Interview with Katherine Walsh, Director of Alliance Management at Broad Institute
The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard stands as one of the world’s leading centers for biomedical and genomic research. Its researchers have played key roles in the Human Genome Project, the Cancer Genome Atlas and CRISPR gene-editing technology. As the host of this year’s Future Forum, the Broad provides the stage where together with colleagues from Broad’s Office of Strategic Alliances and Partnering (OSAP) Katherine Walsh leads a team of alliance managers who work to translate complex scientific advances into knowledge that resonates. In this interview, she shares insights into the Broad’s mission, international partnering, and the most exciting research areas currently underway.
The Broad Institute is known for its collaborative approach to science – bridging MIT, Harvard, and affiliated hospitals. How would you describe its mission in your own words?
The mission of the Broad Institute is to understand the roots of disease and close the gap between new biological insights and impact for patients. Ultimately, we aim to enhance human health through safe and effective therapeutic interventions. We do this through rigorous, cutting-edge science as well as collaborative, innovative relationships across our partner institutions and beyond.
What are some of the most exciting research areas or breakthroughs currently happening at the Broad?
Of all the exciting work happening at the Broad, I will highlight two key examples of collaborative work that is fulfilling our mission and making patient impact:
1. Broad’s pioneering efforts in the areas of CRISPR gene editing along with base and prime editing. This work has led to exciting therapeutic breakthroughs in rare genetic diseases as well as the approved drug Casgevy. All these different approaches to gene editing are possible due to exciting industry collaborations with partners such as Editas, Vertex, Prime, and Beam.
2. Broad’s collaborative partnership with Bayer AG in the area of oncology has led to a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sevabertinib which is currently in clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer.
How does the Broad Institute engage in collaboration with international researchers and institutions, particularly across the Atlantic?
The Broad Institute works with institutions and companies across the globe in order to achieve our mission. We approach these partnerships with a collaborative mindset, establishing governance structures with joint decision making and building joint project teams that leverage the strengths of each individual institution or company. We have regular face-to-face meetings in addition to our virtual meetings, which allow for relationship building. Keys to success include open communication, mutual respect, and commitment to shared goals.
What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for biomedical research in the next decade?
Challenges and opportunities go hand-in-hand and I will highlight two distinct areas that we are experiencing:
1. We, and many other similar institutions, are experiencing the pressure of current uncertainty regarding public funding for life sciences. However, this creates opportunities for new and innovative ways to advance science through creative partnering. We remain optimistic that as the impact of the work done at the Broad and other institutions becomes increasingly evident to key stakeholders throughout the US, our research will continue to thrive through alliances and partnerships between government, academia, industry, and philanthropy.
2.The development and rise of artificial intelligence (AI) represent an immense opportunity and also a complex challenge. The Broad is well-positioned to significantly advance this field, with leading strengths in computational biology and data science. By developing tools and embracing real-world applications, the Broad will be able to drive meaningful integration of AI into biomedical research in a way that can eventually improve human health and help us tackle some of the most difficult problems. AI is developing very quickly, and it will be important for the Broad to keep up with the pace of technology development so that we can continue to have significant impact. The Broad is also at the forefront to help the community develop best practices and ethical use of these emerging and powerful technologies.
On a personal note, what excites you most about working at the Broad Institute, and what keeps you motivated in this rapidly evolving field?
Everyone at the Broad, regardless of their role, is committed to the mission of impacting human health. I am energized to come to work every day knowing that I am at the cutting edge of science and I am doing work that will reach patients in the short term. Additionally, the culture at the Broad is one of collaboration both across institutions but also across and within departments: everyone is willing to help each other out. Every day is different and exciting as we navigate new scientific breakthroughs and partnership opportunities.