Trends & Technologies for the Next Decade” and “Biotechnology Manufacturing: The Future is Now.”
He also volunteered as a guest author for Pharmaceutical Engineering® magazine, contributing to technical articles including: “Today’s Pharma and Biotech Projects: A Phased Approach,” “Opportunities in Continuous Manufacturing of Large Molecules,” and “Quality & Regulatory Solutions for PAT in Continuous Manufacturing.”
Before his passing, Tony served as the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). He was responsible for academic affairs-related matters within the Provost’s Office and maintained an active teaching and research program in bioprocessing, regulatory science, and engineering.
Tony secured a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oporto in his native Portugal and an MS and PhD in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
In Recognition of Tony’s Kindness and Humility
Tony was known for his quiet fortitude. His students, mentees, and peers will remember him for his kindness and mentorship to others.
His approach to leadership was service-oriented and he always led by example. His colleagues and friends in the industry will remember him for his collaboration and camaraderie.
Throughout his life, Tony was committed to giving back. He will be remembered by all for his selfless dedication and continued contributions to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for Tony on Tuesday, 11 June, at 1700 EST, at the University of Maryland College Park Chapel in College Park, Maryland.
