Past PSI Events

Conferences

PSI Webinar: Integrating transcriptomics into early safety screening

Time: 14:00 – 15:00 UK Time
Presenter: Bie Verbist

Click here to view the presentation slides.

Abstract

Broad toxicology profiling takes traditionally place at the interface between discovery and development when a potential drug candidate is selected. However, it would be both time- and cost-wise better if mechanism (target)-related toxicity and compound-chemistry related toxicity is addressed earlier, when discussions on novel drug targets take place and compound series are identified and optimized. As the traditional in-vivo and in-vitro toxicity testing is rather low-throughput, they can’t be used in these early stages of the drug discovery process. Therefore a paradigm shift in toxicity testing needs to take place to move to high-throughput cell-based assays to reveal key pathways and proteins linked with toxicity end points. I will present some explorations and case studies where both transcriptional profiling and imaging techniques are explored to flag early potential toxicity issues already during the drug development process where the findings could still influence the final candidate selection. 


About the Presenter: Bie Verbist

psi webinarBie Verbist studied medicinal chemistry at KU Leuven, Belgium and finished PhD in 2005 on the design and synthesis of potential β‐turn mimetics in the group of Prof.Dr.G.Hoornaert. Following this, she started as a post-doc at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium where she was involved in the design, synthesis and validation of new biological entities within the therapeutic areas pain and internal medicine, for three years. Afterwards, she went back to university to follow a one-year MaNaMa in statistical data analysis. In 2011, after a short period of working as a scientific collaborator at Ghent University on qPCR data, she started a second PhD to search for low-frequency variants in viral populations using Illumina deep sequencing technologies under supervision of Prof.Dr. O. Thas and in close collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium. In 2014, Bie joined Johnson & Johnson as a Principal Biostatistician in the non-clinical statistics department to support oncology projects within discovery with a focus on omics data analysis. 

To access the recording, please visit the Video-on-Demand Library.

Scientific Meetings

PSI Webinar: Integrating transcriptomics into early safety screening

Time: 14:00 – 15:00 UK Time
Presenter: Bie Verbist

Click here to view the presentation slides.

Abstract

Broad toxicology profiling takes traditionally place at the interface between discovery and development when a potential drug candidate is selected. However, it would be both time- and cost-wise better if mechanism (target)-related toxicity and compound-chemistry related toxicity is addressed earlier, when discussions on novel drug targets take place and compound series are identified and optimized. As the traditional in-vivo and in-vitro toxicity testing is rather low-throughput, they can’t be used in these early stages of the drug discovery process. Therefore a paradigm shift in toxicity testing needs to take place to move to high-throughput cell-based assays to reveal key pathways and proteins linked with toxicity end points. I will present some explorations and case studies where both transcriptional profiling and imaging techniques are explored to flag early potential toxicity issues already during the drug development process where the findings could still influence the final candidate selection. 


About the Presenter: Bie Verbist

psi webinarBie Verbist studied medicinal chemistry at KU Leuven, Belgium and finished PhD in 2005 on the design and synthesis of potential β‐turn mimetics in the group of Prof.Dr.G.Hoornaert. Following this, she started as a post-doc at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium where she was involved in the design, synthesis and validation of new biological entities within the therapeutic areas pain and internal medicine, for three years. Afterwards, she went back to university to follow a one-year MaNaMa in statistical data analysis. In 2011, after a short period of working as a scientific collaborator at Ghent University on qPCR data, she started a second PhD to search for low-frequency variants in viral populations using Illumina deep sequencing technologies under supervision of Prof.Dr. O. Thas and in close collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium. In 2014, Bie joined Johnson & Johnson as a Principal Biostatistician in the non-clinical statistics department to support oncology projects within discovery with a focus on omics data analysis. 

To access the recording, please visit the Video-on-Demand Library.

Training Courses

PSI Webinar: Integrating transcriptomics into early safety screening

Time: 14:00 – 15:00 UK Time
Presenter: Bie Verbist

Click here to view the presentation slides.

Abstract

Broad toxicology profiling takes traditionally place at the interface between discovery and development when a potential drug candidate is selected. However, it would be both time- and cost-wise better if mechanism (target)-related toxicity and compound-chemistry related toxicity is addressed earlier, when discussions on novel drug targets take place and compound series are identified and optimized. As the traditional in-vivo and in-vitro toxicity testing is rather low-throughput, they can’t be used in these early stages of the drug discovery process. Therefore a paradigm shift in toxicity testing needs to take place to move to high-throughput cell-based assays to reveal key pathways and proteins linked with toxicity end points. I will present some explorations and case studies where both transcriptional profiling and imaging techniques are explored to flag early potential toxicity issues already during the drug development process where the findings could still influence the final candidate selection. 


About the Presenter: Bie Verbist

psi webinarBie Verbist studied medicinal chemistry at KU Leuven, Belgium and finished PhD in 2005 on the design and synthesis of potential β‐turn mimetics in the group of Prof.Dr.G.Hoornaert. Following this, she started as a post-doc at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium where she was involved in the design, synthesis and validation of new biological entities within the therapeutic areas pain and internal medicine, for three years. Afterwards, she went back to university to follow a one-year MaNaMa in statistical data analysis. In 2011, after a short period of working as a scientific collaborator at Ghent University on qPCR data, she started a second PhD to search for low-frequency variants in viral populations using Illumina deep sequencing technologies under supervision of Prof.Dr. O. Thas and in close collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium. In 2014, Bie joined Johnson & Johnson as a Principal Biostatistician in the non-clinical statistics department to support oncology projects within discovery with a focus on omics data analysis. 

To access the recording, please visit the Video-on-Demand Library.

Journal Club

PSI Webinar: Integrating transcriptomics into early safety screening

Time: 14:00 – 15:00 UK Time
Presenter: Bie Verbist

Click here to view the presentation slides.

Abstract

Broad toxicology profiling takes traditionally place at the interface between discovery and development when a potential drug candidate is selected. However, it would be both time- and cost-wise better if mechanism (target)-related toxicity and compound-chemistry related toxicity is addressed earlier, when discussions on novel drug targets take place and compound series are identified and optimized. As the traditional in-vivo and in-vitro toxicity testing is rather low-throughput, they can’t be used in these early stages of the drug discovery process. Therefore a paradigm shift in toxicity testing needs to take place to move to high-throughput cell-based assays to reveal key pathways and proteins linked with toxicity end points. I will present some explorations and case studies where both transcriptional profiling and imaging techniques are explored to flag early potential toxicity issues already during the drug development process where the findings could still influence the final candidate selection. 


About the Presenter: Bie Verbist

psi webinarBie Verbist studied medicinal chemistry at KU Leuven, Belgium and finished PhD in 2005 on the design and synthesis of potential β‐turn mimetics in the group of Prof.Dr.G.Hoornaert. Following this, she started as a post-doc at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium where she was involved in the design, synthesis and validation of new biological entities within the therapeutic areas pain and internal medicine, for three years. Afterwards, she went back to university to follow a one-year MaNaMa in statistical data analysis. In 2011, after a short period of working as a scientific collaborator at Ghent University on qPCR data, she started a second PhD to search for low-frequency variants in viral populations using Illumina deep sequencing technologies under supervision of Prof.Dr. O. Thas and in close collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium. In 2014, Bie joined Johnson & Johnson as a Principal Biostatistician in the non-clinical statistics department to support oncology projects within discovery with a focus on omics data analysis. 

To access the recording, please visit the Video-on-Demand Library.

Webinars

PSI Webinar: Integrating transcriptomics into early safety screening

Time: 14:00 – 15:00 UK Time
Presenter: Bie Verbist

Click here to view the presentation slides.

Abstract

Broad toxicology profiling takes traditionally place at the interface between discovery and development when a potential drug candidate is selected. However, it would be both time- and cost-wise better if mechanism (target)-related toxicity and compound-chemistry related toxicity is addressed earlier, when discussions on novel drug targets take place and compound series are identified and optimized. As the traditional in-vivo and in-vitro toxicity testing is rather low-throughput, they can’t be used in these early stages of the drug discovery process. Therefore a paradigm shift in toxicity testing needs to take place to move to high-throughput cell-based assays to reveal key pathways and proteins linked with toxicity end points. I will present some explorations and case studies where both transcriptional profiling and imaging techniques are explored to flag early potential toxicity issues already during the drug development process where the findings could still influence the final candidate selection. 


About the Presenter: Bie Verbist

psi webinarBie Verbist studied medicinal chemistry at KU Leuven, Belgium and finished PhD in 2005 on the design and synthesis of potential β‐turn mimetics in the group of Prof.Dr.G.Hoornaert. Following this, she started as a post-doc at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium where she was involved in the design, synthesis and validation of new biological entities within the therapeutic areas pain and internal medicine, for three years. Afterwards, she went back to university to follow a one-year MaNaMa in statistical data analysis. In 2011, after a short period of working as a scientific collaborator at Ghent University on qPCR data, she started a second PhD to search for low-frequency variants in viral populations using Illumina deep sequencing technologies under supervision of Prof.Dr. O. Thas and in close collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium. In 2014, Bie joined Johnson & Johnson as a Principal Biostatistician in the non-clinical statistics department to support oncology projects within discovery with a focus on omics data analysis. 

To access the recording, please visit the Video-on-Demand Library.

Careers Meetings

PSI Webinar: Integrating transcriptomics into early safety screening

Time: 14:00 – 15:00 UK Time
Presenter: Bie Verbist

Click here to view the presentation slides.

Abstract

Broad toxicology profiling takes traditionally place at the interface between discovery and development when a potential drug candidate is selected. However, it would be both time- and cost-wise better if mechanism (target)-related toxicity and compound-chemistry related toxicity is addressed earlier, when discussions on novel drug targets take place and compound series are identified and optimized. As the traditional in-vivo and in-vitro toxicity testing is rather low-throughput, they can’t be used in these early stages of the drug discovery process. Therefore a paradigm shift in toxicity testing needs to take place to move to high-throughput cell-based assays to reveal key pathways and proteins linked with toxicity end points. I will present some explorations and case studies where both transcriptional profiling and imaging techniques are explored to flag early potential toxicity issues already during the drug development process where the findings could still influence the final candidate selection. 


About the Presenter: Bie Verbist

psi webinarBie Verbist studied medicinal chemistry at KU Leuven, Belgium and finished PhD in 2005 on the design and synthesis of potential β‐turn mimetics in the group of Prof.Dr.G.Hoornaert. Following this, she started as a post-doc at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium where she was involved in the design, synthesis and validation of new biological entities within the therapeutic areas pain and internal medicine, for three years. Afterwards, she went back to university to follow a one-year MaNaMa in statistical data analysis. In 2011, after a short period of working as a scientific collaborator at Ghent University on qPCR data, she started a second PhD to search for low-frequency variants in viral populations using Illumina deep sequencing technologies under supervision of Prof.Dr. O. Thas and in close collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development in Beerse, Belgium. In 2014, Bie joined Johnson & Johnson as a Principal Biostatistician in the non-clinical statistics department to support oncology projects within discovery with a focus on omics data analysis. 

To access the recording, please visit the Video-on-Demand Library.

Upcoming Events

PSI Book Club: Change: How organisations achieve hard-to-imagine results in uncertain and volatile times

Organizations have to adapt to the transforming landscape of our industry to ensure they continue to be successful in the future. Many of us are feeling the impact of organizational change. By reading John P Kotter’s book we can understand about organizational change and learn how to thrive, rather than just survive, through change. Change, by John P Kotter (and his team), is a summary of all that he has learned over his decades of research and leading change. His book describes why many current approaches to change are inadequate and explains why new solutions need to give people a voice and a role in a new, change-embracing organization. Develop your understanding of organisational change and become empowered to be part of your organisation’s change, by reading Change by John P Kotter and joining the Sept-Dec 2025 book club. You will be invited to join facilitated discussions of the concepts and ideas and apply knowledge from the book in-between sessions.

AIMS SIG - Open-Source Lunch Bites

Our monthly webinar series allows attendees to gain practical knowledge and skills in open-source coding and tools, with a focus on applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

PSI Career Young Virtual Event (Q3 2026)

This networking event is aimed at statisticians that are new to the pharmaceutical industry who wish to meet colleagues from different companies and backgrounds.

PSI Book Club: Another Door Opens – Book Club Special Event

This is a Book Club Special Event in response to the changes in our industry and as a supportive move to create community and connection for those navigating redundancy and uncertainty. Read the book in advance of the book club session then join the zoom call to discuss ideas. There will be breakout groups to connect with others, exchange experiences of how the book has helped, and offer support.

Joint PSI/EFSPI Visualisation SIG 'Wonderful Wednesday' Webinars

Our monthly webinar explores examples of innovative data visualisations relevant to our day to day work. Each month a new dataset is provided from a clinical trial or other relevant example, and participants are invited to submit a graphic that communicates interesting and relevant characteristics of the data.

PSI Training Course: Propensity Scores: Practical Application in Non-randomised Studies

The course will introduce the topic of propensity scores and the use of external data. Covering the topics of matching and weighting as well as more advance topics of high dimension propensity scores, multi-valued treatments, double robustness and time-varying scenarios. There will be the opportunity to participate in some hands on practical exercises in R.

Making Estimands Work - Practical Approaches with Implementation in Data Standards

This event will discuss the impact of the estimand framework on data flow and data handling for analysis datasets (ADaM). What are the considerations to produce data sets suitable for estimation of estimands and traceability of the occurrence of intercurrent events. This webinar will include tips for best practice, based on the White paper Implementation of ICH E9(R1) Estimands Framework using Data Standards.

PSI/EFSPI Biomarker SIG Webinar: Statistical Methods for ctDNA Data

This webinar will describe what ctDNA is and what the key challenges are for analysing it. We will then summarise and review methods that were published over the last few years for analysing ctDNA data.

PSI Training Course: Adaptive Designs

This two-afternoon virtual course provides a practical introduction to adaptive clinical trials, focusing on the concepts, applications, and regulatory principles outlined in ICH E20 through real-world examples and case studies.

PSI Careers - MEDMathS: Medicine Empowered by Data, Maths and Statistics

Date: Wednesday 4th November 2026 A careers talk about medical statistics and how it plays a crucial role in developing new medicines. Learn about the field of medical statistics and how it plays a crucial role in developing groundbreaking new medicines, vaccines and healthcare products.

PSI Medical Statistics Student Careers Event 2026

Date: 18 November 2026 This is an excellent opportunity for students to find out more about the field of medical statistics, talk to people from different organisations and make contacts for the future. All students currently studying for a mathematics or statistics-related BSc, MSc or PhD are invited to attend, and we welcome interest from exhibitors too.

PSI Career Young Virtual Event (Q4 2026)

This networking event is aimed at statisticians that are new to the pharmaceutical industry who wish to meet colleagues from different companies and backgrounds.

Latest Jobs

Amgen - HTA Biostatistics Manager

In this vital role you will generate evidence to meet Health Technology Assessment (HTA) requirements, while ensuring that the analyses performed meet required standards and are robust and valid.

Bristol Myers Squibb - Director, Statistical Methodology and Innovation

Lead the development of innovative statistical methods, provides expert consulting, oversees tools and software, and mentors team members while collaborating cross-functionally to address complex drug development challenges.

MMS Holdings - Senior Biostatistician (UK)

Are you looking to join a company where your contributions truly matter, and where you'll be part of a supportive, innovative team?

Phastar – Associate Director, Statistics – Real World Evidence (RWE)

As an Associate Director, Statistics (RWE) you will focus on supporting one of our key pharmaceutical clients within our FSP function. This will be a hands-on technical role, with oversight responsibilities and cross-functional exposure.

Phastar – Principal Statistician – Real World Evidence (RWE)

We are seeking an experienced Statistician to join our FSP team to support one of our fantastic and well-known global pharmaceutical clients, at Principal level.

Phastar – Senior / Principal Statistician

We are seeking an experienced Statistician to join our FSP team to support one of our fantastic and well-known global pharmaceutical clients, at either Senior or Principal levels.

Viatris - Principal Statistician

This position is deal for a statistician who values ownership, collaboration, and using data to enable confident development decisions and to support regulatory submissions.