BioAscent is pleased to support a new PhD project through its role as an industrial partner with the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Biomedical Innovation (AI4BI) at the University of Edinburgh.

PhD student Juan Lopez-Rios De Castro will undertake research focused on developing an AI model capable of predicting medicinal chemistry design decisions. With a background in theoretical physics, Juan’s research interests lie at the intersection of physics-informed machine learning, molecular modelling and structure-based drug design. By combining expertise in AI and drug discovery, the project aims to help bridge the gap between computational predictions and real-world medicinal chemistry decision-making.

Juan’s project is supervised by Dr Antonia Mey at the University of Edinburgh, whose research focuses on the use of computational biophysics and machine learning to understand how proteins function at an atomistic level.

As part of the collaboration, BioAscent will contribute industry expertise, provide mentorship, and support knowledge exchange throughout the programme. Juan will also complete an industrial placement with BioAscent during his PhD, providing the opportunity to apply his research in an industrial drug discovery environment.

Angelo Pugliese, Associate Director of In Silico Discovery at BioAscent, commented:

"Collaborations between academia and industry are essential for advancing innovative approaches to drug discovery. We're delighted to support Juan's research, working alongside Dr Mey and the University of Edinburgh, and look forward to contributing our scientific expertise in computational drug design and medicinal chemistry, while gaining insights into how cutting-edge AI models can continue to aid medicinal chemistry decisions."