Among those in attendance was Thomas Vignals, an ISPE France Affiliate student member and Emerging Leader. Currently studying at the University of Bordeaux, Thomas is actively involved in ISPE’s Emerging Leaders Community of Practice (CoP), along with several technical CoPs including Artificial Intelligence, ATMPs, Pharma 4.0™, Radiopharmaceuticals, and Sterile Products Processing. His participation in these groups reflects both his technical curiosity and his commitment to understanding the evolving pharmaceutical landscape.
Thomas attended the 2026 ISPE Europe Annual Conference and shared the following insights about his experience, highlighting not only what he gained as a student but also how ISPE continues to empower future industry leaders.
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 primarily motivated me to attend was the unique opportunity to participate in the International Hackathon. It was a privileged moment to collaborate intensely with Emerging Leaders from all over the globe. Beyond the competition, I was eager to attend keynote sessions led by industry recognized experts. Ultimately, I saw this event as an opportunity to build my professional network and establish meaningful connections within the pharmaceutical sector.
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?
In my view, ISPE is instrumental in shaping the future of the industry by fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing. It provides a platform where common pharmaceutical challenges are addressed through collective intelligence. By connecting professionals from every corner of the world, ISPE ensures that innovative solutions are not developed in silos but are the result of global collaboration and standardized best practices.
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?
As a member of the ISPE France Affiliate, this event made me realize that the high standards we uphold in France are perfectly aligned with European and global requirements. Despite our cultural differences, we all spoke the same “pharma language.” This experience truly reinforced my ambition to pursue an international career after my studies, as it proved that our expertise is highly transferable and globally relevant.
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?
The ISPE International Emerging Leader Hackathon allowed me to work hand-in-hand with diverse profiles, which significantly enriched my teamwork skills in a multicultural context. The rest of the conference helped me consolidate my technical knowledge while discovering cutting-edge industry trends. Most importantly, it facilitated key encounters that are already aiding my search for international opportunities.
My advice to future student attendees? Step out of your comfort zone and stay open to every interaction. The participants are incredibly approachable; a simple question can spark a profound discussion and lead to invaluable learning. Don't just watch, engage!
Experiences like Thomas’s underscore the unique value of ISPE conferences; not only as a place to learn, but as a space where future industry leaders can actively contribute, collaborate, and grow. For students in particular, attending an international event offers far more than exposure to technical content; it provides a real-world glimpse into the global pharmaceutical ecosystem and the opportunity to build confidence, perspective, and ambition. As Thomas’s story illustrates, even a single conference can shape career aspirations, expand professional networks, and reinforce the importance of collaboration in addressing complex industry challenges.
As the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve, driven by innovation in areas like artificial intelligence, advanced therapies, and digital transformation, platforms like ISPE remain essential in connecting people and ideas across borders. For Emerging Leaders, these experiences are not just educational, they are foundational.
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.>
