Program Overview

In 2023, the SITC Board of Directors launched a six-part strategic plan to engage the broad biotech ecosystem to support the approval of 100 novel IO agents by 2034.

Two pillars of that plan include: Education Excellence and Talent Development. These pillars focused on educating the community on the business of IO biotech, from technology transfer to early-stage investment. They also aimed to train the next generation of IO biotech leaders, preparing them to excel in various career paths, including academia, biotech, finance, and pharmaceutical settings.

The first initiative of these pillars was three virtual interviews focused on the business of launching a biotech and two webinars focused on two distinct career paths in biotech. The target audience for these programs included mostly early career professionals interested in transitioning into a career in biotech. Individuals later in their career looking to make a transition into this industry may also be interested.

Talent Development Webinars

The variety of professional roles within the biotechnology industry is broader and more varied than many appreciate.

This webinar series highlighted the career paths of three successful scientific leaders in both biotech and pharma with practical advice on interview and resume strategies to land in the right position. The first webinar on March 3, 2025, 10-11 A.M. CST featured panelists Yusri Elsayed, MD, MHSc, PhD – Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Kristen Hege, MD – Bristol Myers Squibb (previously employed) and Rachel Humphrey, MD – Normunity, Inc. Moderated by Christopher Heery, MD – Arcellx, Inc., this webinar focused on the clinical development career path.

The second webinar on March 27, 2025, 3-4 P.M. CST featured a discussion with Dmitry Gabrilovich, MD, PhD – AstraZeneca, Priti Hegde, PhD – Kite Pharma, and Ira Mellman, PhD, FAIO – Medici Therapeutics. Also moderated by Christopher Heery, MD, this webinar focused on the research and development career path.

These live webinars were structured as a panel with panelists sharing their own stories and providing insights into successfully landing the right position as an early career professional seeking a career in biotech. 

Education Excellence Interviews

These interviews offered the community valuable insights into the considerations and experiences surrounding academic tech transfer, early-stage IO biotech launches and investor decisioning.

Led by co-chairs, Praveen Bommareddy, MS, PhD, and Johanna Grossman, PhD, the series featured engaging discussions with experts in the field. 

The first interview, scheduled for publication in March 2025, explored the transition of academically developed IO technologies and intellectual property into a biotech company. Praveen Bommareddy, MS, PhD – Replimune led a conversation with Samir N. Khleif, MD – Georgetown University Medical Center and Bruce Levine, PhD – University of Pennsylvania focused on when a dataset is ready for development, the differences between sponsor-initiated trials and Investigator-Initiated Trials (IITs), and strategies for connecting with investors.

In the second interview in June 2025, biotech founders shared their experiences in building their companies, raising funds, and crafting a business plan. Praveen Bommareddy, MS, PhD – Replimune facilitated a discussion with Robert Coffin, PhD – Replimune and Rachel Humphrey, MD – Normunity, Inc. on these topics.

The final interview in September 2025, featured early-stage investors who discussed their approach to evaluating new opportunities, their involvement in company growth, and their due diligence processes. Dr. Johanna Grossman – the New York Stock Exchange - led this engaging conversation with Dr. Artavazd (Arti) Arumov, PhD – Qiming Venture Partners USA and Nandita Shangari, PhD – RA Capital Management.