Despite the rise of virus variants that have extended the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of businesses nationwide are seeking to bring employees back to the workplace. Employers cite the need to service increased business activity, improve customer service and responsiveness, enhance employee supervision, rebuild corporate culture and values, boost creativity and morale, and address operational difficulties caused by remote work. However, their decision has been complicated by the rapidly spreading Delta variant, vaccine resistance and employees’ misgivings about returning to the office due to safety concerns and the convenience of working from home. Employers navigating this new reality face a variety of thorny questions and legal implications. Can employers ask workers about their vaccination status? Can they require employees to get vaccinated? What can they do if workers refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine or balk at returning to the office? This program will address these and many other pressing legal issues facing employers today.

The SAPA Annual Conference is a great platform for participants to share knowledge, wisdom, and viewpoints on important issues and current trends in academic research and pharma and biotech industries. Our events feature presentations and panel discussions by distinguished speakers and panelists from academia, industry, and regulatory authorities, to provide opportunities for scientific exchange, public health education, networking, career development, and business collaborations.

The theme of this year’s annual conference is “Building a Healthier Future”. This does not only showcase the ambition and mission of academic research, pharma and biotech industry but also reflect our individual desire and organizational direction to further develop a stronger SAPA.