Beyond Buzzwords: Realizing the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Development
Monday, September 08, 2025 | 2.00–3.30 pm | Ernst-Abbe Saal, Volkshaus Jena
| Abstract | AI's potential to revolutionize medicine is unprecedented, promising a quicker path from drug discovery, through clinical development and health technology assessment, to patient access. This keynote will focus on the practical application of AI in clinical trials, spotlighting current initiatives and envisioning future advancements. It will provide not only an overview but also concrete examples to demonstrate how AI can enhance decision-making processes, making them more informed and data-driven, and ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes, both today and in the future. The audience will learn about the critical elements required to pave the way for a new era of AI in clinical development—one that balances the rapid pace of technological evolution with a grounded, realistic approach. This ensures the maintenance of scientific integrity and critical thinking, while steering clear of the allure of mere buzzwords. Tailored to engage a broad spectrum of professionals in the field, including both emerging and experienced leaders, the presentation will explore the essential upskilling and reskilling at all levels from an industry perspective. Lastly, it will underscore the need for collaboration between key stakeholders, including academia, regulators, and policymakers, advocating for joint efforts towards AI-enabled innovation in clinical development. |
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| Speaker | Justine Rochon |
| Date | Monday, September 08, 2025 |
| Time | 2.00–3.30 pm |
| Location | Ernst-Abbe Saal, Volkshaus Jena |
Justine is a trained psychologist and biostatistician, holding a doctoral degree from the University of Heidelberg along with an executive certificate in Management & Leadership from MIT Sloan. She is also a certified biometrician, obtained the GMDS Certificate "Biometry in Medicine" back in 2012. In her 20-year career, she has evolved from her initial role as a trial and project statistician in oncology at an academic clinical trial center to her current position as Senior Vice President, Head of Global Biostatistics and Data Sciences at Boehringer Ingelheim.
Her versatile profile seamlessly integrates scientific expertise, visionary leadership, and corporate entrepreneurship. At Boehringer Ingelheim, she leads the evolution of a department with over 500 employees into a forward-thinking learning organization that emphasizes data-driven decision science. She has played leadership key rolein the European Federation of Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry (EFSPI), co-founded the DISRUPT-DS (Data Science) roundtable, and holds a seat on the Executive Committee of the American Statistical Association's Biopharmaceutical Section (ASA-BIOP). She also serves as a guest lecturer and advisory board member at various universities, where she has an impact on the healthcare, data and technology community.Driven by a passion for fostering positive change towards a healthier planet, she mentors and sponsors various initiatives focused on sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is particularly committed to championing the next generation of inclusive leaders, with a special focus on women. In March of this year, she was recognized as one of the top 10 Reuters Events: Trailblazing Women in Pharma 2025.
Justine's guiding principle is inspired by the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”