What Does It Take to Drive Advancement in Biopharma?
The power of science, people and purpose

By Clive Wood, Ph.D., Corporate Senior Vice President and Global Head of Discovery Research at Boehringer Ingelheim

I had the good fortune to join biotech nearly three decades ago. It was a heady time as we began to unleash the power of molecular biology to discover and develop therapeutics. We needed to lead the science, and we expected a natural progression from papers in top journals to new products entering the clinic. It took ambitious, talented scientists working as ‘revolutionaries’ of sorts, to showcase how drug discovery could be done differently from the industry of old. It was inspiring and great fun! More importantly, it produced many of the top medicines used today.

Our success depended on science, people and working together with a sense of common purpose. This recipe for success stands true today, and pursuing all of these elements is essential for our future. Indeed as the demand for value from patients increases, the emphasis on these elements will only increase. The companies that win will be those that know how to make the recipe work.

Those of us who lead R&D teams have the precious responsibility to build environments in which people have a place to be ambitious, inspired and feel the safety to innovate.  The power of our people is our greatest asset and investment in the future. Allowing them to grow, take smart risks and ultimately succeed is one of the most important factors in optimizing the efficiency of our R&D organizations.

Innovation knows no nationality, race or creed
Excellent science is just that, wherever it is done. But it is done differently in different places and by different people – influenced by experiences, needs and perspectives. Seeking out this diversity and openly including it is essential for the power of our people. The diversity at our sites around the world makes us stronger at Boehringer Ingelheim; it enriches our work and brings us closer to customers and partners.

My colleagues and I recently held our first Partnering Day in San Diego, to connect with the local science community, share our approach to partnering and research, and discuss ways we can collaborate. I am very grateful to all who joined. Although I am no stranger to the area, I was stunned by the scientific depth and zeal of so many companies. Our team will host similar events in the coming weeks, where we will directly connect with the scientific communities in London, Vienna and Boston. We are happy that our culture and track-record frequently bring partners back for successive opportunities to work together, and we look forward to forging new, long-term relationships in the near future.

It is the best of times for biomedical science
We are very lucky to do what we do. We are fortunate enough to work in one of the most meaningful and groundbreaking industries, with the chance to make a profound difference in people’s lives around the world. To do so will depend on leading the science, capturing the power of our people, and working together with innovation partners across the world.