Henry Bedem, SVP Machine Learning Research & Cheminformatics
Professional Overview
Henry Bedem is an accomplished leader in the field of machine learning research and cheminformatics, driving innovation at the intersection of computational science and drug discovery. As the Senior Vice President of Machine Learning Research & Cheminformatics at Atomwise, he oversees the strategic development and application of cutting-edge machine learning techniques to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds. Additionally, he serves as an Associate Adjunct Professor of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of researchers.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the SVP of Machine Learning Research & Cheminformatics at Atomwise, Henry is responsible for leading a team of world-class researchers and engineers in the development and deployment of advanced machine learning algorithms for drug discovery. Under his guidance, the company has achieved significant breakthroughs in virtual screening, molecular design, and lead optimization, resulting in the identification of promising drug candidates for a wide range of therapeutic areas.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Henry held various leadership positions at Atomwise, including Vice President, Head of Machine Learning Cheminformatics & Research, and Principal Scientist. He has also served as a Mercator Fellow at the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - German Research Foundation, where he collaborated with leading researchers to explore the potential of machine learning in cheminformatics. Earlier in his career, Henry held scientist and management roles at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, contributing to groundbreaking research in computational drug discovery.
Academic Background
Henry holds a Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, where he specialized in the development of novel algorithms and software for molecular modeling and simulation. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and publications in prestigious scientific journals.
Areas of Expertise
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence for drug discovery
- Cheminformatics and computational chemistry
- Molecular modeling and simulation
- High-performance computing and scientific software development
- Leadership and team management in interdisciplinary research environments
Professional Impact
Under Henry's leadership, Atomwise has emerged as a leading innovator in the field of AI-driven drug discovery, with several promising drug candidates in the pipeline. His research has been instrumental in advancing the company's proprietary AI technology, AtomNet, which has demonstrated superior performance in virtual screening and lead optimization compared to traditional approaches. Henry's contributions have been widely recognized, and he is a sought-after speaker and collaborator within the pharmaceutical and computational science communities.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, proven track record of success, and deep technical expertise, Henry Bedem is a respected authority in the field of machine learning research and cheminformatics. As he continues to drive innovation and push the boundaries of what is possible in drug discovery, he remains committed to fostering collaborations, mentoring the next generation of researchers, and creating a lasting impact on the pharmaceutical industry.
