Interview of Dr. Andreas Bender
by Paras ChopraFor this edition of Jeev, I interviewed Dr. Andreas Bender, who is presently a postdoctoral fellow with Novartis in Cambridge/MA, USA and doing research in the field of Chemoinformatics. Below is the interview:
1. Brief Biography
I studied Chemistry at University of Technology, Berlin, Trinity College Dublin
and the University of Frankfurt where I graduated with a master's degree in
chemistry and bioinformatics in 2002. Afterwards I went to the University of
Cambridge for my PhD in chemical informatics (molecular similarity) and now,
since the beginning of 2006, I am a postdoctoral fellow with Novartis in Cambridge/MA,
USA.
2. In what field are you currently doing research?
We are working in a field called "cheminformatics" where we try to
predict molecular properties for molecules which are potential drugs. For example,
they need to be active against a target, soluble so they can be absorbed and
so on - we construct mathematical models for those properties.
3. How did you get inspired to work in this field?
When I was studying in Ireland I heard about a company working in the field
by chance, so I was a summer intern there in 2000. I was then looking for a
PhD in the area, that's how everything started.
4. What exact research are you doing?
See 2.
5. What do you think is future of life sciences?
We have more and more data about living systems available, and given that also
computer power is every increasing it is unavoidable that we will put those
data into context in the future, in areas we call for example systems biology
today. If our understanding of molecular networks increases, so will our ability
to develop drugs which treat the desired diseases, at the same time giving rise
to fewer side effects.
6. Any advice for students?
a) Be open-minded: Research areas are not separate islands b) Collaborate: Publish,
also during your undergraduate degree c) Present yourself: At conferences, in
publications, by meeting people.
7. Are there any Job/Research opportunities in your company/institute?
Sure, probably a few hundred right now. Just check our company website at http://nibr.novartis.com/careers/
8. What are your plans for the future?
Finish my postdoc with a few more good publications, then either a lecturer
/ assistant professor position or stay in industry. I am still a little undecided
- both options have their advantages.
9. How can society contribute to the development of life sciences?
Probably the best contribution is proper state funding for research. On the
other hand, researchers need to do their best to educate the public about the
implications of their research, so it's a two-way-street.
10. What should future research be directed at, according to you?
Here I can only speak from my own perspective - but given the population on
this planet is both growing and getting older, pharmaceutical research is probably
one of the areas which will become more and more important. Therefore, curing
diseases of any kind on this planet should be one of the top research priorities
April 2007, Jeev
http://www.dce.edu/jeev
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