Science Over Coffee - Science that Scales

The Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C. introduces "Science over Coffee - Conversations on science and innovation"

As part of its new breakfast format, "Science over Coffee - Conversations on science and innovation," the Cultural Office has organized a colloquium in which the experts will discuss how breakthrough science becomes real-world impact. José Aynat and Will Bainbridge explore what it takes to translate scientific discovery into scalable therapies, bridging European research and the U.S. biotech ecosystem. The session will unpack the hidden gaps between innovation and execution, from clinical strategy to capital, and the role of leadership in turning promising science into companies that can reach patients at scale.

José Aynat is a biotech entrepreneur focused on building science that scales in areas of high medical need in the U.S. He works at the intersection of European innovation and the U.S. biotech ecosystem, turning scientific breakthroughs into scalable companies that reach patients. He is currently co-leading an oncology biotech developing innovative therapies for solid tumors, one of the most challenging frontiers in medicine. His background spans Brussels to Washington, D.C., with experience across biotech M&A integration, global strategy in oncology and immunology, and product lifecycle in innovative medicines and vaccines, including work leading to FDA approval. José serves as a judge for the Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge Awards and he is a Senior Executive Fellows Program graduate at the Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Initiatives he has driven have been recognized with four U.S. Anthem Awards, including a Gold for Public Health, as well as multiple industry and institutional awards across the EU and the U.S.

William Bainbridge is a senior biotechnology advisor dedicated to advancing scientific innovation in life sciences. His work spans both the development of medicines and engagement with policy initiatives aimed at addressing complex health challenges affecting societies worldwide. Across his career, he has contributed to efforts ranging from the search for vaccines against infectious diseases that remain among the leading causes of mortality globally, to the development of therapies for cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes, and innovative approaches aimed at extending and improving the lives of cancer patients. Alongside this, he collaborates with research and policy initiatives focused on addiction and substance use disorders, supporting the development of new approaches, and contributing to broader discussions on how science and policy can work together to address these conditions. He is an advisor to PTS Granada Health Tech Park, where he works closely with the Spanish scientific community to strengthen bridges with leading Spanish research and innovation environments in the United States, helping translate scientific excellence into solutions that can benefit patients and communities globally.

• 9 - 9:30 AM: Breakfast & Networking
• 9:30 - 10: 30 AM: Speaker's discussion
• 10:30 - 11AM: Networking

• A reservation on Eventbrite is mandatory, printed tickets are not required.
• Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Doors open 20 minutes before posted showtime.
• Ticket holders will have access to the event while space is available.
• Right of admission reserved.
• If you need special assistance, please contact us at [email protected].

How to get there:

The best way to arrive is by public transportation. The closest Metro station is Columbia Heights (Green line). Limited metered and two-hour zoned parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods. Public parking garage is available at DC USA Shopping Mall (Columbia Heights Metro Station).

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