KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

FIRESIDE CHAT: Bridging Innovation: Insights from the Frontlines of Oncology Research & Alliances

MODERATOR:
Monica Azer Anis, Director, Global Alliances, Strategy & Business Development, Bristol Myers Squibb

Emma Lees, PhD, Senior Vice President, Head of Oncology Research, Bristol Myers Squibb

Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Emma Lees, PhD, SVP Head of Oncology Research at Bristol Myers Squibb, who also serves as the executive champion for a diverse portfolio of strategic research oncology alliances. In this keynote session, we’ll explore how cross-functional collaboration fuels cutting-edge breakthroughs in oncology, transforming patient outcomes and accelerating scientific progress. The conversation will highlight practical lessons in navigating complex partnerships, aligning research priorities, and fostering a culture of trust and shared vision. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on the evolving role of alliance managers in supporting transformative innovation. The session will also underscore the importance of executive sponsorship, transparent communication, and joint decision-making in building resilient alliances. Expect candid discussion about real-world experiences, success stories, and actionable strategies to maximize impact in today’s dynamic R&D landscape. This keynote promises to spark new ideas and empower leaders at all levels to elevate the art and science of alliance management in oncology research.

Biography

Emma Lees, PhD, Senior Vice President, Head of Oncology Research, Bristol Myers Squibb
Dr. Emma Lees holds a PhD from Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London England and performed post-doctoral work for Cold Spring Harbor labs and Harvard Medical school, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. Her industry career began at DNAX Research Institute/Schering Plough in Palo Alto, California, where she was responsible for building and leading the Oncology Research group. From there, Emma joined Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research (NIBR) as Site Head and Vice President of Oncology in Emeryville, California, and later became Vice President of Oncology Biotherapeutics in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she was responsible for the design, development and strategy and implementation of the biologic’s oncology portfolio. Emma transitioned to Jounce Therapeutics, also in Cambridge, a small immuno-oncology company where she served as Head of Research. Presently, Emma is Senior Vice President, Oncology Discovery at Bristol Myers Squibb and serves as Site Head at Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cambridge, MA location. Emma’s team is primarily focusing on understanding resistance to standard of care therapies, studying patients who do not respond or build resistance to current drugs, with a goal to discover medicines for these patients’ populations with unmet medical needs. In her role as Site Head, Emma collaborates with the site leadership team to craft a unified vision, set objectives, and cultivate culture that aligns with the global strategy.