Nuray Yurt: AI in Pharma is here; now go back to basics!

In this episode of Leading Minds, host Jasmeet Sawhney sits down with Nuray Yurt, the Head of Integrated Research and Forecasting at Merck and PMSA President, to discuss the evolving role of AI and analytics in the pharmaceutical industry. Nuray shares her insights on how Merck is leveraging AI to drive innovation in analytical processes, including forecasting and market research, and emphasizing the importance of integrating AI into core capabilities rather than treating it as a separate function. Together, they explore the progress of pharma in the AI hype cycle, the challenges of operationalizing AI versus leveraging it for sustainable operations, and the need for redefining KPIs to measure actual impact. Tune in to hear actionable insights on building a future where AI enables continuous improvement and sustainable, long-term value.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (02:40) Focus on integrating AI into core capabilities
  
  

• (03:43) Giving back to PMSA through data science and AI
  
  

• (06:37) How pharma is progressing in the AI hype cycle
  
  

• (09:20) Discussion of pharma’s need for the best technology
  
  

• (12:47) What is the best use of AI in pharma
  
  

• (16:00) Discussion regarding operationalizing AI versus leveraging it for effective operations and sustainability
  
  

• (22:58) Nuray answers rapid-fire questions

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• AI projects must move beyond isolated implementations to become deeply embedded in organizational processes. This ensures sustainable and long-term value by building on past progress rather than starting anew with each initiative.

• Traditional KPIs focused on usage and performance must evolve into multidimensional measures emphasizing storytelling. This approach helps organizations better track and communicate AI's real impact, fostering deeper understanding and alignment.

• Success in the AI era hinges on effectively sharing insights within organizations, enabling faster adaptation and continuous improvement. The focus should be on creating a learning culture and launching better solutions through improved collaboration and clear narratives.

 

RESOURCE LINKS:

Podcast - Leading Minds

Jasmeet Sawhney - LinkedIn

Nuray Yurt - LinkedIn

 

BIOGRAPHIES:

YOUR HOST: 

Jasmeet Sawhney is a life sciences industry executive, marketing leader, and serial entrepreneur with deep roots in technology and data analytics. He is currently the global head of marketing at Axtria. Jasmeet has over 20 years of experience in life sciences and has helped build and scale three successful companies. He has received several company and individual awards, including Inc 500, Deloitte Fast 500, Crain’s NY Fast 50, NJBiz Fast 50, Business of the Year, SmartCEO Future 50, Top CMO, Forty Under 40, and many more.

 

GUESTS: 

Nuray Yurt is the head of integrated research and forecasting at Merck, leading multiple analytics teams globally. Previously, she was the worldwide head of AI solutions at Novartis. Nuray is also the president of PMSA, a nonprofit organization that has been instrumental in bringing together the pharmaceutical data science and analytics community for over 45 years.