The One About AI x Healthcare (Round V)

*As the programme is still being finalized, do note that details are subject to change.

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Dr. Sheena N. Smith (Assistant Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology) will share on "AI for Next-Generation Gene Therapy: Opportunities in Viral Vector Engineering”

This talk will explore emerging opportunities at the intersection of biotechnology, gene delivery, protein engineering, and AI. I will share ideas on how AI could help shape the next generation of engineered gene therapies, particularly through advances in viral vector and capsid design.Using examples from gene delivery and capsid engineering, I will discuss where AI may add value across the design-build-test-learn cycle, from sequence- and structure-guided design to library generation, candidate prioritisation, and experimental feedback. The emphasis will be on open challenges and future directions, including targeting specificity, safety, manufacturability, and redosing.More broadly, the session is intended to spark discussion and open up new collaborations, especially among researchers interested in bringing together AI, gene therapy, protein engineering, and translational biotechnology in Singapore and beyond. (Technical Level: 200)

More About the Speakers

Dr. Sheena N. Smith is an Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, in the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCRB). Her research focuses on engineering next-generation gene therapy delivery systems at the intersection of protein engineering, synthetic biology, and translational biotechnology. Her group develops advanced delivery platforms, including virus-like particle (VLP) systems, for targeted and localised therapeutic delivery to the cells and tissues where they are most needed. Drawing on experience across both academia and industry, Dr. Smith is particularly interested in how computational and AI-enabled approaches can accelerate the development of more precise, effective, and clinically relevant gene therapies.

More About the Series

​AI Wednesdays is Lorong AI’s weekly gathering, bringing together practitioners, researchers and innovators for technical discussions on research insights, product development and engineering practices.

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