Join us for an insightful evening of conversation in the field of AI in medical research and pharmaceutical research and development, featuring a fireside chat with Dr Mishal Patel (Senior Vice President, AI & Digital Innovation, R&D at Novo Nordisk) in conversation with Professor Blanca Rodriguez (Department of Computer Science) and networking drinks.

The Speakers:
Dr Mishal Patel, Senior Vice President of AI & Digital Innovation at Novo Nordisk, and UK R&D Site Head

Dr Patel leads pioneering work in applying AI and machine learning to accelerate drug discovery and development. With a background in medicinal chemistry and experience across institutions like the Institute of Cancer Research and AstraZeneca, he is committed to reshaping biopharmaceutical research to deliver life-saving therapies faster. Known for fostering a culture of integrity and innovation, Patel balances professional ambition with personal passions—family, football, and redefining success beyond metrics.

Professor Blanca Rodriguez, Professor of Computational Medicine and Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow in Basic Biomedical Sciences

Professor Rodriguez specialises in computational modelling and simulation to investigate how the heart responds to disease and therapies. Her research integrates experimental and clinical insights from electrophysiology and pharmacology, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions. She focuses on understanding variability in cardiac responses—whether due to disease, drugs, or genetic mutations—and the complex, multiscale mechanisms behind cardiac electromechanical activity. Professor Rodriguez serves on the Board of the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research and is a member of the e-cardiology Nucleus Group of the European Society of Cardiology.