SETAC Europe 27th LCA Symposium

Francesca Verones is Professor of Industrial Ecology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where her research focuses on understanding and quantifying the impacts of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystems. She is internationally recognised for her work on advancing biodiversity assessment in life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental footprinting, with particular expertise in linking pressures on terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems to impacts on biodiversity.

Her research combines life cycle impact assessment, ecological modelling, environmental footprints and large-scale spatial data to improve the representation of biodiversity in sustainability assessments and decision-making. She has led and contributed to major international research initiatives, including the ERC Starting Grant ATLANTIS and several European collaborative projects and is actively involved in international efforts to advance methods for assessing biodiversity impacts and dependencies.

Beyond methodological development, Francesca works at the interface between science, policy, and practice, collaborating with researchers, international organisations, policymakers and industry to translate biodiversity science into tools that can support more sustainable decisions. She is an elected member of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences (NTVA) and has contributed to international science-policy processes and initiatives addressing biodiversity, resource use, and environmental sustainability.

Aude Arkam is Sanofi's Group Head of Eco-design and Circular Economy. With over 20 years of experience in business transformation and sustainability, she is committed to reducing the pharmaceutical sector's environmental footprint while creating long-term value for patients, businesses, and society.

Over the past four years, Arkam has led a team of eco-design experts and life cycle assessment specialists, driving Sanofi's holistic transformation to integrate environmental performance into product development, operations, and business strategy. Her ambition is to accelerate the shift from product-level eco-design to a systemic approach that transforms entire value chains. Using Life Cycle Assessment as a science-based tool across 16 impact categories, she champions the adoption of PAS2090, an international standard harmonizing LCA methodologies for pharmaceutical products.

Before her current role, Arkam spent five years in Sanofi's Global Supply Chain and Integrated Business Planning organizations, gaining robust end-to-end understanding of product lifecycles from sourcing to end-of-life management.

Prior to Sanofi, Arkam spent ten years in consulting, supporting organizations through complex transformation programs, and served as Executive Director of a Mexican NGO providing care to 200 children with cerebral palsy, an experience that deepened her commitment to creating positive societal impact.