Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026

Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Free Registration: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

Description: Join us for a friendly, easy‑to‑follow walkthrough of how new medicines are discovered, tested, and ultimately prepared for use in people.

We’ll break down the purpose of early safety and pharmacology studies—what they are, why they matter, and how they help ensure that promising treatments move into clinical trials as safely and responsibly as possible. You’ll also learn why creating therapies for brain disorders is uniquely challenging, from the brain’s natural protective barriers to the complexity of diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of both the scientific journey behind new medicines and the hope driving innovation in treatments for the brain.

Presented by Stephen Wilson, MS, MBA
Regional General Manager and Corporate Vice President, Canada
Charles River Laboratories

About the Speaker: Stephen leads the strategic and operational oversight of three research facilities across Quebec, providing regional leadership from his base in Senneville while supporting operations in Laval and Sherbrooke. Together, these sites deliver high‑quality research solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors, academic partners, and government agencies.

With 25 years of experience at Charles River, Stephen brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong client‑centric approach to advancing drug development programs. He is adept at combining scientific rigor with operational excellence to help sponsors navigate complex regulatory and development landscapes.

Stephen has progressed through a diverse set of technical, scientific, and leadership roles, building extensive expertise in toxicology, safety pharmacology, surgical models, and disease models involving both small and large animal species. He leverages his comprehensive understanding of industry and regulatory requirements to anticipate challenges, develop strategic solutions, and deliver outcomes that support confident, well‑informed decision‑making. His leadership consistently ensures alignment between operational capabilities and sponsor objectives.

Stephen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of San Diego and holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership as well as a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University.