NICOLAS Emilien

I am a 15+ years experienced project manager with strong expertise in gene and cell biology currently leading the development of advanced preclinical services for biotech and medtech companies in the fields of immunology and infectiology (CER Groupe).
My scientific career first focused on the understanding of the mechanisms that underlie stability and plasticity of genetic information using innovative molecular and cellular bioassays (UCLouvain, Oxford University, ULB, UNamur). These works contributed to understand the way DNA and RNA processing machineries are organized at the cellular level with potential applications for global society concerns such as cancer. This expertise has contributed to my accomplishment as a project manager in biotechnology for the development of diagnostic tools for infectious diseases (Fast track Diagnostics-Siemens healthineers) and the application of advanced therapies to treat neurological disorders (NeuVasQ Biotechnologies). All these work experiences have sharpened my mind to become a recognized scientist with strong transversal technical and leadership skills.

Motivation

The field of bioproduction with animal cells has a crucial role in modern medicine for the synthesis of advanced therapy medicinal products such as CAR-T, recombinant AAVs, or lipid-based nanoparticles.
The CER Groupe is a key actor in this chain as we provide complete solutions for bioproduction, analytical characterization and/or preclinical analysis of these new biologics. We also develop state of the art cellular methodologies to address the innocuity and the efficacy of these biologics with alternative methods to in vivo assays. Our major expertise in these fields is recognized by the number of valued biotech and medtech companies that trust our tailored services.
With my transversal expertise in the field of modern drug production and characterization using both molecular and cellular assays, my knowledge of both academic and private research sectors, I believe that my profile might be of interest to be part of the scientific committee of BELSACT. As the CER Groupe collaborates with central actors of Animal Cell Technology, our implication would also contribute to the networking and scientific progress spirit promoted by the BELSACT.

FERRAN-ROCA Pau

Pau Ferran-Roca is a Life Science professional with a strong foundation in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. He holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology from the University of Barcelona (2016) and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Lleida (2015). Pau has developed hands-on expertise across GMP manufacturing, upstream biotech applications, and technical sales support in multinational settings.

Motivation

I am applying to join the BELSACT executive committee to help advance science in Belgium, strengthen networking between industry players, and contribute to a thriving biotech ecosystem. After two years of helping organize the BELSACT scientific meeting, I have seen firsthand the impact of uniting research and industry and I am committed to fostering open dialogue, cross-sector partnerships, and opportunities that empower researchers, startups, and established companies to work together more effectively.

KARENGERA Eric

Eric Karengera is a bioprocess expert with a decade of experience in the development of biological medicines, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recombinant  vaccines, and gene therapies. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from École  Polytechnique de Montréal and a Master of Bioengineering from the Université Libre  de Bruxelles. 
Eric currently serves as Principal Scientist at GSK, where he leads process design  and development for vaccine candidates. Prior to GSK, Eric worked at Exothera,  where he led gene therapy and vaccine development projects. Before that, he spent  four years at UCB Pharma, progressing from early-stage process development for  mAbs and acting as Subject Matter Expert for Drug Substance manufacturing at  commercial scales, with hands-on experience in regulatory submissions to the FDA  and EMA. 
Eric has authored several peer-reviewed publications in journals including  Biotechnology Progress, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, the Journal of  Biotechnology, and Animal Cell Biotechnology, covering topics from the quality of  biotherapeutic proteins to online glycosylation monitoring in cell culture. Eric is also  known as an engaged mentor, having guided scientists and engineers at every stage  of his career, from academic research through to industrial bioprocessing.

Motivation

Having spent most of my career in Belgium’s life sciences ecosystem, at ULB,  Exothera, UCB Pharma, and now GSK Vaccines, I have come to appreciate the  importance and potential of better connecting the Belgian animal cell technology  community, and the role a society like BELSACT can play in making that happen. 
BELSACT’s mission of bridging academia and industry, fostering scientific exchange,  and supporting the next generation of practitioners resonates deeply with my  professional values. Throughout my career, mentoring junior scientists and engineers  has been a consistent priority. I believe that cultivating talent and facilitating  knowledge-sharing within our community is as important as the science itself.  
My work spans a wide scope of animal cell technology: mammalian upstream process  development, technology transfer, process characterization, QbD, regulatory  submissions, and CDMO partnerships across modalities ranging from mAbs and  recombinant antigens to gene therapy vectors. I believe this cross-sector, cross modality experience positions me to contribute meaningfully to the scientific  programme and strategic direction of the Society, ensuring that BELSACT events and  initiatives remain relevant and impactful across both academic and industrial  audiences. 
Belgium is home to a remarkable concentration of biopharmaceutical expertise and  infrastructure. I am eager to help BELSACT further strengthen the visibility and  reputation of this community, facilitate connections between members, and contribute  to shaping the next generation of scientific meetings and networking initiatives.