Reflections from the Pistoia Alliance Fall 2024 Conference: A Deep Dive into the Latest in Life Sciences

On November 12-13, 2024, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the Fall 2024 Pistoia Alliance Conference in Philadelphia, where life science leaders convened to accelerate R&D innovation. The conference was a whirlwind of insightful presentations and a captivating poster session highlighting the Alliance's collaborative projects.

The Pistoia Alliance Conference poster session was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the life sciences. The posters showcased a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at lowering barriers to innovation and delivering data-driven value. The session provided a valuable platform for researchers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders to connect, share knowledge, and contribute to the advancement of the life sciences field.

Key Themes and Highlights from the Poster Session:

Ontologies: A key focus was the development and implementation of ontologies to standardize data and enhance interoperability. Projects like the IDMP-O, CMC Process Ontology, and Clinical Operations Ontology highlighted the commitment to streamlining data management and analysis in the pharmaceutical industry.

FAIR Data Principles: The FAIR for Pharma community emphasized the importance of making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. Tools and resources like the FAIR Maturity Matrix and FAIR Toolkit were presented to guide organizations in their FAIR data journey.

User Experience in Life Sciences (UXLS): The UXLS community showcased their work on scaling up UX practices in the life sciences. Discussions revolved around the impact of generative AI on UX, user research practices, and data visualization.

Lab of the Future (LOTF): The LOTF community presented their vision for the future of laboratories, focusing on data management, emerging technologies, automation, and digital labs. Challenges and pre-competitive project ideas were discussed to accelerate the adoption of disruptive technologies.

In Vitro Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs): The poster on In Vitro NAMs highlighted the importance of non-animal models and technologies in biomedical research. The project aims to develop data standards for in vitro NAM bioassays, ensuring consistent reporting and facilitating the use of AI/ML applications.

Controlled Substance Compliance &; Shipping Expert Community (CSCS): The CSCS community emphasized the importance of understanding and interpreting controlled substance and shipping legislation worldwide. Recent topics included barriers to research, DEAs proposed rule changes, and the role of specialty logistics service providers.

This years conference highlighted the disruptive influence of AI/ML technologies on life sciences operations. Graeme King from Amino Data Ltd gave a compelling talk, Slowing Down to Speed Up, advocating for a comprehensive AI governance strategy to ensure effective and responsible AI implementation.

Key takeaways emphasized the need for:

• Adapting existing data governance structures to accommodate AI.
• A unified governance framework addressing technical, organizational, and ethical aspects of AI.
• Prioritizing high-quality data through robust data governance practices.
• Thorough risk assessment to mitigate potential organizational, societal, and personal risks.
• An iterative approach to AI governance, allowing for continuous monitoring and adaptation.

The critical role of organizational change management in successful AI adoption stood out. At Kalleid , our focus on supporting scientific business transformation aligns with the need for a strong data governance framework that complements the human aspects of change. AI's disruptive potential necessitates close collaboration between change managers, data governance teams, and risk management teams to holistically drive transformation and thrive in this new era.

Thanks to the Pistoia Alliance team for another world class event! Can't wait for next year.