From AI Strategy to Reality: Challenges and lessons from life sciences

Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries at pace, but many organisations are still grappling with the realities of adoption.

Beyond the headlines and hype, how do organisations successfully introduce AI into highly regulated environments?

What changes for the people, teams, and cultures expected to work alongside it?

In this panel discussion, leaders from life sciences, software development, and organisational transformation will explore how AI is reshaping the way organisations operate, collaborate, and innovate.

In this session, Lhasa Limited’s CEO, Chris Barber, will share his perspective on the evolving role of AI in life sciences and the growing impact of in silico approaches in areas such as chemical safety assessment.

He will explore how advances in AI are influencing the future direction of the sector, while highlighting the responsibilities and challenges that come with adoption in scientifically rigorous and regulated environments.

Building on this, Deputy CEO Crina Heghes will discuss what it takes to create the organisational conditions for meaningful AI adoption.

From leadership and culture to cross-functional collaboration between scientific, technical, and software teams, she will share lessons learned from embedding AI within an evolving organisation.

Joining the discussion are Rebecca Herbert and Katy Gooblar, Co-founders of Rebel Hive, who will bring a people-first perspective on digital transformation.

They will explore how organisations can navigate change effectively, overcome barriers to adoption, and create environments where people can embrace new technologies with confidence.

Nayza Fioritta, Head of IT and Head of Software Development at Lhasa Limited, will provide a practical view from the technology front line.

She will discuss how AI is changing roles, workflows, and ways of working across the organisation, and how teams are developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to work effectively alongside emerging technologies.

Together, the panel will explore questions that many organisations are facing today:

• How do you move from AI strategy to practical adoption?
• How do you balance innovation with governance and risk?
• How do roles, skills, and careers evolve as AI becomes more embedded?
• What cultural and organisational barriers can slow adoption?
• How can organisations build trust and confidence in AI-enabled ways of working?

Who should attend:

• Professionals working in or interested in AI, data, digital transformation, or software development
• Scientists and researchers exploring computational and AI-enabled approaches

Food and drinks will be provided.

This event is aimed at:

• Data scientists and AI practitioners interested in applied, real-world contexts
• Software developers working in scientific or regulated domains
• Researchers and academics in life sciences, AI, and computational modelling
• Students and early-career professionals exploring careers in AI and scientific software
• Members of the Leeds digital and tech community
• Individuals interested in how AI is introduced within organisations, not just built