Our Researchers & Scientists

Research & Development


Step into the world of End-to-End R&D at Evotec, where you can gain a deeper understanding of the individuals shaping our pioneering journey. Uncover insights into their diverse backgrounds, expertise, and unwavering teamwork, all of which fuel our collective drive to propel scientific breakthroughs and meaningful outcomes.

Meet Colleagues Working On End-to-End Shared R&D

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Marco Pergher

VP Head of Pharmacometrics, Clinical Development & Translational Medicine

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Latest update: October 2023

Biography


Marco Pergher's journey in the pharmaceutical industry began as an IT developer and Technical Leader specializing in SAS programming at GlaxoSmithKline in 2006. He played a crucial role in developing algorithms and statistical models for both the IT and Clinical Science departments. In 2010, he transitioned to Aptuit, focusing on preclinical models and conducting statistical analyses across various therapeutic areas. Currently, as the Vice President Head of Pharmacometrics at Evotec, Marco leads the Pharmacometrics team, overseeing Data Management, Biostatistics, and Pharmacokinetics modeling for both preclinical and clinical domains.


What truly drives and interests Marco is the ethical aspect of his work. He is dedicated to making a positive impact on patients' lives by extracting hidden values from data, leveraging his expertise to improve patient outcomes and well-being.


In his role at Evotec, Marco collaborates with international teams, ensuring successful data-driven solutions implementation, and overseeing projects to benefit patients across diverse therapeutic areas. He employs statistical models and advanced analytics techniques to extract meaningful insights from the data. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and deep expertise across therapeutic areas, Marco and his team contribute to improving the understanding of diseases, drug efficacy, and safety profiles. Ultimately, their efforts lead to the development of innovative therapies and treatments that directly benefit patients, enhancing their quality of life and driving positive change in the pharmaceutical industry.


Interests & Experience


Marco's interests and experience align with his dedication to providing customers with the best possible experience at Evotec. He finds passion and fulfillment in kite surfing outside of work, using it as a way to find balance, recharge, and connect with nature. This exciting sport serves as a personal reminder of the importance of perseverance and adaptability in his professional endeavors. In his work, Marco excels in thinking and generating ideas when confronted with complex challenges. He thrives in collaborative discussions and interdisciplinary collaborations that stimulate his thinking process, as they provide diverse perspectives and encourage the exploration of novel approaches.


His passion for science and advanced technology is reflected in the benefits that customers receive at Evotec. The company offers a truly integrated and collaborative experience, where scientific excellence drives a new concept of running drug discovery and development. Marco Pergher's commitment to data-driven solutions and patient well-being makes him an invaluable asset to Evotec's mission of advancing healthcare through scientific innovation

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Luca Raveglia

SVP Head of Medicinal Chemistry

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Latest update: October 2023

Biography


Luca Raveglia, Senior Vice President and Head of Medicinal Chemistry at Evotec, boasts an impressive 30-year journey in the pharmaceutical and contract research drug discovery realms. His diverse experience spans three distinct phases, with approximately 10 years each in a large Pharma company, a small CRO with entrepreneurial responsibilities, and a large CRO.


Luca's expertise is profound, encompassing the entire drug discovery process, from hit validation to Preclinical Development Candidate nomination. He possesses strong competencies in all medicinal chemistry enabling technologies and excels in managing customer relationships in the CRO environment. Drawing from his entrepreneurial background, Luca skillfully oversees financial aspects like revenue budgets and cost controls for his group.


Graduating with a Chemistry degree from the University of Milan in 1991, Luca embarked on his medicinal chemistry career at SmithKline Beecham in 1992, focusing on the Neurokinin and Opioid fields. In 2001, he co-founded NiKem Research, a drug discovery CRO resulting from a management buy-out of the GSK Research Centre in Milan. There, he held crucial roles as Medicinal Chemistry Director and member of the management team and Board of Directors.


In 2012, Luca joined Aptuit, now Evotec, where he has continuously grown in responsibility, currently leading as the Head of the Verona Medicinal Chemistry Group and serving as a key member of the Evotec global Discovery Chemistry Leadership Team.


Interests & Experience


In his private life, Luca Raveglia finds fulfillment in caring for his children, even as they have grown into adults. Traveling and trekking are passions that ignite his adventurous spirit, and he has a keen interest in photography. Luca's enthusiasm for sports has been lifelong, having practiced artistic gymnastics in his youth and later dedicating time to train young gymnasts. Nowadays, he finds joy in hiking and skiing, embracing the challenges and thrill of the outdoors.


Luca's work style thrives in situations where rational thinking and clear communication are paramount. He excels in planning and articulating his ideas effectively, making him a reliable and decisive leader. Luca values collaboration and prefers a team-oriented approach, assimilating the input of all team members to achieve a unified and successful outcome. While creativity might not be his primary strength, his strategic mindset and adept communication skills are instrumental in driving his work at Evotec to remarkable heights

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Dr Barbara Bachler-Konetzki

Group Leader In Vitro Biology

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Latest update: April 2024

Biography


Barbara Bachler-Konetzki, as the Group Leader of In Vitro Biology and Modality Lead for Biologs at Evotec, possesses a wealth of experience and expertise in the field. She obtained her PhD in Biomedicine and Biotechnology from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, collaborating with the prestigious Harvard Medical School / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in


Boston, USA. Her research during this time focused on profiling protective anti-HIV antibody responses following vaccination. After returning to Europe, Barbara joined MorphoSys, a renowned biotech company in Munich, Germany. There, she dedicated her efforts to the study of antibodies, leveraging synthetic human antibody libraries to discover and develop high-quality therapeutic antibodies. During her tenure, she accomplished a significant milestone by successfully identifying a novel therapeutic antibody.


Barbara diligently progressed this antibody from concept to pre-clinical candidate nomination, ultimately leading to its entry into clinical phase 1 testing in immune oncology in 2021.


Barbara's profound motivation stems from being part of the entire discovery process and witnessing the transformative impact of generated candidates on real patients. This drives her to continuously strive for the identification of the highest quality antibodies, particularly for diseases that pose significant challenges in treatment. Her unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and dedication to improving patient outcomes make Barbara an invaluable leader in the field of biologics at Evotec.


Interests & Experience


Barbara emphasizes Evotec's approach of assembling project-dedicated teams for integrated programs that span several years. This comprehensive support allows for a thorough understanding of target biology, required mode-of-action, and intrinsic features of lead molecules. It fosters a close relationship with clients, building trust and a deep connection to the program. Barbara firmly believes that this one-stop-shop idea enhances program flexibility and ultimately ensures the quality of the resulting product. Privately, Barbara finds solace and joy in spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature. As a passionate horseback rider, she cherishes moments with her husband and their 2-year-old standard poodle, Paul, while hiking. Barbara discovers that being away from the computer and immersing herself in nature often sparks creativity, leading to new proposals and innovative ideas in the days that follow

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David Pardoe, Ph.D., CChem, FRSC

SVP Head of Global Molecular Architects

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Latest update: October 2023

Biography


David Pardoe is a renowned computational medicinal chemist who has dedicated his career to advancing the field of drug discovery and development. As the Senior Vice President and Head of Global Molecular Architects at Evotec, David spearheads a team of experts in the relentless pursuit of enhancing the speed and efficiency of medicine discovery.


With a passion for leveraging cutting-edge technologies and data-driven approaches, David ensures that Evotec remains at the forefront of the industry. His unwavering commitment to being right the first time drives the company's mission to revolutionize the drug discovery process. Before joining Evotec in 2022, David honed his expertise through significant roles at esteemed


organizations. He spent a substantial portion of his career at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he contributed to groundbreaking research and innovation. Additionally, David's invaluable experience extends to notable institutions such as the PA Consulting Group, adMare Bioinnovations in Vancouver, and LifeArc.


David's comprehensive understanding of computational chemistry, coupled with his deep knowledge and experience in drug discovery, has positioned him as a leader in the field. His visionary approach has facilitated the development and exploitation of cutting-edge technologies, paving the way for accelerated and efficient medicines discovery. With David Pardoe at the helm, Evotec continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of drug discovery, leading the charge towards a healthier and brighter future for all.


Interest & Experience


In his private life, David indulges in his passion for playing guitar, even though he modestly admits his skills could be improved. Nevertheless, he finds solace and joy in exploring different bread recipes from around the world, with successful results. However, he keeps this talent under wraps, fearing it might not be a viable backup plan. David thrives in environments that allow him to think and reflect deeply. Surprisingly, airports and airplanes serve as his sanctuary, providing a change of pace from his typically busy life. He takes advantage of the downtime during long flights to engage in reading and contemplation. Yet, he acknowledges that collaboration and the presence of others are equally vital for problem-solving and progress. In his role at Molecular Architects, David values the support and contribution of his colleagues, whom he affectionately refers to as "friends and family."


When faced with crisis situations, David excels in his ability to energize and motivate teams. He inspires them to surpass their perceived limitations and achieve remarkable feats. His innate talent for bringing out the best in people enables him to thrive in high-pressure scenarios, consistently pushing boundaries and reaching new heights of success

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Elisabeth Mortimer-Cassen

EVP Safety Assessment & Strategy

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Latest update: April 2024

Biography


Elisabeth Mortimer-Cassen, the Executive Vice President of Safety Assessment and Strategy at Evotec, is a seasoned toxicologist with over 30 years of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Throughout her illustrious career, Elisabeth has worked with renowned pharmaceutical giants such as GSK, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and AstraZeneca, as well as various biotech and start-up companies, residing and working in four different countries.


Elisabeth's expertise lies in the development of safe and efficacious drugs, and she has dedicated her career to this noble cause. The ever-changing landscape of molecules and drug development pathways keeps her job fascinating and fulfilling, always presenting new opportunities to expand her knowledge. With each unique molecule and drug project, Elisabeth thrives on the continuous learning process, striving to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in medicine.


Above all, what truly drives Elisabeth is the profound satisfaction of knowing that her work directly impacts patients' lives. The sense of accomplishment derived from contributing to the development of drugs that make a meaningful difference in patients' well-being is incomparable. With her extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and passion for improving patient outcomes, Elisabeth Mortimer-Cassen is a pivotal leader in Evotec's pursuit of developing safe and effective therapeutics

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Hilary Brooks

VP and Modality Lead for Oligonucleotide Therapeutics

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Latest update: October 2023

Biography


Hilary Brooks, Evotec's Principal Scientist and Modality Lead for Oligonucleotide Therapeutics, has always been driven by curiosity. She has a deep interest in research solutions with a strong focus on human applications, aiming to make a meaningful impact on health. With a diverse career in hospitals, academia, and biotech companies across multiple countries, Hilary is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for discovering and developing new medicines. She collaborates with various partners in the health industry to achieve this goal.


Based at Evotec's French site in TLS, Hilary's global role as the Modality Lead for Oligonucleotide Therapeutics revolves around fostering collaboration and bringing together experts to build groundbreaking drug discovery programs. When partners request support, she evaluates project needs and assembles the right expertise within Evotec to chart the best path for progression.


Her work at Evotec benefits a wide array of partners across the drug discovery continuum, including academia, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies. Hilary's expertise is sought at various stages of projects, from conception to target initial ideas to target validation, hit progression, lead optimization, delivery strategies, and IND-enabling studies. Her dedication to Evotec is fueled by the unique and innovative environment it provides, where diverse expertise converges to drive science focused projects forward. Impressed by the broad talent and scientific competence at Evotec,


Hilary firmly believes it is the most efficient path for advancing projects and scientific progress. As an invaluable asset, she contributes her passion, expertise, and collaborative spirit to push medical research boundaries and positively impact patients' lives.


Interests & Experience


Hilary brings a wealth of expertise and a curious nature to her role at Evotec. Privately, her innate curiosity drives her love for asking questions and problem-solving. Her personal motivation lies in making a difference in health solutions, striving to enhance drugs to be better and safer for patients. In her work, Hilary excels in problem-solving, creating new screening pathways, and adapting processes to fit their purpose. 


She values logical and thoughtful approaches to every step in drug development, ensuring each decision makes sense and leads to meaningful outcomes. Hilary Brooks' dedication to scientific excellence and her passion for improving healthcare make her an instrumental force in advancing drug discovery and development at Evotec.

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Emanuela Del Vesco

EVP Head of Global Pharmaceutical Development & Manufacturing

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Latest update: February 2024

Biography


Emanuela Del Vasco, the Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development & Manufacturing at Evotec, is driven by curiosity and passion in her journey from scientist to leader. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to improving drug bioavailability and making medications deliverable, ensuring the right treatment journey for every patient. At Evotec, Emanuela and her team work tirelessly to deliver the best solutions for faster and safer drug delivery, starting from the Discovery stage itself.


Their vision encompasses designing, leading, executing, and optimizing the entire drug development journey, from the initial idea to the patient's hands. The ultimate goal is to deliver investigational medicinal products with a tailored strategy, ensuring that patients receive treatments customized to their specific needs. Emanuela believes in the power of trust and collaboration, acknowledging that Evotec's success is made possible by customers who rely on their expertise and the dedicated people working with passion, innovation, and excellence in quality, science, and technology. Emanuela also acknowledges the importance of internal R&D investment, fostering a stimulating environment that encourages groundbreaking discoveries and the development of medicines that truly matter. With a strong focus on patient needs, trust, and scientific innovation, Emanuela Del Vasco and the team at Evotec are making significant strides in advancing pharmaceutical development and manufacturing for the betterment of global healthcare.


Interests & Experience


Privately, Emanuela finds joy and fulfillment in various activities. Cooking is her passionate pursuit, and she delights in creating delicious dishes to be shared with friends, fostering a perfect connubium of culinary art and camaraderie. On the other hand, she seeks solace and tranquility in mountain walking, finding harmony in the silent company of nature. Additionally, her interests extend to Matsunaga and Zen shiatsu, a practice that has deeply connected her to the energy of meridians. Embracing this practice has allowed her to achieve a clear equilibrium between her senses, mind, and attentive listening, contributing to her overall well-being.In her work, Emanuela finds her mind at its sharpest when it is free from thoughts. Achieving this state of mental clarity is possible after dedicating time to meditation and taking deep breaths. Moreover, she thrives creatively when passion becomes her primary driver, allowing her mind to dance without any limits. Emanuela's multifaceted interests and the pursuit of mindfulness enable her to bring a balanced and innovative approach to her role as the Senior Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development & Manufacturing at Evotec

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Dr med. vet. Mandy Stubbendorff, MBA

VP Head of Global Veterinary Group

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Latest update: February 2024

Biography


Mandy Stubbendorff, the VP Head of Global Veterinary at Evotec, boasts an impressive journey from veterinary clinics to the forefront of regenerative veterinary medicine and stem cell biology. After graduating from vet school, she earned her doctorate in cardiac infarction and delved into scientific research on transplantation, vasculopathy, and stem cell immunobiology. Mandy's dedication to academic excellence led her to achieve a professorship in "Regenerative Veterinary Medicine, Stem Cell Biology, and Therapy" at Hannover vet school, followed by an MBA.


At Evotec since 2014, Mandy plays a pivotal role as the TA Lead Animal Health, matrix-leading 22 veterinarians while identifying animal health possibilities. Her expertise extends beyond veterinary science to encompass management, enabling her to engage with colleagues, partners, and clients effectively. Mandy's work at Evotec profoundly impacts families and their beloved pets. Recognizing the vital role animals play in many families' lives, she strives to address medical issues that might hinder pets' participation in family activities. Ensuring good health for both humans and animals enhances family well-being and enables them to thrive together.


Choosing to work at Evotec, Mandy found a nurturing environment that allows her to grow personally and professionally while fulfilling a direct purpose in her work. The company's familyfriendly culture fosters a sense of togetherness, and she has witnessed Evotec's resilience and progress, offering a strong sense of job security. Throughout her tenure, she has achieved numerous academic goals and has always felt supported, reflecting the immense opportunities for growth and fulfillment that Evotec has provided. Stubbendorff's contributions to regenerative veterinary medicine and her dedication to enhancing the lives of both families and their animal companions make her an invaluable asset to Evotec.


Interests & Experience


Mandy's dedication to her work at Evotec stems from the company's commitment to going the extra mile driven by passion. As a partner, customers can expect highly motivated and skilled individuals dedicated to science and emotionally connected to their work. Mandy, like her colleagues, found purpose in her day-to-day work at Evotec, and this shared drive creates a powerful synergy within the organization.


Privately, Mandy finds joy in spending time with her husband and son, engaging in outdoor activities, and exploring new countries and cultures through travel. In her day-to-day life, she cherishes time with friends and enjoys moments with her dog during walks or runs. For Mandy, her creative thinking thrives during walks with her dog or while running, giving her space to ponder topics. In the work environment, the most creative ideas often arise during discussions with colleagues, reflecting the collaborative and innovative atmosphere at Evotec. Her passion for her work and her commitment to creating meaningful solutions make her an essential asset to Evotec's success

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Across all our sites, Evotec teams embody collaboration, expertise, creativity, communication, productivity, engagement, openness, honesty, transparency, and enthusiasm. Working together, they create an enjoyable environment that fosters successful drug discovery and development – truly a team game!
Craig Johnstone, Chief Operating Officer & Site Head Toulouse
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Giovanni Pellegrini, DVM, PhD, Dipl ECVP

Head of Pathology

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Latest update: December 2023

Biography


Giovanni Pellegrini, the Head of Pathology at Evotec, is a distinguished expert in the field with a strong academic background. Armed with a PhD in Pharmacology and certified by the ECVP as a board-certified veterinary pathologist, Giovanni boasts over 20 years of invaluable experience in experimental and toxicological pathology, both in academia and the pharmaceutical industry.


His passion for science is evident in every facet of his work. Giovanni thrives on the opportunity to delve into various topics, ranging from laboratory animal pathology to toxicology, new drug modalities, and technological innovations. The array of scientific challenges he encounters every day fuels his drive and determination. At Evotec, Giovanni excels in his role, where he not only engages with scientific exploration but also takes pride in assisting and leading individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The opportunity to guide and collaborate with experts from various fields inspires him to bring out the best in his team and contribute significantly to the advancement of research and development.


Giovanni's commitment to scientific excellence and his unwavering enthusiasm make him a pivotal figure in Evotec's pursuit of innovation and breakthrough discoveries. His profound expertise and dedication play a crucial role in propelling the company forward in its mission to transform healthcare and positively impact patients' lives.


Interests & Experience


Privately, Giovanni finds solace away from chaos, embracing the outdoors to disconnect from concrete and computer screens. He enjoys activities like walking, cycling, and hiking, often accompanied by his loyal 16-year-old dog. Together, they spend quality time reading books or scientific papers, allowing Giovanni to find relaxation and inspiration. For creative thinking, Giovanni draws on Rita Levi Montalcini's wisdom: "I don't believe there would be any science at all without intuition." He recognizes the importance of finding time to think and be creative.


Although involved in various educational activities and brainstorming meetings, Giovanni finds that his best ideas often arise during peaceful moments, such as cycling to work or wandering in the woods. Such contemplative experiences fuel his creativity and contribute to the innovative work he leads at Evotec

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Marina Galvani

Scientific Strategy Leader, Integrated Development Programs

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Latest update: October 2023

Biography


Marina Galvani, Scientific Strategy Leader for Integrated Development Programs at Evotec, brings over 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. From GSK to Aptuit and now Evotec, Marina has held various key roles, including CMC leader and Scientific Project Leader. Her passion lies in contributing to people's well-being through science. Marina finds her work fascinating and ever-changing, with each project offering new opportunities to learn and grow. In her current role, Marina supports the improvement and expansion of Evotec's integrated services, including the creation of new packages, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting them to clients. 


Marina's work is centered around helping patients access better medicines faster. By providing integrated services, she aids in the discovery and development of new medicines with higher quality and success rates in clinical trials. Marina is passionate about Evotec's unique approach, offering customers a team of great scientists and Big Pharma expertise, working together in real integration to help clients identifying the best way to move forward for the compounds and accelerate their access to patients,. She values the collaborative journey with clients, providing recommendations, critical judgment, and planning throughout the development process. 


At Evotec, Marina thrives in a dynamic environment with exceptional scientists and state-of-the-art capabilities. The company's continuous evolution towards new modalities inspires her, and she enjoys being part of a team that fosters growth, learning, and meaningful advancements in the pharmaceutical industry.


Interests & Experience


She finds her best creative moments in problem-solving, evaluating different scenario, devising solutions and plans through brainstorming and collaboration with specialist colleagues. Outside of work, her passion for planning and exploring alternatives continues as Marina loves traveling and exploring new places, adding new flags to her personal world map.

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Michael Esquerré

VP Immuno-Oncology

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Latest update: April 2024

Biography


Michael Esquerré is the Vice President leading Immuno-Oncology activities at Evotec. He has spent the past 15-years working in Cancer Immunotherapy within the industry. With a team of 42 immunologists, he is deeply involved in supporting various drug discovery projects within the Immuno-Oncology space. Their work encompasses different therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics (such as antibodies and immune cell engagers), oligonucleotide therapeutics, cancer vaccines, and the Evotec internal off-the-shelf iPSC-based cell therapy portfolio in Oncology: EVOcells Oncology. Their focus is on understanding and characterizing the impact of drugs on the immune system, using tailored assays with primary immune cells isolated from healthy donors, and validating their findings with patient samples in a translational approach. Michael finds Evotec a compelling place to work due to its growth opportunities, emphasis on innovation, and diverse business models that allow him to engage in both internal research projects and collaborations with Biotech and big Pharma companies. The unique collaboration with clinicians  at the IUCT-Oncopole further enhances the impact of their work in the field of cancer research.


Interests & Experience


Michael's experience at Evotec is enriched by the incredible know-how and passion of the scientific teams. Having worked on numerous targets and modalities, the company offers a broad technology platform and seamless collaboration across borders. Privately, he cherishes spending time with his family, exploring new places through travel, and indulging in mountain biking to connect with nature. He has diverse interests, from embracing new technologies, Sci-Fi movies, and video games to playing the guitar, delving into interior design, and being an aquarist. For optimal thinking, Michael prefers a calm and quiet environment, often working from home to gain perspective and focus on topics. Creatively, he thrives on brainstorming with colleagues and attending large scientific events like AACR, where the international audience sparks new scientific ideas, projects, and collaborations

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Indradeep Sharma

VP Early Formulation & Developability

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Latest update: October 2023

Biography


Indradeep Sharma, known as Indy, is the Vice President and Head of Early Formulation and Developability at Evotec's Global Pharmaceutical Development & Manufacturing division. He leads a dedicated team of early-stage development technical scientists, focusing on finding optimal formulation solutions to facilitate rapid preclinical dosing and accelerate the development of new chemical entities. Indy's expertise benefits a wide range of clients, from small biotech firms to large pharmaceutical companies.


Choosing to work at Evotec is a deliberate decision for Indy, driven by the company's employee-friendly environment that fosters both professional and personal growth. He appreciates Evotec's strong emphasis on team building, exemplified by regular team-building exercises and cross-functional secondment training programs, fostering collaboration and efficient outcomes. Evotec's commitment to employee morale through activities like departmental tours, sports events, yoga sessions, and more showcases its dedication to pushing limits and achieving ambitious goals.


For clients working with Evotec, the benefits are substantial. Evotec stands out as the only organization capable of seamlessly integrating drug discovery and development programs. This unique capability is coupled with the advantage of preclinical and clinical formulation development, manufacturing, and dosing all occurring under one roof, ensuring enhanced quality, speed, and success rates for clients' candidate compounds.


Interest and Experience


Indy's private interests reflect his Indian roots and his passion for team dynamics. Cricket, a sport that exemplifies the synergy of individual talents for a common goal, holds a special place in his heart. Beyond sports, he cherishes moments spent with his wife and daughter, relishing the joys of family life.

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Owusu Ben Junior Tafa

Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Development & Manufacturing

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Latest update: December 2023

Biography

Owusu Ben Junior Tafa's fascination with science has been a lifelong journey. In 2015, he took a significant step towards realizing his dream by earning a degree in Biotechnology from the University of Verona. Shortly after, he embarked on his professional journey as a Junior Scientist within the formulation development group at Evotec, located at the Rita Levi Montalcini Campus in Verona.


During his tenure, he's gained invaluable experience and knowledge in designing, developing, and troubleshooting a wide range of solid oral and inhaled products, including tablets and capsules. Their work plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the preclinical phase and the final administration of drugs in the initial clinical phases (phases I and II). He has also been actively involved in the integration and technology transfer processes for the production of lipid-based nanocarriers, designed to deliver nucleotide-based products such as mRNA ASO or SiRNA, as well as nanocrystals.


Interests & Experience


Biology has always been Owusu Ben Junior Tafa's greatest passion and the driving force behind his dream of becoming a scientist. He firmly believes that everything humanity has attempted to replicate is inspired by the intricate interactions we study in the field of biology, ranging from the simplest to the most complex systems.


His insatiable curiosity and unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of Evotec's products drive his professional growth. His ultimate goal is to deliver the best possible solutions to our primary clients – the patients. His dedication to science and biology fuels his determination to contribute to the development of high-quality therapies that can improve the lives of individuals around the world.

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​Lorenzo Sgrenzaroli

​Senior Lab Technician Specialist

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Latest update: February 2024

Biography


As an analyst in the analytical development and quality control group in Verona, Lorenzo Sgrenzaroli carries out method development, method support and analytical method validation as lead analyst for the projects in which he is involved, for solid oral forms, and drug substances. 


Since he was a child, his passion for science led him to discover new things. This passion led him to study food chemistry in high school and gave him the foundation to understand the importance of data evaluation in science. His methodical approach in applying the scientific method brought him closer to analytics, where the ability to evaluate and interpret data is fundamental.


For this reason, Lorenza chose to to start working in the analytical team at Evotec to support API synthesis. For over 2 years, he has been helping chemists find the most effective synthesis route. After about two years at Evotec, he started working with solid oral preparations, initially developing and validating methods for the reconstitution procedure to apply during clinical studies. This experience allowed him to move to the analytical methods development team for drug products where he still works.


Interests & Experience


Lorenzo feels, Evotec has given him the opportunity to express his skills and ideas, allowing him to demonstrate that a person without a detailed educational background can work in a strictly regulated scientific environment if he has the ability and the commitment. 


Privately, Lorenzo's passion leads him to stay informed and learn in other branches of science, not just limited to chemistry, but including also other disciplines such as physics and engineering. He also really enjoys physical activities. Outside of work, he swims, taking part in competitions both in the pool and in open water. He also likes to play other sports with friends such as football and beach volleyball.

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Pietro Zanotti

Quality Officer, Computer System Validation

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Latest update: December 2023

Biography


Pietro, a dedicated Quality Officer, brings his passion for science and technology to the Computer System Validation team in Verona site. He holds a Master’s Degree in Medical Biotechnology from the University of Modena, where he explored the synergy between medical science and equipment, computers and manufacturing processes.


Interests & Experience


In his role at Evotec, Pietro specializes in Computer System Validation, ensuring the highest standards of validation and data integrity. His work aligns with his passion for technology and his unwavering dedication to scientific practices; adding the commitment to meeting regulatory expectations. He provides support to development sites in Verona, Modena, and Abingdon.


Pietro firmly believes in the transformative potential of science and technology to create a better future. He is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and frequently volunteers with the Red Cross. Beyond his professional life, he finds joy in fishing, crafting delicious pizzas, and strumming his guitar—activities that inspire his innovative problem-solving skills.

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