8th Edition of the Open Innovation in Life Sciences Conference

Open science is a practice that promotes transparency and unrestricted access in the process of scientific research. In this movement, all aspects of the research process are openly available to individuals across all sectors of society, from professionals to citizens. The goal is to foster collaboration and diminish barriers between researchers, information professionals, policymakers and the wider community.

With this as core vision, the Open Innovation in Life Sciences (OILS) conference returns for its 8th edition on October 23rd, 2025, uniting early career researchers, established scientists and industry leaders to explore the future of open science. This year’s theme, “The Future is Open: Innovating at the Nexus of Academia and Industry”, highlights the growing importance of open and collaborative approaches in addressing critical scientific challenges. Across a full day of engaging keynotes, panel discussions, and science pitches, speakers will explore diverse topics, from ethical challenges of open science to collaborative transformation of diagnostics for global health between academia and industry. We are honored to have support and sponsorship from the University of Zurich, the Canton of Zurich and LSZ Business Network, Astrazeneca, Novartis, UZH Alumni, Roche, etc.
Participants can expect thought-provoking talks from global leaders in open science, dynamic networking opportunities, panel discussions, keynote sessions and science pitches. This is an opportunity for early-career researchers across all life science fields to connect, share ideas, and establish meaningful collaborations.
Since 2018, the OILS association has promoted career development, networking, and, most importantly, strong connections between academia, industry, and society.

The event will take place at UZH Irchel in Zurich, offering both in-person and online global participation. Click here for more details and registration. Registered participants also have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with fellow attendees and speakers, fostering meaningful connections and potential collaborations.