Structural Strategies

Author: Jonathan Betts

Welcome to edition XIII of Structural Strategies. This month, we celebrate the intersection of community engagement, innovative technology, the pivotal role of data in scientific advancement, and our different attitudes to risk.

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting the Cambridge Wide Open Day (CWOD). We opened our doors to the Cambridge community – scientists, students, industry leaders, teachers, and anyone curious about what we do. Visitors discovered the wonders of crystal structures, learnt about their applications in various fields, and saw first-hand how structural science tools are used in ground-breaking research.

Hot on the heels of Cambridge Wide Open Day, we hosted the Creative Disruption Forum on "How Tech is Changing Small Molecule Drug Hunting." This event brought together a small group of experts to foster discussions, challenge assumptions, and surface new ideas. Through ample conversations, we uncovered valuable insights and sparked innovative thinking.

These discussions seamlessly lead us to two upcoming events. In July, we will host a webinar on "The Role of Quality Data in Advancing AI and ML in Life Sciences." This session will delve into how high-quality data underpins advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly in life sciences. We will explore how accurate, reliable data drives innovation and improves outcomes in drug development and other critical areas.

Additionally, I am thrilled to speak (and chair the session) at Future Labs Live on "Artificial Intelligence, Machine & Deep Learning: Making the Hype a Reality - AI for Identifying Molecule’s Predictive Behaviours." This talk will highlight how AI and ML are revolutionizing our ability to predict molecular behaviours, transforming the drug discovery process, and paving the way for more effective treatments. The underlying theme of all these activities is the importance of high-quality data – without it, the potential of AI and ML cannot be fully realized, and progress will be hindered.

Does an ever-increasing reliance on AI pose risk? Thoughts can’t help but turn to The Terminator here, but embracing risk can be a path to innovation.

Some people love risk, seeing it as an opportunity to try something new and stray from the flock, where true innovation is born. Others hate it, valuing safety, compliance, and continuity as essential for any business or product to thrive.

Whatever your position, understanding the risks is key to making an informed decision. That’s the foundation of what we do. By collating real-world data, making it accessible, and providing software to leverage it, scientists get a deep understanding of risks in their molecules. This informed innovation is something I am particularly proud of. Our tools and services empower scientists globally to assess risks and reach decisions, driving progress in their fields.

At the core of all these initiatives is our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of structural science and its applications. By engaging with the community, facilitating discussions among experts, and promoting the use of high-quality data, we aim to inspire and drive scientific innovation.

Join Us on this Exciting Journey

We invite you to join us on this exciting journey, as we continue to explore the frontiers of structural science and its impact on the world around us. Engage with us, participate in our events, and be part of the conversation as we work towards a brighter, data-driven future. If you want more information to tackle the risks in your next project, reach out any time.

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Find out more about some of the topics covered in this newsletter:

• July 25th Webinar - The Role of Quality Data in Advancing AI and ML in Life Sciences
• More information on my talk and session at Future Labs Live