How do you see imaging transforming the development of novel therapies?
"The drug discovery process can be fraught with complexities leading to a high level of attrition and failure. The application of imaging sciences can answer some of the fundamental questions of novel therapies in a quantitative manner: does it get to the target organ, does it bind to the target of interest, and does it have an efficacious outcome? This methodology supports swift translation from preclinical models representing only facets of the disease state to human clinical studies, building a pathway to success and helping to reduce discovery timelines and cost. Applying imaging sciences throughout the drug discovery phases can transform this entrenched, lengthy, complex and costly process, making novel therapies available quicker and at less cost to the patients in need."
What transformative breakthroughs will help drive further developments in precision medicine?
"Undoubtedly the ability to sequence the human genome to identify the variants potentially leading to disease state and then understanding the impact of these through advances in proteomic and metabolomic techniques, to advance the pathway to individual care."
What scientist (past or present) do you admire and why?
"There’s three that jump to mind. The past scientists and often unsung heroes, Rosalind Franklin and Katherine Johnson, who through the application of excellent science and mathematics made pioneering contributions to their respective fields during times when doing so was exceedingly difficult and unrecognized. And present, the UK national treasure, Sir David Attenborough, broadcaster and natural historian, who has an extraordinary number of honorary degrees to his name in recognition of his tireless educational work to highlight the biodiversity of our natural world in an attempt save it. Their diverse stories are inspiring and immense scientific impact admirable."
