ISPE Member Spotlight: Reflections from Diala Raad, ISPE France Affiliate Student Member, on the 2026 Europe Annual Conference

Diala is an Operational Quality Assurance Apprentice at the Delpharm site in Reims, France. She is part of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), Biotechnology, Oral Solid Dosage, Pharma 4.0™, and Sterile Products Processing Communities of Practice. Diala arrived at the conference eager to learn, collaborate, and better understand her place in the global pharmaceutical landscape. Below, she shares her reflections in her own words.

1. To start, can you share what inspired you to attend the 2026 ISPE Europe Annual Conference in Copenhagen, and what you were hoping to gain from the experience as a student?

What motivated me most to attend the 2026 ISPE Europe Annual Conference was the opportunity to participate in the 2026 ISPE International Emerging Leader Hackathon and collaborate with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds on innovative pharmaceutical challenges. As a student, I wanted to gain both technical and interpersonal skills while discovering the global pharmaceutical industry. This experience helped me strengthen my teamwork, communication, and networking abilities in an international environment.

2. 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?

From what I experienced during the conference, I believe ISPE plays an important role in shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry by promoting innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The conference highlighted emerging topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization, while helping students connect with industry experts and better understand future challenges and opportunities in pharma.

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

Attending this international conference as a member of the ISPE France Affiliate broadened my perspective on the pharmaceutical industry by showing me how global, collaborative, and innovation-driven it is. Meeting professionals and students from different countries increased my confidence and reinforced my motivation to contribute to the future of healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation.

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

This experience helped me better define my career goals and confirmed my strong interest in quality assurance, especially in quality systems, compliance, and patient safety. It strengthened my motivation to continue developing my technical and interpersonal skills for the pharmaceutical industry. 

I would strongly encourage other ISPE students to attend future conferences because they are valuable opportunities to learn, network, gain confidence, and better understand the realities of the industry in an international environment.

Innovation, Collaboration, and the Future of Pharma

Diala’s experience highlights several of the defining themes of this year’s conference: innovation, global collaboration, and digital transformation. Through sessions and interactive experiences, students were exposed to forward-looking topics such as AI and its applications in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.

One of the most impactful elements of her experience was participating in the 2026 ISPE International Emerging Leader Hackathon. Diala participated in the hackathon that was sponsored by Novo Nordisk: the challenge for this hackathon focused on leveraging AI to address real-world pharmaceutical problems; an area that is rapidly reshaping the industry.

This was an intense, inspiring, and highly enriching experience. I had the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, exchanging ideas, learning from each other, and combining our expertise to tackle real-world challenges. I am deeply grateful to ISPE, the Bordeaux Laboratory of Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology, and the University of Bordeaux for opening this opportunity to me and for their continuous support, guidance, and encouragement throughout my academic and professional journey.

Diala. 

This hands-on experience exemplifies how ISPE is preparing the next generation of professionals; not just through knowledge sharing, but through active problem-solving and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Building Confidence and Career Direction

Beyond the technical insights, the conference played a key role in helping Diala build confidence and clarify her career goals. Engaging with peers and professionals from around the world reinforced the importance of communication, adaptability, and collaboration in today’s pharmaceutical environment.

Her growing interest in quality assurance, particularly in compliance, quality systems, and patient safety, reflects a broader industry focus on maintaining the highest standards while navigating increasing complexity. Experiences like this provide students with the context and exposure needed to make informed career decisions early on.

A Global Community Driving Impact

ISPE’s global network continues to be a powerful platform for connecting students, professionals, and organizations. With more than 25,000 members across 120+ countries, the organization fosters an environment where ideas are exchanged, challenges are addressed collectively, and the future of pharma is actively shaped.

For students like Diala, this sense of community is invaluable. It transforms the industry from something abstract into a tangible, collaborative ecosystem; one in which they can play an active role.

Looking Ahead

Diala Raad’s journey is a compelling example of how meaningful industry engagement can accelerate both personal and professional growth. By participating in global events like the 2026 ISPE Europe Annual Conference, students gain more than knowledge: they gain perspective, confidence, and a clearer path forward.

Get Involved

ISPE’s largest conference of the year, the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo, will take place 18–21 October in Washington, D.C., USA. The conference will host at least one 2026 ISPE International Emerging Leader Hackathon.