This week (Monday 18 March), members of the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, the Technology and Innovation Forum (SCI-TIF) and guests from around Cambridge convened to delve into the pressing subject of AI’s role in advancing stem cell research and medicine (see the poster here).
The event began with a welcome by Institute’s director, Professor Bertie Göttgens, who set the stage for a series of insightful talks from three researchers with experience on working in AI in stem cell and medical research.
Professor Sarah Teichmann (currently Head of Cellular Genetics at the Sanger Institute and soon to be joining CSCI) presented on the Human Cell Atlas, stem cells, and AI, and offered a deep-dive into cutting-edge research on foundation models for human cells & beyond.
Dr Nadav Yayon (Sanger Institute and EMBL-EBI) presented on the impact of AI on imaging for stem cell research, showcasing innovative techniques that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the field.
Dr Namshik Han (Milner Therapeutics Institute) discussed leveraging machine learning for multi-omics and drug discovery, which detailed some of the potential for AI to accelerate breakthroughs in medicine.
The panel discussion with the speakers and additional panellists Dr Marta Milo (AstraZeneca) and Dr Owen Rackham (Turing Institute) sparked some lively debates and thoughtful exchanges. This was followed by a 'Meet the Expert' roundtable discussions, allowing for more targeted conversations with each panellist, led by attendees and their questions on the topic.
Bertie Gottgens, Director of CSCI, said, "There was a really good vibe throughout the event, and I learned a lot. I’m really grateful to our speakers, panel members and participants who made the event, all of whom made the event a success.”
Alice Sorrell, Knowledge Exchange Manager at CSCI, said,"Events like these allow for a dynamic atmosphere, and I was inspired by the wealth of knowledge shared. It was a fantastic opportunity to dive into the latest advancements of how AI is revolutionizing our approach to stem cell research and medicine."
SCI-TIF members in attendance included bit.bio, Revvity, Proteintech, and 10x Genomics, who showcased their technologies with exhibition tables, as well as AstraZeneca, Qkine, Sanofi, Mogrify, and Xap Therapeutics who joined throughout the day.
More Hot Topic and SCI-TIF events will be announced soon.