The session focused on key themes centred on discovery and development, the application of AI in clinical trials, and the demand for cross-disciplinary skills at the intersection of biology and AI. Bringing together experts from various domains to discuss how AI is not just a concept but a present-day reality that is reshaping healthcare as we know it.
Chaired by Michelle Gallaher, CEO, Cerulea Clinical Trials, the panel included influential sector leaders:
- Prof Wei Xiang, Director, Australian Centre for AI in Medical Innovation (ACAMI) and Chair, La Trobe-Cisco Centre for AI and IoT, La Trobe University
- Dr Michelle Perugini, CEO, Presagen.
- Prof Marco Herold, CEO, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute
- Dr Jia-Yee Lee, Director (Strategy & Alliance), BioNTech SE.
Each speaker brought a unique perspective to the discussion – representing research and academia, industry and medical discovery and application.
Dr Lee, BioNTech, SE, set the scene for AI in the realm of drug discovery by sharing the origin story of AlfaFold. Developed by DeepMind, AlfaFold utilises AI to predict protein structures with remarkable accuracy – helping scientists understand how diseases occur at a molecular level and accelerating the development of therapeutics. Its impact marks a significant step forward in using AI to unravel complex biological systems and enhance precision medicine applications.
“For AI and drug discovery, I think the promise is that it’s going to increase the probability of success, reduce cost and reduce the failure rates that we see in pre-clinical studies,” said Dr Lee.
Discussions highlighted the diverse applications and regulatory considerations of AI tools and processes in medical research. One focal point was the regulation of data and the use of AI software, both within devices and as standalone medical solutions. It became evident that the careful governance of these tools is crucial for ensuring their safe and effective deployment in clinical settings.
Another key topic for consideration was the role of short courses and micro-credentials in addressing concerns about job loss due to AI advancements.
“At La Trobe, we are proud to be at the very forefront of inter-disciplinary education when it comes to AI and biotechnology. The first tier is workforce development,” said Prof Wei Xiang.
At a ‘lab level’ Prof Herold acknowledged that, “people are very excited about AI, but I don't think everybody necessarily knows what it means. (Therefore) cross-disciplinary education is important.”
Expanding on the topic of language and literacy around AI, Dr Michelle Perugini, Presagen, flagged that “one of the challenges is, within the research sector and universities particularly, (that) there is not enough incentivisation of cross-disciplinary research...it’s not that everyone in medicine or biology needs to become an AI expert – that's a complete waste of time – (rather) they need to be collaborating with the Computer Science department and the Biometricians.”
Conversations also recognised the necessity of investing in AI data infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable growth and regulatory compliance. Participants agreed that robust infrastructure is vital for harnessing AI's full potential in the medical field.
Speaker perspectives collectively reinforced the session's focus on the responsible and innovative use of AI in healthcare, ensuring that advancements not only enhance patient care but also adhere to the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
La Trobe University remains committed to advancing research, education, and innovation in AI for medical applications. By spearheading conversations like the AusBiotech panel session, the University is playing a pivotal role in driving forward the integration of AI technologies in healthcare, aiming for real-world impacts that improve patient care and outcomes.
The University is home to the world’s first university innovation centre specialising in the application of artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery and development of immunotherapies, vaccines and medical innovation – the Australian Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Innovation (ACAMI).
For more information and collaboration opportunities, visit latrobe.edu.au/acami
