CONEXEN events, inaugurated in Cambridge (England) in January 2022, have blossomed into a dynamic community uniting professionals and founders from diverse healthcare fields and corporate landscapes, all united by a shared commitment to fostering relationships and building a robust community. Our community welcomes professionals from the biopharma, life sciences, medical devices, and health tech sectors, as well as professionals from patient groups, research foundations, and academic institutions.
Angel, seed, or venture capital financing institutions, along with members of the healthcare media, find a warm invitation to join our vibrant community. At the heart of CONEXEN is a philosophy of radical generosity, where our primary mission is to proactively share a collective pool of resources. This ethos creates an environment where like-minded individuals can freely exchange information, discuss trends, and explore innovative ideas, fostering collaboration and giving back in a relaxed and congenial setting. All Conexers embody the spirit of giving, actively engaging with and contributing to the community.
Our community is proudly run by local organisers who volunteer their time and are leaders in their respective organisations. These passionate individuals, supported by a small admin team, ensure that everything runs smoothly despite our full-time commitments. To continue hosting our events and expanding our impact, we seek the support of organisations willing to host or sponsor our activities.
Our focus extends beyond mere networking; we are dedicated to discovering and nurturing careers, fostering business connections, and supporting organisations that resonate with our values. We facilitate these connections through in-person gatherings in Cambridge, Oxford, and London, creating opportunities for professionals in the healthcare industry to meet, collaborate, and unwind in a casual and enjoyable happy hour setting.
We are proud to share that CONEXEN has been honoured with the 2024 Silver Award for Best Networking Group of the Year and the Positive Impact award. This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence and the positive impact our community has had on fostering meaningful connections within the healthcare industry.
Paula is an Anglo-Argentinean biopharma and health tech independent consultant and senior advisor in the field of commercial operations, sales and marketing and general management at local and global level.
Paula has more than 20 years’ experience in leading and executing strategic product launches globally and designing cross-functional solutions in varied markets. Known for building high-performing, empowered teams, operational excellence, commercialisation, and lifecycle management.
Paula is driven by a genuine passion for people and important causes. She is proud to mentor a wide variety of professionals and serves on the Board of Trustees for non-for-profit organisations involved in health, education and social welfare.
Since 2021, Paula has served on the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association and it is currently a Global Board Director. Paula was also a Official UK Delegate of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 2023 and 2024.
Our community is proudly run by local organisers who volunteer their time and are leaders in their respective organisations. These passionate individuals, supported by a small but dedicated admin team, ensure that everything runs smoothly despite our full-time commitments. To continue hosting our events and expanding our impact, we seek the support of organisations willing to host or sponsor our activities. If you’d like to learn more, click here.
Hazel is a dynamic and flexible senior leader with experience of oncology research, in biopharma and academic/charity settings. Hazel is currently the CEO at Enhanc3d Genomics and has held a variety of roles at AstraZeneca from Chief-of-Staff for Oncology R&D to Executive Product Director, Clinical Data. Prior to AstraZeneca, she held roles at Cancer Research UK as Head of Combination Therapies, and at Cancer Research Technology as Head of Functional Pharmacology. Overall, Hazel has in-depth knowledge of oncology drug discovery and development in small biotech (MedImmune and Cambridge Antibody Technology), big Pharma and academic settings. Hazel is known for her strong alliance management capabilities, including stakeholder engagement and excellent communication skills with a focus on introducing new ideas. She has a focus on long-term strategic planning, both logistics and scientific deliverables, with an excellent delivery record and the ability to coordinate complex projects.
Leigh is currently serving at Norgine as Sr Global Marketing Director and Commmercial Lead at Norgine. Prior to Norgine she held local local, regional and global Senior roles at Guardian Health, Pfizer, Amgen and Napp, and more recently as Sr Director Global Marketing, Oncology and Precision Diagnostics at Qiagen.
Leigh is a pioneer in the pursuit of making a difference and impact to saving the lives of patients. Leigh is an experienced global biopharmaceutical and biotech commercial leader who has spent over 20 years working at the intersection of both strategy and operations in both big and small biopharma and more recently biotech, delivering results in Oncology pan tumour product launches as well as later stages of the product life cycle locally, regionally, and globally.
Lemy is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. She began her career as a Scientist, contributing to renowned companies such as MedImmune, GSK, and Avacta. Currently, Lemy serves as the Director of Programme Management at Ochre Bio, an Oxford-based biotech company focused on developing RNA therapies for chronic liver diseases. Before joining Ochre Bio, she held senior roles, including Senior Portfolio and Programme Manager at Healx and Project Manager at Abcam. Lemy possesses extensive knowledge in biochemistry and applied molecular biology, making her a valuable asset in advancing innovative therapeutic solutions.
Dipesh is an experienced commercial Life Sciences professional with a proven record of accomplishment in numerous “in-house” roles. Specialist areas include business, marketing, and sales strategy development and planning.
Dipesh is currently serving as Executive Director of Global Oncology and Pipeline Programmes at Eisai. Previously he had various senior marketing roles at AstraZeneca, followed by serving as Commercial Life Sciences Advisor for EY Life Sciences.
Sam is a healthcare marketing and communications professional with a wealth of experience, from start-ups to big pharma, global and local brand management. From launching new products to revitalising established brands, journey mapping, insight gathering and brand strategy.
Sam is currently serving as Brand Manager at AstraZeneca in the UK Cardiovascular and Metabolic Business Unit. In the past, Sam has work for large communications agencies in London such as Hive and Cherry Advertising as well as being a freelance marketing consultant for a number of global brands.
Our community is proudly run by local organisers who volunteer their time. These passionate individuals, supported by a small but dedicated admin team, ensure that everything runs smoothly despite our full-time commitments. To continue hosting our events and expanding our impact, we seek the support of organisations willing to host or sponsor our activities. If you’d like to learn more, click here.
