TOPRA Board elections - candidates and voting

Voting for 2023 is now closed.

All members (excluding Students, Honorary Members and Honorary Fellows) are invited to select who they would like to represent them on the Board to help lead TOPRA into 2024.

The deadline for nominations for the available Board positions has now passed. Two nominations were received for the President-Elect position and a total of six nominations were received for the four vacant Director positions. All Members and Fellows are now invited to vote on the selected candidates and those who receive the most votes will be elected.

Thank you to all who put themselves forward and their peers who supported them.

For more information, please read the TOPRA Board Election procedures.

You can view the personal statement of each candidate and read more information in support of their nomination by clicking on the 'Read full profile' link. Please consider all the candidates and then make your choices.

Top tips 

  • Do not simply vote for the person you know or have heard of
  • Think about the value each candidate will add to the TOPRA Board
  • Consider what skills and experience each candidate can bring to TOPRA
  • Reflect on how each candidate can help TOPRA achieve its strategic goals
  • Deliberate on how each candidate can support the global growth and engagement of membership at a strategic level
  • Take into consideration how each candidate can champion the development of excellence in regulatory affairs 

Every vote matters – make your voice heard!

To learn more about how TOPRA is governed, please visit our Governance page. 

Candidates for President-Elect

(Listed alphabetically by surname)

Aman Khera 

Personal statement:

I am humbled to work in a profession that allows me to play a part, alongside fellow regulators, to make a difference for humanity through positive developments in healthcare. Over the years, I have volunteered with TOPRA in various capacities including a board member role.

I would be honoured to serve as President-Elect that in turn serves TOPRA members and elevates the Regulatory profession. 

I want to help bring forward, the voices of TOPRA members so that TOPRA is able to serve members needs effectively with training, development and future skill growth for the coming years in the regulatory profession.

Read full profile

Paul Kuiken

Personal statement:

My varied experience within pharmaceuticals worldwide, over three decades, offers practical support for the business challenges TOPRA faces. A combination of regulatory, business and commercial management, and consulting presents something unique to this candidacy.

I am a Company Director, legal Trustee, FTOPRA, and member of the IOD, and RAPS. I have held legally accountable positions in the voluntary sector, and exposure to different member organizations, provides insight to practices and ideas benefitting TOPRA’s work and its members.

I have built a relationship with TOPRA staff, including Kevin Pay, over a long period of time so can hit the ground running.

Read full profile

Candidates for Director

(Listed alphabetically by surname)

Mehryar Behizad 

Personal statement:

My Regulatory career of more than 25 years has convinced me that regulatory education is a vital part of keeping the momentum in bringing to market ever more advanced treatments and delivery systems. Having worked with both pharma and high technology medical devices and seen the ever more sophisticated use of medical devices to deliver treatments has convinced me that I am in a unique position to advocate closer understanding between the two regulatory branches, especially at a time when the regulatory landscape is being fundamentally reshaped. I will be an ardent advocate for an integrated regulatory approach for pharma and medical devices, ultimately to benefit patients.

Read full profile

Dr Solange Corriol-Rohou 

Personal statement:

This position is an exciting opportunity to not only share my experience and expertise and meaningfully contribute to TOPRA goals but also to keep the momentum since I have been a TOPRA Board Member these last 2 years.

While I feel I am qualified for this position because of my dedication and achievement record, I do believe I could do more. This is why, if selected I'll be more than happy to discuss the matter and identify what I could be doing next.

Read full profile

Eva Kopecna

Personal statement:

I am very passionate about development of RA professionals and the RA profession. I believe that sharing our knowledge, expertise, best practices and investing in our successors has significant impact on bringing needed medication to our patients.

I have been involved in TOPRA activities for more than 20 years, being a student, lecturer and TOPRA Board Director. I have a very good overview and understanding of TOPRA activities, strategy, roles, responsibilities, and needed competencies for the role of TOPRA Director. I particularly understand the needs of TOPRA members and professionals working in Healthcare RA.

Read full profile

Steve Lee

Personal statement:

As a candidate for TOPRA Director, I can bring leadership, technical expertise, and a track record of successful contributions to the industry. I am a former Chair of a European Commission working group, where I led the group to a more harmonious implementation of regulations across the EU. I have actively supported TOPRA through contributions to training modules, the symposium, and co-authoring articles. I have full alignment with TOPRA's goals, gained from decades of work in international regulatory affairs, and I can provide unique insights. I aim to foster new talent, address industry challenges, and help TOPRA to navigate regulations for new and existing health technologies.

Read full profile

Sonia Morjaria 

Personal statement:

Associate Director in Regulatory Strategy at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, London, UK. Over 15 years of broad regulatory affairs experience covering new chemical entities and ATMPs. I will use my experience to support TOPRA achieve a comprehensive approach to educating regulatory professionals across the industry, extend its footprint, influence and strengthen alongside shaping the future of the organisation. This will also be a great opportunity for me to be able to give something back to a rewarding profession that has given me so many opportunities and to drive my passion in supporting regulatory colleagues who are early in their career to achieve long term success.

Read full profile

Alex Yates

Personal statement:

I am passionate about the role that Regulatory Affairs plays to support the licensing of human and veterinary medicines and devices. TOPRA provides a vital link, supporting professional development for all levels, as well as providing information and opportunities for those considering entering the field.

I am standing for election as I believe the skills and expertise I have developed throughout my career will be of value as TOPRA continues it’s mission. It is essential that careers in Regulatory Affairs are open to all, and I look forward continuing to support TOPRA in that regard, and more broadly.

Read full profile