UMSOP Students Host President of American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

Russell Weiner, PhD, FAAPS, shares insights on preanalytics in biopharmaceutical research and offers workshops on career development.

By Pam Carder
April 14, 2025

(Photo: Weiner shares industry insights and advice during a career workshop with UMSOP PhD students.)

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On March 28, Russell Weiner, PhD, FAAPS, a renowned leader in biopharmaceutical research and development and president of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), visited the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) to interact with students in the School’s PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences programs. Weiner, who is also vice president and head of translational sciences at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a part of AstraZeneca, brought his wealth of knowledge from more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry to inspire the next generation of biopharmaceutical researchers.

“We were very grateful to have the newly elected AAPS president come to UMB to speak on multiple topics with our students,” said Sam Dinerman, PhD candidate and one of the event organizers.

Insights on Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

During his visit, Weiner delivered an insightful lecture focused on the importance of preanalytics, particularly related to research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). He highlighted the pivotal role of training and standardization. “The success of any research project often comes down to the quality of sample collection and the expertise of the team involved,” Weiner explained. “Ensuring that everyone is properly trained and follows standardized procedures is critical to achieving reliable results. It’s a foundation that can truly make or break a study.”

“Dr. Weiner’s talk on preanalytics as it pertains to conducting clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries provided a very useful perspective on how both the technical and interpersonal skills that we learn in our time at UMB are frequently applied to real-world situations at large-scale in the drug development process,” Dinerman noted.

A significant part of Weiner’s talk addressed the challenges faced by researchers in LMICs. In these regions, limited resources, infrastructure issues, and logistical hurdles complicate the research process. “In many LMICs, some services like electricity and water can be unreliable, and that can significantly impact the continuity of research,” he shared. “It’s crucial to ensure that research facilities are equipped with backup generators and reliable fuel sources to minimize disruptions.”

Weiner also discussed other logistical challenges, such as the prohibitive cost of upgrading technologies and maintaining cold chain integrity for sensitive samples. “For example, many countries lack access to dry ice, which is essential for preserving sample integrity,” he noted. “When logistics are unpredictable, keeping samples safe becomes a major challenge.”

From the Lab to Leadership: Career Guidance from a Biopharmaceutical Expert

In addition to his lecture, Weiner engaged with PhD students in small group workshops, where he provided practical career development advice. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable guidance on how to navigate the biopharmaceutical industry. “Technical expertise is important, but being able to communicate your ideas and passions effectively is just as crucial for career advancement,” Weiner noted during the session.

“Dr. Weiner’s visit to UMSOP was a truly impactful experience for student researchers, offering direct access to a global leader in pharmaceutical sciences,” said Ryan Pearson, PhD, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences and director of the School’s Bio- and Nano-technology Center. “His insights on the challenges of conducting clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries, along with his guidance on career development and work-life balance, provided an invaluable perspective.”

First-year PhD student Ismael Watts found the career development workshop particularly impactful. “The session was insightful,” Watts shared. “I’ve never participated in a career development workshop like this before. Dr. Weiner was not only highly knowledgeable but also approachable. It was a great opportunity to learn from someone with such extensive experience, especially as a first-year student.”

“AAPS is such a valuable resource for navigating career paths after our time here, and it’s important to recognize that,” notes Dinerman. “By bringing together communities across different research interests, AAPS provides opportunities to stay up to date on the latest developments in your field while also connecting with other professionals. It’s a great way to build relationships, collaborate on research, and even explore job opportunities after graduation.”

Strengthening Academia-Industry Connections at UMSOP

Weiner also took time to meet with UMSOP faculty and leadership, fostering stronger ties between academia and the biopharmaceutical industry. His visit underscored UMSOP’s ongoing commitment to providing students with access to top experts in the field and real-world insights into the challenges and opportunities within biopharmaceutical research and development.

“This opportunity not only broadened students’ understanding of the field but also equipped them with knowledge and inspiration to navigate their own research and career paths with greater confidence,” said Pearson.

Weiner’s distinguished career includes leadership positions at top organizations like Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Takeda, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute. He currently serves as president of AAPS and holds an adjunct faculty position at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutics.

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