Meet our Scientific Advisory Board: Johannes Kirchmair

Johannes Kirchmair, Professor of Data-driven Drug Discovery, University of Vienna, Austria.

What is your field of expertise?

My expertise lies in data-driven drug discovery, with a strong focus on cheminformatics and machine learning approaches for early-stage drug development. My research aims to develop predictive models and computational tools that help elucidate molecular interactions, optimize the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of drug candidates, and accelerate the design of safe and effective medicines.

What do you expect from PREMIER?

I expect PREMIER to open new avenues and set new standards for assessing the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals. What I find particularly intriguing and promising is the project’s high translational potential. The knowledge generated can be directly implemented in the design of new compounds with a favorable environmental safety profile.

Why did you agree to be part of the SAB?

I joined the SAB because I believe in the transformative potential of PREMIER’s vision. The project aligns closely with my mission to advance computational methods for safer and more efficient drug development. I am particularly interested in the data generation and curation strategies developed by the consortium, as well as its research into environmental toxicity and metabolism. Being part of the SAB enables me to contribute my expertise, ensure scientific rigor, and help guide the project toward impactful outcomes that benefit both science and society. The interactions and discussions with consortium members have indeed been very stimulating and fruitful.

What do you think are the current gaps in the/your field that PREMIER could fulfil?

Our ability to understand and predict the environmental impact of drugs is still limited. As is often the case, the main bottleneck in developing predictive approaches is the availability of high-quality data for model development and validation. PREMIER can make a strong contribution by generating and compiling such data, thereby advancing scientific research and enabling the development of more reliable predictive models.

How could society at large benefit from the PREMIER products?

Society will benefit from medicines that are not only safe for patients but also safe for the environment. By improving early risk assessment, PREMIER can help researchers and regulators build a more complete and more nuanced picture of a drug’s benefits and risks. Ultimately, this will lead to better healthcare outcomes, more sustainable pharmaceutical practices, and increased public trust in innovation.