“I am here to keep my professional passion alive”

Rare diseases are often an overlooked field because they affect only a small number of people. But on Tuesday, rare diagnoses took centre stage.

Pharmadanmark had invited guests to yet another edition of Life Science Talks – our biannual conference that brings together researchers, clinicians, and specialists from Denmark and abroad to explore a current topic in depth.

This time, the focus was on rare diseases, and the programme was packed with inspiring presentations from experts within the field.

Are you curious about what was discussed on stage? Read more here

Life Science Talks is for everyone who wants to explore new topics, gain new perspectives, and strengthen their professional knowledge. This time, more than 300 participants attended at Scandic Copenhagen, while even more followed the conference online.

Life Science Talks is a conference with room for reflection, debate, and, not least, networking with others in the industry. This was especially clear during the breaks, where the atmosphere was buzzing. Conversations flowed, former colleagues reunited, and new connections were created.

We spoke to some of the participants about why they attended Life Science Talks and what they hoped to take away from the day. Meet them below.

And psst… Would you like to join next time? The next Life Science Talks will take place on 30th of September. Read more and sign up here

Wiki Ng

Wiki is a pharmacist and currently works at the Danish Medicines Agency. She is also a board member of the State Section at Pharmadanmark.

“ I am here because I thought it sounded exciting and because I wanted to meet new people and network. I heard that some of my colleagues were attending too, so we decided to go together.”

“Rare diseases are a field that you do not hear enough about. New topics constantly emerge that you have never heard about before. I hope to leave feeling inspired and with lots of new knowledge about what is happening nowadays, perhaps including new discoveries and methods.”

Julie Svendsen Miladinovic and Carina Bovbjerg

Julie and Carina are studying molecular medicine.

“We hope to hear more about what is currently happening within research in this field. Because of what we study, rare diseases and genetic diseases are incredibly interesting to us, so it is exciting to gain insight into what is happening across the industry.”

“We are a group of friends from university attending together. It is interesting to hear from people who have ended up in different parts of the industry because it gives us a glimpse into what we might work with in the future.”

Kirsten Kiær Ahring

Kirsten originally trained as a clinical dietitian. She holds a master’s degree in human nutrition and a PhD in clinical genetics. Today, she works with rare diseases, particularly the rare metabolic disorder PKU, at Rigshospitalet.

“I work with rare diseases every day, so it felt natural for me to attend today. The programme sounded exciting, and I have also known Elsebet Østergaard (one of the speakers at Life Science Talks, ed.) for many years because we have worked together.”

“I am here to hear what is happening within the field – and whether there is anything new emerging. PKU, which I work with, is just one of many rare diseases, so we can all learn from hearing about, for example, new treatments and available resources.”

Myrto Zioga and Jesper Boselius

Myrto, from Greece, and Jesper, from England, are studying for a master’s degree in bioinformatics at the University of Copenhagen.

“We both study bioinformatics, and we thought it would be exciting to hear about how our field can be applied to rare diseases – for example in precision medicine. It will also be interesting to learn more about the research taking place within the industry.”

“We both moved to Denmark to study, and it can feel a bit intimidating to go out and network. But Life Science Talks is a great place to meet people and see how the Danish industry works. We might also meet someone interesting to collaborate with on a future project or someone who could help us find a student job.”

Dorte Strobel

Dorte is a pharmacist. She usually works within the pharmaceutical industry but is currently between jobs and spending her time caring for some ill family members.

“I am here to keep my professional passion alive and still feel connected to a field that I truly care about. I hope to leave with new knowledge and insight into how the field has developed. It can be difficult to stay updated when you are between jobs, but I always learn something new when I attend events like Life Science Talks.”

“It is also important to get out and talk to former colleagues and fellow students, or meet people you do not know yet. It is easy to end up sitting at home and isolating yourself when you are unemployed, but this is a great opportunity to network.”

Sidsel Melgaard

Sidsel is a pharmacist and works as a consultant.

“I am a consultant and work with clients who often deal with diseases within this area as well (rare diseases, ed.). So I thought it would be a good opportunity to gain some background knowledge and inspiration. It is always valuable to get new perspectives on the work you do.”

“I am in close contact with the pharmaceutical industry myself, so it is exciting to hear input from people working in other places – for example hospitals and universities.”

“I do not attend events like this very often, but I read about Life Science Talks in a newsletter and thought I would give it a try. I came alone, but I have already met a few people I know and have previously worked with.”

Thorbjørn Strøm-Hansen

Thorbjørn is a pharmacist who recently retired. Before that, he worked at Novo Nordisk for more than 30 years.

“I am here primarily out of professional interest. I think it is a fascinating topic, so I am really here simply to learn more for my own sake. Rare diseases are such an interesting field, and I hope to better understand what is being done for these patients, where the pharmaceutical industry does not always have a natural incentive to develop treatments.”

“Now that I am no longer connected to the labour market, it is also a good opportunity to meet former colleagues. It is definitely a great chance to get out and say hello to people I know in the industry.”

Rasmus Frodegaard

Rasmus is a health economist and works in the Danish Medicines Council secretariat within the department for rare diseases.

“Rare diseases are becoming increasingly important for us (the Danish Medicines Council, ed.), so I wanted to come and hear what is happening across the landscape. I am here with some colleagues, and of course we also want to hear Jannick’s presentation (Jannick Brennum, Vice Chair of the Danish Medicines Council and one of the speakers at Life Science Talks, ed.).”

“I hope to take the temperature of what is happening within the field. We are looking at some challenges from our side, but there are certainly others with different perspectives that could be valuable to learn more about.”