Fewer than one in three experts prepared for AI challenge, suggests Pistoia 

The global not-for-profit says urgent collaboration is required to tackle the problem and help colleagues get started or implement the technology at scale, after 70% of those surveyed admitted they have not yet done so. 

“As technology develops at pace, the life sciences sector cannot afford to fall behind. Companies must run this race alongside each other, as a unified front, to ensure that everyone benefits equally from AI,” warned president Dr Becky Upton (pictured).

A key issue is trustworthiness, with 63% of respondents expressing concern that poor data quality might lead to incorrect conclusions and potentially harmful clinical decisions. 

Data quality was a theme of the alliance’s keynote European conference talk by the US Federal Drugs Administration lead scientist Dr Larry Callahan who discussed the organisation’s influence over the widespread adoption of data standards to improve regulatory submissions more efficient, citing Pistoia’s In Vitro Pharmacology Group and Global Substance Registration System as successful examples.

The Alliance also announced several new projects and initiatives at the event. These include a Clinical Operations Ontology for clinical trial site feasibility; FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data Maturity Matrix aimed at developing an agreed, maturity assessment model for data implementation; and Labs2030, bringing together scientists and technologists to build the next-generation laboratory environment from a data standards, process, instrument, and knowledge sharing perspective.

“What makes the Alliance stand out is our commitment to launching projects that our members have asked for and that will deliver tangible change to the life science industry,” remarked Dr Christian Baber, chief portfolio officer.

“These new projects, organised under our strategic priorities, will empower companies to navigate change and overcome challenges faster than going it alone.”