As the largest ISPE Europe Annual Conference to date, the event brought together hundreds of professionals representing every stage of the pharmaceutical lifecycle, from students and early-career professionals to seasoned industry experts and senior leaders. Attendees engaged in discussions covering some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the industry today, including digital transformation, sustainability, regulatory evolution, and the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The conference also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of global collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges that transcend borders.
For students in particular, the conference offered a unique opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience the industry firsthand. Through direct engagement with professionals, exposure to real-world case studies, and participation in meaningful conversations, students were able to better understand the skills, mindsets, and networks needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.
Among the student attendees was Eglarda Kerrnaja, one of 30 participants from the ISPE France Affiliate. Eglarda exemplifies the spirit of engagement and curiosity that ISPE aims to foster among its Emerging Leaders. She is an active member of several GAMP® Special Interest Groups, contributes to multiple technical Communities of Practice (CoP), and is involved in both the ISPE Emerging Leaders CoP and the Women in Pharma® CoP. Professionally, she is currently an apprentice at Cooper Consumer Health, following an internship at Octapharma, while simultaneously pursuing her second master’s degree at the University of Bordeaux.
Her experience at the conference provides valuable insight into how ISPE is shaping the next generation of pharmaceutical professionals and highlights the impact of international exposure early in one’s career.
Here’s what Eglarda had to share about her conference experience:
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 inspired me the most was the chance to dive into the heart of the European pharmaceutical ecosystem. As a student, I was looking forward to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world industrial challenges. My main goals were to discover upcoming regulatory and technological trends, while connecting with inspiring professionals and other students from across Europe.
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?
ISPE plays a crucial role by creating a direct link between experienced industry experts and the next generation. By welcoming students so warmly, the association ensures that knowledge and passion are passed down effectively. Furthermore, ISPE actively shapes the future by promoting agile, collaborative, and global thinking to solve tomorrow's healthcare and manufacturing challenges.
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 conference made me realize the immense value of being part of a global network. It opened my eyes to the fact that while we operate in different countries, the challenges we face, such as sustainability and digital transformation are global. It definitely boosted my confidence regarding the quality of our training in France and made me realize that I want to be an active player in this international community.
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 Europe conference?
This experience has broadened my horizons and will definitely influence my choices for my first job, giving me the confidence to look for international opportunities. My advice to future students: Preparation is key, but so is spontaneity! Don't hesitate to pitch your background to the people you meet at coffee breaks or during social events. Everyone is there to share, so leave your shyness at the door and make the most of every single moment.
The 2026 ISPE Europe Annual Conference clearly demonstrated that the future of the pharmaceutical industry lies in connection: between people, ideas, and disciplines. For students like Eglarda, the event was more than just a learning experience; it was a stepping stone into a global professional community that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth.
Experiences like this not only empower students to envision their future roles in the industry but also give them the tools and confidence to pursue those ambitions. By engaging directly with industry leaders and peers, students gain invaluable insights into both the challenges and opportunities that define today’s pharmaceutical landscape. Just as importantly, they begin to see themselves not as observers, but as contributors with the potential to influence the future of healthcare.
As ISPE continues to expand its reach and impact worldwide, events like the Europe Annual Conference play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of professionals. They provide an essential platform for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and inspiration—ensuring that the industry continues to evolve with fresh perspectives and inclusive thinking.
For those considering attending future ISPE events, Eglarda’s experience serves as a powerful testament to the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and engaging fully with the opportunities available. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or looking to grow within it, participation in the ISPE community can open doors that extend far beyond the conference itself.
ISPE’s largest conference of the year, the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo, takes place 18–21 October in Washington, D.C., USA.
Learn more about the 2026 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo.
ISPE members receive exclusive discounts on ISPE conferences. ISPE has more than 25,000 members, with over 40 Affiliates and Chapters around the world and representation from more than 120 countries.
