Bayer Drug Development Simulation Brings the Realities of Pharmaceutical R&D to Life

As part of the iCANPOD/iCANDOC Workshop Series: Perspectives in Precision Cancer Medicine in
and Outside Academia, iCANDOC hosted the Bayer Drug Development Pipeline Simulation
Workshop on 15 September 2026 at Biomedicum Helsinki.

The workshop offered doctoral researchers a unique opportunity to explore the pharmaceutical
drug development process through a hands-on simulation led by Bayer experts Jutta Lindborg
(Head Customer & Study Engagement EMEA & LATAM 4), Luiz Giorgiani (Head Clinical Data
Management II), Tarja Jalava (Head Customer & Study Engagement EMEA & LATAM), and Tarja
Nylund (Lead Clinical Study Manager). Drawing on their extensive industry experience, the
facilitators guided participants through the complex journey of bringing a potential drug from
discovery to market.

During the simulation, participants assumed the roles of decision-makers responsible for
advancing drug candidates through the development pipeline. Working in teams, they navigated
key stages of the process, including target identification, clinical development, regulatory
approval, and commercialization. Along the way, they were challenged to balance scientific
promise, financial constraints, risk management, and strategic priorities.
The interactive format highlighted the realities of pharmaceutical research and development,
demonstrating how critical decisions influence the fate of potential therapies and why even
highly promising projects may not reach the market. Through practical exercises and discussion,
participants gained insights into the complexity of drug development and the collaborative
nature of industry work.

Beyond showcasing the scientific and operational challenges of pharmaceutical R&D, the
workshop also provided an opportunity to explore career paths outside academia. The
combination of realistic decision-making, teamwork, and direct engagement with industry
professionals sparked lively discussions and offered new perspectives on the diverse roles
involved in bringing innovative therapies to patients.
Feedback from participants reflected the workshop’s strong impact and practical value:

“The background material was very extensive and clearly Bayer used a lot of time to make this
simulation happen. Everything went smoothly and the tasks were interesting. I liked this
workshop a lot.”

“I learned that there is a lot of prioritization happening in the drug development pipeline.”

“I learned a lot about company dynamics and also about different departments within a
company.”

“It was really fun and interesting.”

“Good introduction for industry career possibilities. The atmosphere of the workshop was relaxed
and everybody could take part in the simulation without pressure.”

iCANDOC warmly thanks the Bayer team for sharing their expertise and for delivering an
engaging and memorable learning experience. The workshop provided participants within sights
into the pharmaceutical industry and an understanding of the strategic decisions that shape the
development of new medicines.

Organizers Ella Sinervuori, Sara Kuusela, Piia-Riitta Karhemo and Mila Hyytinen