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Leadership

Leadership That Drives Global Clinical Excellence

At AICROS, our leadership team brings together decades of collective experience in clinical research, regulatory strategy, and international trial management. With deep regional expertise and a unified commitment to quality, transparency, and innovation, our leaders guide the alliance in delivering reliable, high-performing solutions for sponsors worldwide.

Board

Andreas Beust (President)

Noga Brunicki (Vice President)

Pagona Manika, MSc

Pagona Manika (Treasurer)

Petra Štěpánková
(Global Head of QA)

Experts

Alfonso García Cañamaque (HRe, MBA)

Angela Conway (CA, SA)

Anne De Luca (BAppSci)

Cerasella Stoicescu (MD)

Dr Deepa Arora

Deepa Arora (MBBS, MD)

Dongjin Yoo (MD)

Oguz Akbas (MD, PhD)

Robin Hansen (MMSc-Drug Development)

Yin Qi

Andreas Beust (PhD)

Dr. Andreas Beust (PhD), CEO of GCP-Service, has leveraged his extensive experience working in several capacities, primarily as a Biostatistician. He assumed leadership of GCP-Service’s Biostatistics department in 2020 and took over the Medical Writing department in the following year. As the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), he has significantly influenced the firm’s approach to risk-based quality management, with a particular emphasis on optimizing monitoring in a risk-based, efficient, and data-driven manner. Within AICROS he is responsible for the countries Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the NL, Belgium, France, UK, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. Having participated in more than 70 trials to date, Dr. Beust possesses a deep understanding of the requirements for clinical trials at both European and international levels. His prior experience as a Biostatistician offered him valuable insights into statistical consulting and trial optimization Andreas is President of AICROS since 2022

Noga Brunicki (M. Sc)

Noga Brunicki (M. Sc) has over 13 years of experience within the Israeli pharmaceutical, medical device, life science and health care industry. Having a deep and well-established know-how, she is responsible for reliably and efficiently supporting phase I-IV studies in multiple therapeutic areas, both for medical device and medicinal products. Her expertise includes the entire scope from the early design and set-up of study plans through monitoring and management and up to wrapping up and reporting the results. Noga had gained remarkable experience working for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in Israel where she was exposed to a very high level, state of the art, clinical research aspects in a global team environment. Since 2008 Noga works in the CRO business providing services to a wide variety of companies while keeping the ability to custom design a strategy that will fit to each one of them based on their individual needs. Using her long term strategic relationship with the Israeli sites, she brings the clinical study to be almost integrated into the clinical routine. Her solid academic background is due to graduating from two prestigious institutions in Israel: Weizmann institute of science (Rehovot) as well as Israel’s Institute of Technology (Technion, Haifa). Within AICROS she is responsible to cover Israel as well as business development activities. Noga is Vice President of AICROS since 2022

Pagona Manika, MSc,

Pagona Manika, MSc, is Team Lead Vendor Management at GCP‑Service International and serves as Treasurer on the AICROS Board of Directors. With a diverse professional background that spans clinical research operations, vendor management, quality systems development, and psychological practice, she brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to global clinical research collaboration. Pagona has conducted and completed more than fifty vendor qualification assessments and participated in over thirty client audits, also acting as a co‑auditor for CRO and AICROS partner qualification audits. Her responsibilities include strategic oversight of vendor partnerships, contract and budget negotiations, and performance monitoring across a wide international network of subcontractors. Before specialising in vendor management, Pagona worked extensively in clinical trial coordination, where she supported Phase II and Phase III studies from feasibility through completion. Her earlier career as a Clinical Psychologist further strengthened her expertise in assessment, communication, people management, and training delivery. In her role as AICROS Treasurer, she ensures transparent and compliant financial operations and provides regular reporting on accountancy, liquidity, and contractual governance. She is also an active trainer, delivering sessions on Vendor Management, Effective Communication, International Project Management Communication challenges, and Stress Management for CROs, Sponsors, and International Workshop groups. Pagona is recognised for her analytical mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to bridge operational, strategic, and human‑centred aspects of clinical research. Her commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and clear communication supports the mission of AICROS to strengthen high‑quality, global partnerships in clinical development.

Petra Štěpánková, BSc, MRQA

Global Head of Quality Assurance, AICROS Head of Quality Assurance, GCPService International Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor by BSI Petra Štěpánková is an accomplished Quality Assurance leader with extensive experience in global pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device clinical research. With a proven track record of driving quality excellence, regulatory compliance, and organizational harmonization, she plays a key role in ensuring clinical trials meet the highest international standards. Petra has prepared numerous sponsors, CROs, and investigational sites for FDA and European regulatory authority inspections. Her experience includes leading inspection teams, conducting pre- and post-inspection training, managing follow-up activities, and supporting the resolution of audit findings. Welcoming challenges and maintaining a structured, pragmatic approach to problem-solving, her expertise spans a wide spectrum of QA activities, including system, vendor, electronic tools, laboratory, and investigator site audits—performed predominantly worldwide. She has successfully passed numerous sponsor audits and conducted audits for global pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Petra is highly experienced in root-cause analysis, CAPA design and oversight, QA trend analysis, and the development and continuous improvement of internal Quality Management Systems (QMS). As a certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor (CQI/IRCA, BSI Training Academy), she performs ISO 9001, ISO 14155, and ISO 13485 audits and provides QMS consultancy support across organizational teams. She successfully coordinated international QMS harmonization initiatives during mergers involving midsize CROs and large pharmaceutical companies. She has also supported healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and other organizations in building and enhancing QMS frameworks to meet regulatory requirements. Petra also serves as a trainer in specialized QA and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) topics. As Global Head of Quality Assurance at AICROS, Petra provides strategic quality leadership across multiple international CRO partners. She strengthens operational alignment, assures regulatory compliance, and supports high-quality delivery in multinational clinical trials. Since 2017, Petra has led the international AICROS QA team, driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of excellence.

Alfonso García Cañamaque (HRe, MBA)

Alfonso García Cañamaque (HRe, MBA) studied Psychology at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid with a specialization in Human Resources. He went on to occupy managerial and executive positions for over 10 years in different human resources and training related industries, where he developed his marketing, Business Development and Project Management skills. He later joined the pharmaceutical research industry in 2009. He has since been trained and has been involved in drug, medical devices, food related studies and clinical trials. He is also involved in the design, management development and implementation areas for Spain, Portugal and Italy, regions under his responsibility within AICROS. He joined AICROS project in 2013, to boost the development of the research industry in Southern Europe and to support the development and performance of the marketing and social media strategy.

Angela Conway (CA (SA)

Angela Conway (CA (SA)) is CEO for a regional Contract Research Organisation based in South Africa and working across the African Continent. Angela has over 25 years experience in various operational and strategic roles within the Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research industry, handling full service studies across the therapeutic spectrum from Phase 1 , first in man studies through to phase 4 observational studies. After completing the National Diploma in Hotel Management, Angela went on to complete a Bcom degree with honours in Industrial Psychology. This was followed by a Bcom (Hons) in Finance, whereafter Angela sat her Board exams and qualified as a CA (SA). Angela also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Drafting and Interpretation of Contracts. Angela began her career in the pharmaceutical industry, joining Beecham SA Ltd in the HR department. Angela then joined Eli Lilly SA (Pty) Ltd in 1993, where she held positions in Human Resources and finance including Financial Accounts Manager , Financial Analyst and Business Development Manager. Angela was a founding director of Batswadi Pharmaceuticals assuming the position of Chief Financial Officer Officer responsible for HR, Finance, Operations and Corporate Governance . When ACRO was established by Batswadi in 2007 , Angela moved over to the Contract Research Organisation and has gained experience in areas of strategic management, risk management, legal, treasury, corporate governance, HR and Finance . Angela has represented Eli Lilly at IMSA and ACRO at PIASA, both key Industry organisations. Angela was active on a task team at Endeavor SA, identifying and refining the process for talent management in organisations and has presented on talent management for up and coming entrepreneurs. Lifelong learning is one of her key beliefs and training and development is encouraged at all levels of the organization. Angela is responsible for covering countries across the African Continent.

Anne De Luca

Anne De Luca (BAppSci) is co-founder and Director of a local Australian CRO, responsible for the oversight of trials in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.She began her career as a medical scientist within a hospital setting, and has over 20 years’ experience in clinical research, working first as a study coordinator then as CRA, Project Manager and Clinical Operations Lead.  Anne has worked extensively with CROs and pharmaceutical companies to attain a broad range of experience throughout the clinical research arena.  Anne’s clinical expertise is primarily in Oncology, and she has established a strong network of sites and specialists through-out the Asia Pacific.
Anne is responsible for covering Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

Cerasella Stoicescu (MD)

Cerasella Stoicescu (MD) has over 20 years experience in life sciences, being in executive management positions in different operational roles within international pharmaceutical companies and having an extensive expertise in different therapeutic areas. After her University Degree in Human Medicine, she joined Boehringer Ingelheim Romania, acting within the sales department, later she was appointed by Servier Pharma where she held different management positions on an extended regional level. Within these positions, Cerasella gained invaluable international experience within a multitude of areas including training & development, people management, business development and strategic account management. Since 2012 Cerasella has worked in the CRO business providing clinical research services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies. Her team is one of the founding members of AICROS while she is responsible for covering Romania and Bulgaria.

Deepa Arora (MBBS, MD)

Deepa Arora (MBBS, MD) is a physician with more than 20 years of experience and demonstrated history of successfully delivering in the Clinical Development, Pharmacovigilance, Post Authorization Safety Studies and medico-regulatory writing with the Pharmaceutical industry. She worked in Indian MNCs (Lupin, Wockhardt and Dabur Research Foundation) and CROs. She has in-depth understanding of clinical trial regulations of India and the clinical development of NCEs, biosimilars, hybrid/ 505b(2) products and orphan drugs along with the experience in successfully planning and handling complex meetings with regulators, including experience of interacting with global regulators for pre-IND meetings, meetings for referrals with CHMP & scientific advisory meetings with US FDA, MHRA, EMA, DCGI as clinical development & safety expert. Under AICROS, she is responsible for research activities and conducting clinical trials in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. She is the CEO of CLINEXEL Life Sciences, a CRO based in India since 2019, where she is collaborating with start-ups, small to mid-size biopharmaceutical, emerging biotechs and medical device companies to support the clinical development of their products and ensuring compliance with global pharmacovigilance regulations.

Dongjin Yoo

Dongjin Yoo, M.D., is a clinical development and business development professional with extensive experience in pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices

He previously held senior leadership roles at Bayer Korea, Dong-A Pharmaceutical, now Dong-A ST, and Genexine, covering medical affairs, regulatory affairs, overseas  development, and product/business development.

Since 2009, he has served as consultant and CEO, supporting clinical strategy, regulatory planning, and execution for diverse clinical programs. He has authored more than 200 medical writing documents, including protocols, CSRs, pharmacovigilance documents, and regulatory submissions.

Oguz Akbas (MD, PhD)

Oguz Akbas (MD, PhD) received his medical degree in 1981 and completed his PhD in Pharmacology in 1985. He began his career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1986, amassing nearly 40 years of experience in clinical studies.

 

From 1996 to 1999, he consulted on initial clinical studies in his country, and in 1999, he founded MonitorCRO, the first Contract Research Organization (CRO) established in Turkey. Drawing on his academic background and experience with leading industry figures, Dr. Akbas initially focused on bioequivalence studies for local generic companies, thereby enhancing his expertise in clinical pharmacology. Under his leadership, MonitorCRO expanded its services to include project management and monitoring activities for international pharmaceutical companies, facilitating the entry of international CROs into Turkey.

Until 2012, he oversaw real-world evidence and epidemiology studies related to various cancers and diabetes mellitus with his team. Following this period, he initiated several task forces within MonitorCRO to develop an effective medical team skilled in medical writing and to establish a data management team for database development. This effort eventually led to the creation of Electronic Data Capture and Electronic Trial Master File platforms, supported by in-house programmers.

Dr. Akbas is experienced in preclinical and early-phase clinical development studies. He currently leads a talented team of professionals at MonitorCRO in a country rich with opportunities for clinical development.

Robin Hansen (MMSc-Drug Development)

Robin Hansen (MMSc-Drug Development), works as a Director together with Anne, overseeing clinical trials in Australia and New Zealand. With a clinical background in Neuroscience, Robin began working in clinical trials as a study nurse in 1994. Since 1995, she held roles as CRA, Project Manager and Clinical Research Manager leading the regional clinical research team at Pfizer, before co-founding of a CRO in 2012. Robin now leads the Molecule2Market team in providing clinical research services across all phases of drug and medical device studies throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Yin Qi

With over two decades of experience in clinical development, translational medicine, and regulatory strategy, Yin Qi has held leadership roles at top-tier organizations, including Asymchem and Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research (NIBR). Currently serving as Chief Strategy Officer/Chief Development Officer and Head of U.S. at Asymchem Clinical, he drives strategic initiatives to enhance the company’s CRO capabilities, building early development functions (Translational Medicine, Biomarker Development, PK/PD, and Clinical Research) and establishing U.S.-based regulatory and operational teams. He also lead cross-functional committees, fostered strategic partnerships with global CROs, and ensured regulatory compliance in multi-regional clinical trials. During his tenure at Novartis (2004–2022), Yin Qi held multiple leadership roles, including Translational Medicine Strategy and Planning Director, where he shaped early development strategies in Asia, optimized resource allocation, and strengthened collaboration between China and Japan. As Early Development Regulatory Director, he led regulatory submissions (IND/CTA), engaged with global health authorities including FDA, BfArm, MHRA, and guided R&D programs in Neurosciences, CV&M, and Respiratory diseases. Earlier, as Clinical Science Therapeutic Area Head (CV&M, Infectious Diseases), he served on boards such as The Disease Area Decision Board and The Protocol Review Committee, overseeing clinical portfolios from development candidate selection to clinical proof of concept, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and ensuring operational excellence in study design and execution. Beginning his career in China, Yin Qi held key roles at Novartis China and Beijing Hospital, building clinical research capabilities across APAC, managing pharmacokinetic studies, and engaging with health authorities. Yin Qi’s academic background includes a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science, an M.S. in Pharmacology, and executive leadership training programs from IMD and CEIBS. His expertise spans clinical development, regulatory strategy, and cross-functional leadership in global drug development