Halfway - a blogpost by ESR12 Lexane Fournier

I've reached the exact midpoint of my fellowship, and it has been an incredibly transformative 18 months! From relocating to three new countries, connecting with ALLODD members, and going deeper into my project, it has been a whirlwind of growth and exploration. The experiences I've encountered during this time have undoubtedly broadened my horizons, and there's still so much ahead to embrace!

Two topics that have particularly caught my attention recently are machine learning and AI in science. During my two-month secondment in Athens and the insightful conversations with my peer there (thanks again for our discussions 😊), I've become a bit less naive about the topic. While I've used chatGPT for travel tips before, I now recognize that machine learning and AI have a profound impact on the future of science.

As more and more pharmaceutical companies are venturing into AI and machine learning to transform their processes, embracing these new technologies is crucial also for bench scientists like me. While the predictions I've received might not always be accurate, the real power lies in the way these tools streamline and narrow down possibilities. In the fast-paced world of science, time is a precious asset, and AI serves as a valuable ally, empowering scientists like me to make more informed decisions, faster.

Looking ahead to the next steps of my PhD journey, I'm filled with excitement and curiosity. The best is yet to come!

Our stunning view when I met my fellows Martijn and Francho at the beginning of my secondment in Athens.