The Resonance Test 100: AI & Drug Discovery, A Conversation with Novo Nordisk’s Emma Eng
Why the future of drug discovery depends on disciplined experimentation and smarter data foundations.
Somewhere between the lab bench and the cloud, a new kind of scientist is emerging — one who doesn’t pipette or peer through a microscope, but trains models that might discover the next blockbuster drug. The cat’s out of the bag: AI is changing life sciences research and development (R&D). In this episode of The Resonance Test, scientist and strategist Chris Waller sits down with Emma Eng, VP of Global Data and AI Development at Novo Nordisk, to unpack what this new era of AI really means for the pharmaceutical industry.
Together, they explore how pharma can move beyond hype and into meaningful experimentation — where innovation is guided by scientific rigor, measurable outcomes and a focus on bringing better medicines to patients faster. Eng reflects on lessons from past technology revolutions, arguing that AI’s success will depend not just on algorithms, but on data stewardship, regulatory evolution and human creativity. Waller adds perspective from decades in drug discovery, emphasizing the importance of “practical AI” — deploying technology where it delivers real value rather than chasing every new capability.
From the challenge of AI “slop” in the workplace to the promise of clean, FAIR data and the need for cross-functional collaboration, the discussion offers an honest look at the cultural and operational shifts required for AI to truly transform R&D.
Whether you’re a CIO, head of strategy or innovation leader in life sciences, this episode provides timely insights into how to build readiness for what’s next — from agentic AI to quantum computing — while keeping one guiding principle in focus: advancing science to improve human health.
Host: Alison Koton
Engineer: Kyp Pilalas
Producer: Gabby Semon
Executive Producer: Ken Gordon
