37th Annual Meeting ESACT-UK 2027
The ESACT-UK 2027 Conference will be held in-person on 6th and 7th of January 2027 at Hilton Hotel Newcastle, UK.
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- Conference Overview
- Early-career Researcher
- Sponsorships
- Delegates
Join us for the 37th Annual ESACT-UK 2027 Conference that will be held on the 6th and 7th of January 2027 at Hilton Hotel Newcastle, UK. You can expect high-profile speakers such as Prof Alan Dickson (University of Manchester), and exciting talks from industry and academia on topics such as cell and process engineering, digital and automated bioprocessing, advanced therapies and emerging modalities. We will also be showcasing the work of early career researchers, followed by a session focused on sustainability in biomanufacturing. To book your ticket for this event, please go to the ‘Delegates’ tab. Accommodation and dinner guarantee: The room and dinner can only be guaranteed for registrations completed before 8th December 2026. Speakers Prof Alan Dickson (University of Manchester) Professor of Biotechnology  Melinda Pohle (Silvia Bio) Co-Founder and CSO  Alice Millbank (Aston University) PhD student  David Simpson (Iksuda) CEO  Prof Muhammad Safwan Akram (National Horizons Centre, Teesside University) Professor of Biomanufacturing & Innovation in Biosciences  Charles Eldrid (Manchester Institute of Biotechnology) Research Fellow  Robert Whitfield (Cytiva) Senior Leader  Alice Barrier (Advanced Therapeutics Hub, University of Edinburgh) Head of Operations Title: Targeted Protein Alkylation as an Emerging ADC Payload Modality: Preclinical Profile of the ProAlk ADCs Bio: “Dave founded IKSUDA, a clinical stage ADC company focussed on the development of FIC/BIC ADCs to address the challenges of haematological and solid cancers. IKSUDA’s lead clinical assets IKS014 (Her2) and IKS03 (CD19) are in Ph1 trials with its IKS04 (CA242) anticipating FPFV Dec 2026. IKSUDA is now progressing a portfolio of ADCs driven by its proprietary, novel payload (ProAlk) to address the current challenges associated with the clinical sequencing of ADCs. Dave holds several NED positions, advises several biotech’s, investment groups and provides support to Newcastle University’s MRC Confidence in Concept Fund.” Title: Overcoming production bottlenecks in CHO biomanufacturing Bio: Dr. Melinda Pohle is the Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Silvia Bio. She earned her PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Sheffield, focusing on synthetic G-quadruplexes, following earlier research on endogenous CHO promoter regulation. Leveraging her background in gene expression regulation, she co-founded Silvia Bio in 2025 to address fundamental upstream biomanufacturing challenges. Today, she leads the development of proprietary technologies designed to pinpoint specific cellular bottlenecks in mammalian production systems and resolve them using targeted media additives. Title: Exploring Fungal-Animal Cell Platforms for Cultivated Meat Bio: Alice Millbank is a PhD researcher at Aston University, where she develops new biomaterial and bioprocessing approaches to help scale cultivated meat production. Her research focuses on fungal-derived and electrospun microcarriers designed to support the large-scale expansion of animal cells. Alice is also an amateur mycologist, President of Aston’s Alt Protein Project and co-founder of Rooted Research Collective, with her work featured by BBC News, Forbes, National Geographic, Green Queen and The Biochemist. Title: Biomanufacturing – The Space Between Dream and Reality Bio: Prof. Muhammad Safwan Akram is working as a Professor of Biomanufacturing & Innovation in Biosciences at National Horizons Centre, School of Health & Life Sciences at Teesside University. Safwan is running a well funded research group working towards lowering the cost of bioprocesses across biopharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapy and industrial biotechnology. Safwan obtained his PhD in Analytical Biotechnology from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge where he also did his post-doc developing low cost diagnostics. Prior to that he completed his M.Phil in Bioscience Enterprise under the auspices of Cambridge/MIT Partnership. His work has been published in reputed journals like Nature Biotechnology, Lab on a Chip & Annual Reviews of Analytical Chemistry. He has been awarded Health & Life Science Research Award (2023) by ABC Foundation, Medimmune Award (2014), CambridgeSens Innovative Idea award (2009) for research excellence. He has won ‘Star Award for Outstanding Teaching’ voted by the students. Safwan is currently Teesside University’s lead for RESILIENCE Skills centre from Medicines Manufacturing, two doctoral training programmes NEEDL and YBDTP and has previously led Advance Therapies Skills Centre at National Horizons Centre, Teesside University. Title: Fatty Acid β-oxidation and Ferroptosis Define a Survival-Productivity Trade Off in CHO fed-Batch Bioreactors Bio: Charlie has been in the field of mass spectrometry applications to biological problems since 2016, working on protein dynamics at UCL with Konstantinos Thalassinos, before moving to Southampton to Work with Max Crispin, using glycoproteomics to study the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. He moved to Manchester in 2022 as a postdoc to work with Perdita Barran and Andy Pitt as part of a Prosperity Partnership with FUJIFILM Biotechnologies on working to understand the cellular processes within CHO cells under bioreactor conditions. He started a new group in 2026 working on the protein dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins in plants. Title: Unlocking next-generation advanced therapeutics with engineering biology Bio: Alice is Head of Operations for the Engineering Biology for Advanced Therapeutics Hub. It is a multi-institutional academic research initiative harnessing engineering biology for safe and effective gene therapies. The Hub is developing the next generation of controllable advanced therapies – genetic tools that enable cell and gene therapies at the right location, level, and time. In her role, Alice is leading on the delivery of the Hub’s strategy, managing all operational aspects, and supporting the Academic Director – Prof. Susan Rosser- to achieve the Hub’s research, innovation, and translational objectives. Alice’s scientific background is in life and animal sciences. She completed her PhD at the University of Edinburgh’s Veterinary School and has since worked across both academic and industrial settings. For over a decade, she has supported academics in translating and commercialising innovative science, including by strengthening links between academia and industry. As a research support professional, she has worked across the sectors of agriculture, animal science, veterinary medicine, and human medicine, driven by a desire to enable scientific innovations to translate into meaningful commercial and societal outcomes. Title: Re-Engineered Stable AAV Producer Cell Lines for Enhanced Productivity and Product Quality Bio: Rob Whitfield is a senior biopharma leader with over 15 years of international experience across the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and life sciences industries. As Portfolio Manager for Cell Lines at Cytiva, he leads portfolio strategy and R&D initiatives for viral vector cell line technologies, combining scientific innovation with commercial and business priorities. Rob has extensive expertise in mammalian cell line development, technology transfer, product development and cross-functional programme leadership. He holds a PhD in Biotechnology and Bioengineering from the University of Sheffield and has held scientific and leadership roles in the UK, Europe and Australia. Title: Engineering Biology in Biomanufacturing: Promise and Reality Bio: Alan Dickson is Professor of Biotechnology at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology in the UK where his work focuses on increasing the efficiency of CHO cells for the manufacture of antibodies and domain-engineered secreted proteins. Much of the work examines the molecular fundamentals that control cell functionality, growth and secretory capacity, almost all in collaboration with industry. | Agenda |
Calling early career researchers (ECRs) to join us for the 37th ESACT-UK annual meeting 2027. This year, we are looking to maintain an increased proportion of ECRs in the scientific programme, so if you are an ECR (within 7 years of completing a BSc) and would like to present your work, please submit a high quality scientific abstract stating your preference for oral presentation, poster flash or poster. Use this template and upload it in the ‘Contact Us’ tab addressed to the Secretary.
The deadline for abstract submission is Friday, 30th of October 2026.
The ESACT-UK organising committee will review the applications and select candidates for each presentation type. The subjects need to be relevant to cell culture biotechnology in order to be in the remit of ESACT-UK. Committee decision is final.
Successful candidates selected for ORAL presentation and POSTER FLASH will be awarded a FULL bursary to attend the 37th ESACT-UK annual meeting covering registration fee with accommodation, while candidates selected for a POSTER will be awarded a PARTIAL bursary covering 50% of the registration fee with accommodation (member rate).
We therefore ask abstract applicants NOT to register for the meeting at this time. If successful, you will be given details on the bursary and the registration separately.
All attending early career researchers will also be eligible for one of the following PRIZES:
- Best oral presentation – £500 bursary for an event of their choice;
- Best poster flash – £350 bursary for an event of their choice;
- Best poster – £250 bursary for an event of their choice.
The early career researcher must be a member of the ESACT-UK. Membership is FREE for students. More details on how to become a member can be found on our ‘Join us’ page.
For any questions about abstract and bursary applications, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the ‘Contact us’ page by addressing the correspondence to the Secretary.
GOLD Sponsor – £3,000 (Limited to one sponsor) Position your company as the official sponsor of the ESACT-UK 2027 Conference with our premium Gold package. This exclusive opportunity offers maximum visibility and engagement throughout the event. Package includes:
Poster Submission: If you would like to present a poster, please submit a scientific abstract via our contact page (select ‘Trade’ as the recipient) by 30th of October 2026. Please note: ESACT-UK reserves the right to reject posters that are purely promotional or sales-oriented. Please note: Accommodation is not included in this sponsorship package. SILVER Sponsor – £2,250 (Limited to one sponsor) Gain prominent visibility at ESACT-UK 2026 as our exclusive Silver Sponsor, with valuable presentation and branding opportunities throughout the event. Package includes:
Poster Submission: If you would like to present a poster, please submit a scientific abstract via our contact page (select ‘Trade’ as the recipient) by 30th of October 2026. Please note: ESACT-UK reserves the right to reject posters that are purely promotional or sales-oriented. Please note: Accommodation is not included in this sponsorship package. BRONZE Sponsor – £1,300 (Up to four available) Showcase your organisation by sponsoring a conference session at ESACT-UK 2026. This Bronze package offers valuable exposure and the opportunity to engage directly with attendees during your sponsored session. Package includes:
Poster Submission: To display a poster, please submit a scientific abstract via our contact page (select ‘Trade’ as the recipient) by 30th of October 2026. Please note: ESACT-UK reserves the right to reject posters that are primarily promotional or sales-focused. Please note: Accommodation is not included in this sponsorship package. Exhibitor – £900 (Up to 14 spaces available) Promote your organisation at ESACT-UK 2026 with an exhibitor package designed to provide valuable networking opportunities and brand exposure throughout the event. Package includes:
Poster Submission: To display a poster, please submit a scientific abstract via our contact page (select ‘Trade’ as the recipient) by 30th of October 2026. Please note: ESACT-UK reserves the right to decline posters that are promotional rather than scientific in nature. Please note: Accommodation is not included in this package. Services Pass – £600 (Up to 6 available – New for 2027!) This new package is designed specifically for service providers such as consultants, recruiters, and software developers who wish to engage with delegates but do not require equipment display space. Package includes:
Poster Submission: To display a poster, please submit a scientific abstract via our contact page (select ‘Trade’ as the recipient) by 30th of October 2026. Please note: ESACT-UK reserves the right to reject posters that are promotional rather than scientific in nature. Please note: Accommodation is not included in this package. Additional Exhibitor Pass – £275 (Up to 25 available) This pass is available for organisations with an existing exhibitor or sponsorship package and provides access for one additional delegate. Package includes:
Please note: Accommodation is not included in this pass. |
The 37th ESACT-UK Annual Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel Newcastle, UK on the 6th and 7th January 2027. This year, our exciting agenda will cover Cell and Process Engineering, Digital and Automated Biomanufacturing, Advanced Therapies and Emerging Modalities. We will also host a session on Sustainability in Biomanufacturing. And of course, we will have our Early Careers Session showcasing work of the Early Career Researchers from the ESACT-UK community. The 2027 delegate conference registration cost includes: – Networking Session and Conference dinner on the 6th of January – Accommodation at the Hilton Hotel Newcastle on 6th of January (please opt out during registration if accommodation is not required) Book your tickets early to take advantage of our EARLY BIRD RATES available until Friday 30th of October 2026. ESACT-UK members will receive discounted registration rates (£100 discount for members will be applied at the checkout on provision of the discount code). To receive your unique code to take advantage of this offer, please use the ‘Contact Us’ page and request the code via the Secretary. If you would like to take advantage of a group booking (discounts can be applied), please get in touch via the ‘Contact Us’ page. If you would like to become an ESACT-UK member to take advantage of the discounted rates, or you would like to contact the ESACT-UK committee for any queries related to registration or bursary applications please follow this link. We look forward to welcoming you to our event in January! |