How can Norway secure a stronger position within the life sciences? How can investments in research and infrastructure yield the greatest possible societal benefit and value creation? What framework conditions are required to attract investments, talent, and international companies?
These are some of the topics that will be explored during the conference on February 9–10, 2027. Registration opens on December 4.
– The University of Oslo is committed to close and productive collaboration with partners in the knowledge and business sectors. This conference has established itself as a vital meeting place for Norway’s growing life science industry. We look forward to hosting two action-packed days, says Ragnhild Hennum, Rector of the University of Oslo.
Two Nobel Laureates
On Tuesday, February 9, the Minister of Research and Higher Education, Eileen Fugelsnes, will open the conference. Through presentations and debates—featuring Nobel laureates Edvard Moser and Morten Meldal, international business leaders from Bayer and Roche, top-tier researchers, and Norwegian political representatives—the event will focus on the ambitions for Norwegian life sciences, value creation, and international competitiveness. The day concludes with a reception in the new Life Sciences Building.
On February 10, the focus shifts to health preparedness. Minister of Health and Care Services Jan Christian Vestre and CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett will shed light on how research, innovation, and international collaboration can help address global societal challenges.
Six parallel sessions will explore topics such as artificial intelligence and health data, new technologies and therapies, the commercialization and scaling of health innovation, the European Health Data Space, nuclear medicine, and pandemic and pharmaceutical preparedness.
The conference ends with a pitch competition, where promising start-ups and innovation projects present their groundbreaking ideas.
– Norway possesses many of the elements required to compete internationally within the life sciences: strong research communities, expertise, and significant investments in infrastructure. To succeed, we must become even better at translating these advantages into innovation, new businesses, and value creation. This requires closer collaboration across sectors, and it is precisely these kinds of connections that we aim to foster through the Life Sciences Conference, says Christine Wergeland Sørbye, CEO of Oslo Science City.
About the conference
The life science conference – Norway Life Science – is organized by the University of Oslo in collaboration with Oslo Science City and our partners: SINTEF, The Life Science Cluster, Norway Health Tech, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Oslo University Hospital, and the Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (LMI).
The conference is an Oslo Science City Arena event—a signature platform that brings together stakeholders from across various sectors to foster dialogue, inspiration, and international collaboration regarding science, innovation, and solutions to major societal challenges. Leading representatives from the health sector participate as industry partners: AstraZeneca, Bayer, GE Healthcare, GSK, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Roche, AbbVie, and Thermo Fisher.