Press Release
5/4/2026
For more information:
Rebecca Stauffer
AAPS Communications Manager
[email protected]
Thomas Hartung, M.D., Ph.D., Leading JHU Expert on AI and Organoids, to Speak at AAPS National Biotechnology Conference
Arlington, VA—Thomas Hartung, M.D., Ph.D., Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and a leader in New Approach Methods (NAMs), will deliver the opening plenary at the AAPS National Biotechnology Conference (NBC), at 3 p.m. on May 11.
His talk will dive deep into how a changing regulatory environment intersects with NAMs, the impact of disruptive technologies such as AI and microphysiological systems on the field, and how organoid intelligence is expected to drive future discoveries.
Hartung is a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Environmental Health & Engineering and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology as well at the Whiting School of Engineering and School of Medicine. He is also Director of the Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) in the United States and Europe and Field Chief Editor of Frontiers in AI.
“We are honored to welcome Thomas Hartung as our opening plenary speaker. His leadership in NAMs, AI, and human-relevant models reflects a transformative shift toward more predictive, data-driven drug development,” AAPS 2026 NBC Scientific Programming Committee Chair Shuhua Bai, Ph.D., said. “His insights will set the tone for a conference focused on accelerating innovation and translating science into patient impact.”
“We are deeply honored to have Dr. Thomas Hartung open the AAPS National Biotechnology Conference,” AAPS 2026 NBC Scientific Programming Committee Vice Chair Steven Louie said. “His seminal contributions spanning NAMs, microphysiological systems, organoids, and AI exemplify the scientific rigor and innovation driving modern biopharmaceutical development. His plenary will set a strong scientific foundation for the meeting.”
Hartung will also deliver the keynote talk, “New Approach Methods – From Ugly Ducklings to Beautiful Swans,” on May 12 at NBC and will serve as a panelist in the executive track on May 1
NBC takes place May 11-14 in San Diego at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. To learn more and to register, visit www.aaps.org/nbc.
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American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association of more than 7,000 scientists and professionals employed in academia, industry, regulatory, and other research related to the pharmaceutical sciences worldwide. Its mission is to advance the capacity of pharmaceutical scientists to develop products and therapies that improve global health, which members pursue through four peer-reviewed journals and various events in person and online. www.aaps.org
The AAPS National Biotechnology Conference (NBC) uncovers the latest science and trends that impact today’s research and pharmaceutical markets, specifically in the areas of biologics, biotechnology products, and advanced therapies. www.aaps.org/nbc