Scientific Committee
-
Chairperson
Peptides
Fernando Albericio
Research Professor University of KwaZulu-Natal
-
Chairperson
Peptides
Bruce Morimoto
IOPC Advisor
-
Chairperson
Peptides
Sara Pellegrino
Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry University of Milan
-
Committee
Peptides
Olivier Dapremont
Executive Director, Technology and Innovation SK pharmteco
-
Chairperson
Oligos
Kathryn L. Ackley
Scientific Advisory Board Chemistry Today
-
Chairperson
Oligos
Sritama Bose
Associate Director of Chemistry Orfonyx Bio
-
Chairperson
Oligos
Sonja Merkas
Founder and CEO Livinovea GmbH
Peptide chemistry is the main focus of Fernando Albericio’s research at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. His work spans methods for assembling peptides, biologically active compounds and approaches to drug delivery, with applications that include oncology and infectious diseases.
An author of scientific papers, books and patents, he has also held editorial responsibilities across several chemistry journals. His contributions have been recognised by the European Peptide Society, the American Peptide Society and the University of Buenos Aires. A particular priority of his recent research is improving the environmental performance of peptide synthesis.
Bruce Morimoto advises biotechnology companies on taking experimental medicines through development and towards registration. Over more than 25 years in industry, his responsibilities have covered preclinical research, manufacturing, clinical studies and regulatory planning, particularly for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
His previous leadership appointments include Alkahest, Celerion, Cerecin and Allon Therapeutics. He has also chaired a scientific review panel for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Before entering industry, he researched neuronal signalling at Purdue University. His training includes a biochemistry doctorate from UCLA and postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley.
At the University of Milan’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sara Pellegrino investigates the design and preparation of peptides and peptide mimics. Her research connects synthetic chemistry with applications in medicine, biochemistry and materials.
She completed her doctoral studies in medicinal chemistry in Milan in 2005. A subsequent Vigoni fellowship took her to the University of Regensburg, where she worked with Professor C. Cabrele during 2005–2006. Her scientific output includes peer-reviewed publications, patent applications and presentations at international meetings.
Olivier Dapremont joined SK pharmteco corporation in 2025 after 25 years at the small molecule division (Aerojet Fine Chemicals, AMPAC Fine Chemical, SK pharmteco Small Molecule North America) in Rancho Cordova CA. Olivier earned an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from IUT Génie Chimique Toulouse, and a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from ENSIGC Toulouse in 1992. He completed his PhD in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from Université Paris 6, at ESPCI Paris. He is the chair of the Prep conference in the USA since 2025 and is a fervent supporter of Green Chemistry and Sustainability.
After completing doctoral studies in chemical engineering and applied chemistry in Paris in 1997, he worked on SMB applications at Chiral Technologies Europe. In 2001, he joined the organisation now known as AMPAC Fine Chemicals. His activities have included equipment development, process scale-up and continuous API manufacturing. He has contributed to scientific publications, reference books and patents concerning separation technologies.
Kathryn L. Ackley’s career in pharmaceutical contract manufacturing has concentrated on oligonucleotides. At Girindus, which she joined in 2001, her responsibilities progressed from quality control to operations, business development and project management. Following the acquisition of Girindus’ US facility in 2013, she continued at Nitto Denko Avecia, eventually overseeing development activities across its sites.
Her experience also covers small molecules and radiopharmaceuticals. She has served on the advisory boards of US TIDES and Chemistry Today. After leaving full-time employment in 2016, she continued advising Avecia until 2018. She holds a doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Cincinnati.
At Orfonyx Bio, an Oxford University spinout, Sritama Bose directs chemistry projects in the development of nucleic acid medicines. Her earlier positions include leading chemistry research and innovation at the UK’s Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator and working as a senior scientist at Sygnature Discovery.
Her doctoral research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science concerned the synthesis of bioactive natural products. She subsequently undertook research in China, South Africa and Slovakia, before developing further expertise in nucleic acid chemistry at Durham University. This combination of synthesis, medicinal chemistry and translational research informs her work on therapeutic programmes.
Sonja Merkas founded Livinovea GmbH to help life science organisations connect their commercial ambitions with technical capabilities and operations. Her advisory work encompasses CMC, project delivery, productivity, cost management and business expansion.
Her background in oligonucleotides began with doctoral and postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich in 2003, followed by ten years working on nucleic acid therapeutics at Novartis. Since 2021, she has advised pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology businesses, CDMOs and startups. Drawing on more than 25 years in the sector, she also contributes to advisory boards and speaks at RNA therapeutics and other industry conferences.