UNAIR NEWS – Dr. Carina Citra Dewi Joe BSc MSc Ph.D. attended the 69th Anniversary Commemoration Assembly of Universitas Airlangga on Wednesday, November 11, 2023. The Senior Scientist at the University of Oxford delivered her speech ‘Advances in Vaccine Manufacturing Technology: Meeting Global Needs and Beyond’.
Dr. Carina stated that the world is struggling to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, like COVID-19. The researchers have conducted various efforts to address these challenges, one of them is vaccine development.
Using AI
Vaccine research and development have evolved significantly, notably leveraging AI technology. AI, especially Machine Learning, has made a significant impact and is capable of addressing the hurdles faced by traditional vaccine development.
“AI, particularly Machine Learning, can analyze vast amounts of data, delve into genetic information to identify potential vaccine targets, determinants, antigens, and also vaccine candidates,” Dr. Carina said in her scientific orations at the Garuda Mukti Auditorium, MERR-C Campus.
She believed that the Machine Learning algorithm would process the genetic data swiftly and more efficiently. The speed will simplify the initial stages of vaccine design and accelerate the identification of potential targets through to actual vaccine development.
“Large volumes of genetic data of vector pathogens and variations among strains can be efficiently processed by Machine Learning algorithms. The AI’s data analysis capabilities significantly expedite the identification of antigen targets for vaccine development,” she said.
The speed and efficiency of using AI are highly crucial when the world faces threats from emerging pandemics and new pathogens. Therefore, Dr. Carina emphasizes the importance of rapid vaccine development and distribution to narrow down critical periods during pandemics.
AI predictions
The Machine Learning algorithms can predict the potential side effects of vaccine candidates. The approach ensures the quality of the whole vaccine development and a guaranteed outcome.
“Vaccine designs that leverage predictive modeling allow researchers to evaluate the potential effectiveness of vaccine candidates more rapidly. Predictive models are generated based on various input data ranging from genetic information to vaccine development mechanisms,” she said.
The AI technology has become an integral element in preparing for pandemics. Adopting vaccine designs utilizing AI offers exceptional analytical power, enabling the development of vaccines tailored to new pathogens.
“AI’s capability to create predictive molecules and personalized vaccines could pave the way for a new era of immunization that’s more focused and aligned with individual needs,” she said.
“Pursuing a data-driven and predictive modeling approach through AI not only reminds us to respond to ongoing pandemics but also allows us to predict potential future pandemics, despite encountering several challenges,” she said.
Author: Muhammad Badrul Anwar
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
