2021 Fall Senior Executive Conference

The topic for this event was proteomics; the newest developments in this space, how companies are capitalizing on these opportunities, and the implications for ALDA members.

Titled “The Proteomics Evolution: What’s New & What’s Next”, the 2021 Fall Senior Executive Conference offered valuable insights on the study of the proteome and its evolving applications, as well as new innovations and techniques. Attendees heard from distinguished speakers with multiple perspectives from varied fields, from researchers to financial analysts to senior executives of dynamic companies in this space.

Proteins dictate cellular structure and activity, provide the mechanisms for signaling between cells and tissues, and catalyze chemical reactions that support metabolism. Proteins can be the root cause of diseases, and they can be used to cure it. Innovations in mass spectrometry (MS) technology have enabled researchers to uncover previously unexplored parts of the proteome over the years, assisting the discovery of new drugs and pushing the boundaries of personalized medicine.

ALDA speakers guided the audience through new evolutionary opportunities in this space; what does this next generation of proteomics look like? What are the latest applications being used? How do newer processes like machine learning impact what’s coming next? And finally, how are companies in this space capitalizing? This compelling narrative drove our October 4 sessions.

Two dynamic speakers bookended the conference, focused outside of the proteomics topic. On Sunday night, best-selling author and former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss shared stories and lessons on the art of negotiation. And on Tuesday morning, we were joined by the great Michael Lewis to discuss his newest book, The Premonition, as well his storied catalog of best-selling books including The Big Short, Moneyball, The Blind Side, Liar’s Poker, and many more.

General Sessions 

Presented by Chris Voss
Former FBI hostage negotiator
Co-author of the book “Never Split the Difference”

Click HERE for Presentation
Click HERE to view the recording of Chris Voss’ presentation

Monday, October 4: 

General Sessions

Next-gen Proteomics: Outlook and Opportunities in a Massive Market
Presented by Puneet Souda
Senior Research Analyst at SVB Leerink covering Life Science Tools and Diagnostics

Mr. Souda closely tracks our industry and has a deep knowledge of financial activity in the proteomics space. He shared insights on this expanding market and what the future holds for companies in this space, as well as implications for the broader industry. This session framed the dialogue for the rest of the day, providing a solid foundation on the state of proteomics that was expanded on by other presenters.

Proteomics: The Next Frontier in Life Science Tools and Diagnostics

Click HERE to view the recording of Puneet Souda’s presentation

The Latest in Proteomics Applications & Forward-looking Research
Presented by Jennifer van Eyk, PhD, Cedars Sinai
Director, Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute in the Department of Biomedical Sciences — Erika J. Glazer Chair in Women’s Heart Health

Director, Basic Science Research in the Women’s Heart Center; Professor, Medicine and Professor, Biomedical Sciences

Dr. Van Eyk’s research is focused on high throughput quantitative proteomics and disease-induced biomarker studies. The Van Eyk Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai is interested in the molecular basis behind a range of cardiovascular disorders.

Dr. Van Eyk shared how her lab uses mass spectrometry-based expertise to decipher the precise role that protein expression profiles and modifications play in disease progression.

Click HERE for Presentation
Click HERE to view the recording of Jennifer van Eyk’s presentation

Proteomics 3.0, machine learning, and the singularity
Presented by John Yates III, PhD, Scripps Research
Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine
California Campus

Editor-in-Chief: Journal of Proteome Research

Dr. Yates assessed the next stage of proteomics focusing on how artificial intelligence will impact the science moving forward. Research in the Yates lab is focused on the development and application of mass spectrometry-based proteomics techniques to a wide range of biological questions.

Dr. Yates’ research encompasses the areas of bioinformatics and software development, methods development and biological applications. According to his lab, “the integration of all the elements in the proteomics pipeline within one lab facilitates advances in all of them.”

Click HERE for Presentation
Click HERE to view the recording of John Yates’ presentation

Tuesday, October 5

General Session

Closing Keynote Speaker: A Conversation with Michael Lewis
Best-selling author of modern classics including “Moneyball”, “The Blind Side”, “The Big Short”, “Liar’s Poker” and, most recently, “The Premonition: A Pandemic Story”

ALDA Chair Brad Gray will sat down with one of the most accomplished and prominent writers of our time, Michael Lewis, to discuss his decades-spanning career producing best-selling works of non-fiction. Questions included a dive deep into “The Premonition”, Lewis’ most recent book chronicling the U.S. government’s response and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ‘superhero’ scientists who tried to save the day.

Click HERE to view the recording of a Conversation with Michael Lewis