An international approach to harnessing AI opportunities in the life sciences

From left to right: Prof Ewan Birney, Andrew Gilbert, Dr Jeff Christiansen, Prof Andrew Lonie

Many of us are exploring the opportunities that AI brings to life sciences. Australian BioCommons and Bioplatforms Australia recently hosted Prof Ewan Birney, Deputy Director General of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Director of EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) in Melbourne to share his views in a workshop: Exploring opportunities in Life Sciences AI. 

The workshop focused on existing activities in Australia and global AI developments, with a facilitated discussion on how to build effective collaborations between infrastructures and researchers in the AI-life sciences space, and what opportunities there are for Australia to collaborate more closely with the EU across life sciences infrastructure, data, informatics, training and research programs.

Prof Birney’s visit included a keynote address at the iconic Shine Dome in Canberra. Co-hosted by EMBL Australia and Bioplatforms Australia, the event included talks from international and Australian experts, and drew scientists and senior leadership from a range of organisations, including CSIRO, Monash University, UNSW, the Australian National University, the University of Canberra, the Australian Government Department of Education, NCRIS projects, Snow Medical and Research Australia, as well as postdoctoral researchers and students. Read more about Prof Birney’s presentation in EMBL Australia’s news item.

As well as helping BioCommons to coalesce its approach to facilitating AI application in life sciences, the visit has strengthened the connection between BioCommons and EMBL and has led to ongoing discussions about future cooperation. Meeting in person was an excellent opportunity to clarify our intersecting needs, and establish a foundation to work together more closely into the future.