Thierry Ferain

Background

About Thierry Ferain

I hold a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, with a specialization in Molecular Biology and Genetics, from the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL). My career began in academic research, where I conducted scientific studies and mentored students. This experience laid a strong foundation in analytical thinking and scientific rigor, which I’ve carried forward into more strategic and innovation-driven roles. My transition to the private sector began with a collaboration between UCL and Eurogentec, allowing me to apply academic expertise in an industrial setting. I then joined the R&D department at Euroscreen (today Epics Therapeutics), where I led internal and collaborative research project, working with Belgian and international partners. I managed a team focused on functional assay development for small molecule characterization in Drug Discovery programs. These roles helped me develop strong capabilities in project leadership, scientific communication, and driving collaboration among multidisciplinary teams. Currently, I serve as Program Director – Innovation & Scientific Excellence, where I oversee R&D initiatives in (bio)pharma drug discovery and development, including ATMPs, biomanufacturing digitalization, medical devices, and in vitro diagnostics. I particularly enjoy bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, fostering impactful collaborations in the biotech and healthcare sectors. I find great purpose in contributing to strategic thinking, aligning scientific potential with industrial and societal needs, and helping shape environments where innovation thrives.