As 2026 gets underway, healthcare and life sciences face a year of both promise and pressure, with investment, innovation and equity all in sharp focus.

In Part 1 of this year's pharma forecast, four leaders explore where real opportunity lies, from health investment to personalisation and women's health, alongside the key threats that could slow progress.

Speaker bios

Dheepa Chari

Vice President and Head of Global Scientific Communications, GSK

Dheepa leads strategy and execution across oncology, vaccines, specialty care and general medicine, driving innovation in how scientific narratives are delivered.

Emma Charles

Senior Vice President of European Markets, BMS

Emma oversees BMS operations across 19 countries, bringing extensive global leadership experience spanning Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Mary Stutts

CEO, Healthcare Businesswomen's Association

Mary leads a global organisation advancing the impact of women in healthcare, and is a prominent advocate for inclusive leadership, representative workforces and health equity.