Set to influence the next EU Life Science Strategy, Copenhagen Life Science Summit on 8-9 October 2025 offers a unique platform to accelerate health innovation and reinforce Europe’s position in the global economy.
From insulin to AI: Europe has what it takes to lead in life science. Now it’s time to connect the dots.
This October, Denmark will gather Europe’s leading voices in healthcare and life sciences for Copenhagen Life Science Summit, a high-level two-day conference held under the Danish EU Presidency. Hosted by Rigshospitalet and Healthcare Denmark, the conference will take place in the heart of Innovation District Copenhagen on October 8–9, bringing together key actors from industry, academia, healthcare systems, patient communities, and more.
With Europe facing increasing global competition, Copenhagen Life Science Summit will explore how research and innovation in the life science sector can drive both better outcomes for patients, economic growth, and stronger European competitiveness. Through a strong ecosystem approach with a focus on multistakeholder collaboration, the conference aims to discuss and shape the EU Life Science Strategy. The ultimate goal is for Europe to establish itself as a globally recognised hub for sustainable and innovative health solutions.
Breakthrough innovation doesn’t happen by chance
One of the speakers at the conference is Stefan Oelrich, President of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations and member of the Board of Management at Bayer.
Mr. Oelrich points out that the race for innovation is global, and that a region’s success is determined by where the technologies of tomorrow are developed.
“Breakthrough innovation doesn’t happen by chance – it requires courage, ambition, and the right environment. Europe now has an opportunity to get back on track, and it must seize it by creating a far more ambitious ecosystem that attracts innovators, accelerates the translation of science into impactful products, and ensures access to cutting-edge treatments and vaccines. This is a crucial moment to come together and define Europe’s path forward,” says Stefan Oelrich.
Life science can prosper Europe
Life sciences are at the heart of a more resilient and prosperous Europe. From next-generation medicines and medical technologies to AI-driven health data solutions, the sector plays a critical role in the green and digital transitions.
The conference will focus specifically on human health, addressing how Europe can speed up the safe development, uptake and scaling of health innovation—while upholding core values like equity of access and public-private collaboration.
Patients at the centre of innovation
Ultimately, innovation only matters if it improves people’s lives – and that is why the patient perspective is crucial to Europe’s life science future.
Among the speakers is Marco Greco, President of the European Patients’ Forum, who will bring the patient perspective to the discussions on Europe’s future life science agenda. He stresses that innovation must be measured not only by scientific or economic success, but by the value it creates for patients and healthcare systems.
“If Europe wants to lead in life science, we must ensure that innovation is rooted in real patient needs. This means involving patients early, aligning research and innovation with the challenges our healthcare systems face, and making sure that breakthroughs truly benefit people’s lives. The Copenhagen Life Science Summit is a unique chance to put patients where they belong: at the centre of Europe’s health innovation journey,” says Marco Greco.
Known for groundbreaking innovations
The European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass and the Draghi Report have both highlighted life sciences as a key sector for innovation and sovereignty. With the EU’s new life science strategy and a forthcoming Biotech Act, this conference is both timely and necessary.
With its tradition of close collaboration between hospitals, universities, industry, and patients, Denmark is pleased to host the Copenhagen Life Science Summit as a platform for Europe’s life science community. The aim is to bring together diverse perspectives to discuss future research priorities and provide concrete recommendations for the implementation of the EU Life Science Strategy and for overcoming barriers to the uptake of innovation.
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Expected outcomes