The Potential for AI in Discovery Science [Spring 2025 HRA Members Meeting]
Artificial Intelligence (AI), including powerful large language models (LLMs), is reshaping how scientific research is conducted. From generating insights through data analysis to assisting in the identification of research questions, AI is becoming an essential tool for discovery science.This session will explore the transformative potential of AI and highlight how it accelerates the pace of scientific discovery. Our panelists will discuss real-world applications of AI, illustrating how these tools go beyond traditional methods to support hypothesis generation, refine experimental design, and uncover patterns hidden within massive datasets. Join us to learn how AI is not only enhancing discovery but also paving the way toward tangible outcomes, such as improved diagnostics, innovative treatments, and ultimately, cures for diseases.
Moderator
Ashok Srinivasan, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer, Lipedema Foundation
Speakers
Andrew White, PhD
Co-Founder and Head of Science, Future House
Cathy Higgins, PhD
Senior Vice President, Science Programs, Stand Up 2 Cancer
Catherine Higgins, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Science Programs, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), ensures strategic planning, development, and implementation of SU2C’s scientific programs, with focus on project oversight, program budgeting, and supervisory management for the support team, portfolio, and clinical studies. She collaborates with multiple boards, donors, scientific advisors, reviewers, patient advocates, and researchers worldwide, plus pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Previously, she was Director, Human Research Protection Program, Texas A&M University, responsible for over 2,100 projects and transformed the program to accreditation in three years. She was Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center, teaching graduate-level clinical translational research courses. Formerly, she was Program Director, Gulf Coast Consortia, involved in multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research development in Houston’s Texas Medical Center and administered seed grant programs, managed large-scale research programs, and oversaw shared equipment facilities.
Her postdoctoral research was in human atherosclerosis biochemistry at Baylor College of Medicine. Her Ph.D. in chemistry specializing in protein folding and biophysical chemistry was from Tulane University. She taught chemistry at Jefferson Forest High School, Virginia. She completed her B.S. specializing in polymer chemistry at The College of William and Mary in Virginia. Her research was featured on The FEBS Journal and Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology covers.
Overall, Dr. Higgins has over 20 years’ research experience, ranging from basic sciences and clinical translational research to research development and compliance, and is interested in fostering impactful scientific research for integration into the community and benefit to humankind.