PHSS News | Open Access | Published 29 September 2026

PHSS News – Autumn update September 2026

Dear Members,

As we head into the Autumn,  we were pleased to hold our Annual Conference on 16^th September.

This event was made possible and held at the fantastic Moderna Facility, Harwell, UK.

In addition, Moderna kindly hosted a facility tour on the afternoon of the 15^th, and we welcomed over 60 people to the conference the following day.

As we do every year, we recognise students who have gone above and beyond, and this year was no different. The 2026 PHSS Student Award went to Aaron Salinger, who not only achieved the highest marks on the course but also organised facility tours and site visits for himself and his entire cohort to ensure everyone could gain valuable insights.

From there, we were delighted to welcome not one but two speakers from MHRA (Ian Jackson and Stephen Thomson), who spoke about the importance of industry collaboration in enabling innovation, development, and research. Ian and Stephen went on to share important insights about what it means to be inspection-ready, what success criteria look like, and how to manage inspection expectations.

Next we heard from Bob McDowall on AI Governance and appropriate use.  The key takeaway is ensuring organisations' Senior Management input/awareness of how AI is utilised within and by their company. Critical to understand the implications and be accountable.  

We then heard from our hosts, the Moderna team, who shared very open and honest insights into their journey, success and how they overcame challenges together, including the importance of collaboration with regulators.

After lunch, we heard from Alf Penfold on challenges facing ATMPs and what is coming in the future. Providing a brief background for the audience, then moving into critical elements for consideration: risk factors, differences of opinion, funding of revolutionary treatments, changing regulatory landscape and access to treatment due to high prices.

Next, we had an interactive session led by Kate Marshall on Enzyme Indicators: the myths and facts. Explaining the background and current industry position. Focusing on driving strategy through data.

Finally, Benjamin Daniel presented on real-time monitoring, sharing improvements in safety and process. Discussed compliance aspects together with technical integration. Highlighting the importance of key considerations for Data communication, Validation, trusted suppliers, and manufacturers.

The entire conference was an engaging and thoroughly thought-provoking day, well received, with all speakers receiving many questions from the audience.

Thank you again to all our speakers, exhibitors, supporting partners and sponsors, for enabling the PHSS to deliver a hugely successful industry event.

Please stay connected to hear more about opportunities to connect and engage with SME’s, through PHSS events.

2026

• PHSS Airflow visualisation Airborne contamination control guidance 6th/7th October

• QP Forum – 5th November

2027 

• Radio Pharmaceuticals (virtual)

• Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) Training (virtual)

• Surface Contamination Control (virtual)

• Aseptic workshops 2 half-day (virtual) - April

• CMC/GMP

• Sterile Product Manufacturing Conference –  June

• Annual Conference –  September

• QP Forum – November

REMINDER: ARE YOU MISSING IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND ACCESS TO GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS

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• PHSS-exclusive monthly regulatory update synopsis, providing a one-stop shop

• 30-day free digital access to the latest Technical Monographs and guidance documents

• Quarterly online peer-reviewed copy of the EJPPS Journal

• Member-Exclusive Access at a Significantly Reduced Rate at the influential Annual Members’ Conference

• Opportunities to connect and engage with SME’s

Thank you, as always, to our membership and supporting partners for your ongoing engagement.

Best wishes to you all

Jenni Tranter,

PHSS Chair, September 2026