Life Sciences Networking Event Recap | May 2021 GLSA & FOCM
On a glorious day destined for historical significance (or at least mild amusement), these meeting minutes were metaphorically prepared for submission to the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and—curiously—the Sydney Opera House bulletin board.
On May 20, 2021, the Global Life Sciences Alliance (GLSA) and FOCM Networking hosted their first virtual networking event. While only about half of the enthusiastic RSVPs ultimately attended, the event was still considered a strong success. In total, 21 professionals joined the inaugural session.
We began by recognizing Global Clinical Trials Day and offering a toast to the clinical research industry for its role in combating COVID-19. We also honored James Lind, the Scottish physician who conducted the first controlled clinical trial in 1747 aboard a sailing ship. His scurvy experiment, using citrus fruits, laid the groundwork for modern clinical research—and saved a few sailors along the way.
Next, Chris introduced GLSA members to the FOCM community. After some general discussion, we conducted several polls. About half of the group expressed hesitation about returning to in-person conferences right away. Slightly more than half reported being vaccinated or having acquired immunity. Notably, one attendee suggested that clinical research professionals should lead by example through vaccination—a sentiment widely supported by the group.
Confidence in the vaccine development process was high. While accelerated timelines limited long-term data, attendees agreed that vaccine side effects historically do not emerge later in time. The consensus was clear: science worked, and urgency mattered.
Then came speed networking. Chris shared the belief that most people in clinical research are only two degrees of separation from one another. Over four breakout sessions, attendees introduced themselves, shared past experience, and identified mutual connections. As a result, valuable conversations took place, and several new professional relationships were formed—exactly the goal of the event.
We look forward to continuing the momentum at our next networking event on June 16.
Event Attendees
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David Holland, Cmed Research
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Jon Matheus, Pancrazi Real Estate
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Sheila Mahoney-Jewels, Life Science Hub
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Eric Nier, Block Clinical
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Lynne Becker, Power of Patients
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Nadia Bracken, Medidata
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Christine Ver Straate, GLSA
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Mitchell Efros, Verified Clinical Trials
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Cassandra Hui, HealMary
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Denise McNerney, GLSA
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Joe Buser, GLSA
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Tom Ryan, GLSA
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Kalyan Ghosh, Inference Inc
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Marty Frazier, GLSA
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Tanusree Bhattacharyya, Inference Inc
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Zulma Varela, GLSA
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Mike O’Gorman, Life Science Marketplace
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David Gibboni, DJGibboni Consulting
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Eric Mayer, EDP Biotech
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Craig Fernandes, EDP Biotech
About GLSA
Global Life Sciences Alliance (GLSA) connects biotechs, pharma, CROs, and clinical research sites with the right experts, advisors, and solutions to accelerate development and reduce risk. With a network of more than 200 trusted partners spanning pre-clinical and clinical research, GLSA offers flexible, cost-effective access to specialized expertise and services that support early-stage biotechs, mid-size pharma, and global pharmaceutical companies.
When you need trusted, global resources to accelerate your research, GLSA helps you scale smarter and move you forward with confidence.
To learn how GLSA can support your organization, connect with Denise McNerney or Chris Matheus for a conversation about your goals and challenges.