Systems thinking asks
scientists to look at the bigger picture and take a more holistic approach to
their work. Systems thinkers consider how their field of study might relate to
other disciplines, and how their research might inform or benefit from the broader
knowledge stream.
In modern medicinal
chemistry, systems thinking has become an absolute necessity due to the nature
of the drug development process. Chemists, biologists, doctors, mathematicians,
physicists and other scientists work collaboratively through partnerships and
initiatives that combine the resources of academia, government, research
organizations, hospitals and commercial business—all in a combined effort to
develop effective new medicines.
This means systems
thinking is critical for the pharmaceutical industry. To thrive, pharma
companies can’t just stay insulated and try to “do their own thing” in the same
way that they always have. Welcoming new collaborators, integrating new systems
and adopting new technologies are all part of embracing the systems thinking
approach.
In my upcoming webinar, titled “Chemistry Data for Systems Thinkers,” I will discuss how to take a system approach to creating new chemistry knowledge, how to translate knowledge into useful applications, and how to be prepared to take on our current global crisis.
Among the relevant
topics that will be included:
- Systematic integration of biological and chemical data
- AI-ready data for synthesis route designs and prediction
- Best practices for the pharma industry and education system
- Practical examples of using system thinking (e.g. digitization of chemistry knowledge in pharma, data readiness in green chemistry, responding to COVID-19 using conscientious data excerption from literature)
While mounting piles of data and information silos can make it a challenge to embrace a systems thinking approach to pharma, it is fast becoming a necessity to do so. Companies that adopt the mindset, strategies and tools that enable big-picture thinking will be better able to innovate and succeed.
The free “Chemistry Data for Systems Thinkers” webinar is coming up on May 26. Learn more and register here.
