Insights from Dr. Laszlo Fabian: Judging the Pharma Industry Awards

By April Lara

May 15, 2024

Laszlo Fabian, lecturer at University of East Anglia

The Pharma Industry Awards recognise excellence across the pharmaceutical sector. Among the esteemed judges is Dr Laszlo Fabian, a lecturer from the University of East Anglia, whose background in academia and the industry brings a valuable perspective to the panel. Here's a Q&A session with Dr. Fabian to gain insights into his experience and judging approach.

Briefly tell us about your background in the pharmaceutical industry.

I don't have a real background in the pharmaceutical industry. I started off with a PhD in small molecule crystallography, which involved some service work to local pharma companies. This then lead to postdocs with much more direct industry links: Pfizer Institute for Pharmaceutical Materials Science (at the CCDC) and a project linked with Almac (at University College Cork, as part of SSPC). I then started my independent career in a Pharmacy school, which then forced me to pick up more of the clinically relevant parts of pharmaceutical science.

What criteria do you prioritise when evaluating submissions for the Pharma Industry Awards?

The criteria and the weights for each category are set and made public before the judging process, so what I am mostly looking for is clear evidence in the submission for meeting those criteria. I have seen otherwise good submissions that fell short because they did not mention anything relevant for some of the criteria.

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations within the pharmaceutical sector?

Being an academic I won't surprise anyone by saying I read a lot. It's a mix of scientific literature and relevant news stories. I also see a lot through my professional network, things colleagues get involved in or comment about.

Do you have a memorable experience from your time as a judge for these awards that you'd like to share?

I enjoyed the breadth of the topics covered by the submissions. it showed how many different people and skills contribute to this field.

In your opinion, how do collaboration and partnership drive innovation in pharmaceuticals, and how does this influence your judging approach?

In most categories, maybe in all, it is very difficult to show real impact without partnerships, and difficult to develop anything original without collaboration. So even if these are not explicit criteria, they are important to success.

The Pharma Industry Awards provide a unique platform for networking and knowledge sharing among the sector's best minds. Attendees have the chance to connect with industry peers, build valuable partnerships, and learn from the latest developments shaping the future of pharmaceuticals. The event is a celebration of past achievements and an opportunity to inspire future growth and collaboration.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a rising star in the industry, these awards offer unparalleled visibility and a chance to be part of a transformative community committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare.

Gain recognition for your accomplishments in the pharmaceutical sector. Book now for The Pharma Industry Awards Ireland 2024. Secure your spot at the upcoming awards ceremony, where you'll have the chance to mingle with industry trailblazers and showcase your success.