Bioconvergence Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities in Research Productivity

Dr. Nina Siragusa holds the position of Strategy Business Lead at Merck Healthcare KGaA. Trained as a scientist with a doctorate in biology, Dr. Siragusa has dedicated her academic career to the flourishing field of bioconvergence, exploring a diverse array of topics. Her extensive research background encompasses fungal biology, delving into areas such as natural product research, molecular biology, and advanced sequencing and big data analysis across prestigious institutions in Europe and Yale University in the United States.

In 2016, Dr. Siragusa transitioned to Merck KGaA, where she assumed the role of Innovation Expert. In this capacity, she spearheaded the biotechnology segment of a pioneering synthetic biology project, once again synergizing digital technology and engineering within the framework of bioconvergence. Prior to her current role in the Healthcare Business unit, she was appointed Chief of Staff to Merck’s Chief Science and Technology Officer, Laura Matz. During this period, Dr. Siragusa played a pivotal role in advancing the bioconvergence mega-trend, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the field.

André T. Nemat is founder and Managing Partner of the Institute for Digital Transformation in Healthcare at Witten/Herdecke University, Germany. As a surgeon by training with an engineering background, he is an expert in the field of thoracic surgery. With a PhD from the University of Duesseldorf Germany, he has over 15 years of experience as chief physician and director of specialized lung-clinics.

Currently he acts as Executive Medical Director of the VKh.NRW. The ＂Virtual Hospital＂ is anchored in the Ministry of Health of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and serves to transform the healthcare system by implementing digital innovations for comprehensive care. As a Boardmember of the International Data Spaces Association he focuses intensively on the added value of data-based innovation while preserving data sovereignty, on human digital twins in medicine and on digital ethics.