About
As drug discovery becomes increasingly data-driven, researchers depend heavily on literature searches to inform key decisions in early stages. But what methods are we using to find this literature—and what kinds of bias may be distorting the evidence?
In this engaging session, we’ll explore new findings from a survey of researchers that sheds light on awareness of and concerns about bias in scientific literature search.

We’ll also review the different types of knowledge bias, discuss their specific risks to drug discovery, and share practical approaches to reduce their impact in literature-based workflows.

Key learnings will include:

  • Insights from a recent survey on how researchers perceive bias in scientific literature search.

  • A breakdown of key types of knowledge bias—such as search bias, confirmation bias, and time/location bias—and their perceived impact on drug discovery.

  • A moderated panel discussion on real-world impacts of literature bias in early-stage R&D decision-making.

  • Practical strategies and tools to minimize bias when conducting literature reviews in drug discovery biology.


Join us to better understand how bias shapes the evidence you rely on—and how to take steps toward more balanced, evidence-based discovery.
When
Thursday, June 5, 2025 · 3:00 p.m. London (GMT +1:00)
Presenters
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Michael Jacobson
Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge BioStrategy Associates
Michael is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cambridge BioStrategy Associates (CBA) and the CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Alnivo Therapeutics, a biotechnology startup. With over 20 years of experience in life sciences and healthcare, Michael brings extensive scientific expertise and strategic insight to engagements across biopharma, diagnostics, med tech, and life science tools. He has led projects in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and more—advising clients on product strategy, market entry, business development, and due diligence. Before founding CBA, he held leadership positions at Precision for Value and Scientia Advisors, and directed discovery research at Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Michael holds a PhD in Neuroscience from UCSF and additional degrees from Harvard, Cambridge, and Cornell. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and holds a patent.
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Victoria Haynes
Senior Analyst, Cambridge BioStrategy Associates
Victoria is a Senior analyst and primary market research manager specializing in KOL recruitment. She is an experienced qualitative and quantitative research manager for pharma, biotech, and CDMO/CRO end clients.
Previously a Senior Manager at FirstThought, a healthcare and life-sciences-focused expert network, and an analyst at The Council Advisors (acquired by G100).
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Dr. Melvin Y. Rincon
Project Leader at UCB Pharma
Dr. Melvin Y. Rincon is a medical doctor, PhD and experienced scientist with a strong background in translational research and program leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry. Currently a project leader at UCB Pharma in Belgium, he manages cross-functional development programs with strategic oversight. With extensive experience in scientific publishing, grant writing, and peer-reviewed communication, Melvin brings a critical and informed perspective to the discussion of bias in literature searches and evidence synthesis. He is also completing an MBA, expanding his expertise at the intersection of science, leadership, and strategy.
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Tom Burdett, Ph.D
Director of Biology at Nura Bio
Tom Burdett is the Director of Biology at Nura Bio, a small biotech company focusing on developing therapeutics that target axon degeneration and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. As part of the founding scientific team at the company, he led the development of a cross-functional biology department centered on preclinical neurodegenerative disease models and helped advance a lead molecule from discovery to first-in-human trials.
Tom earned his PhD in Marc Freeman’s lab at UMass Med and OHSU, where he conducted research elucidating the molecular pathways that govern axon degeneration, which formed the basis of Nura Bio’s founding program. Prior to graduate work, he performed research on the neuroprotective effects of purines in Parkinson’s Disease in Michael Schwarzschild’s lab at MGH/Harvard and obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont.
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Dr. Sherry Winter
Director of Biology and Biomedical Solutions in Life Science Solutions
Sherry Winter is the Director of Biology and Biomedical Solutions in Life Science Solutions at Elsevier, where she oversees product development for Embase and EmBiology and works closely with customers to understand research challenges and develop effective solutions to overcome those barriers. Sherry has more than thirteen years’ experience in life science marketing and product development, and a PhD in medical genetics from the University of Toronto, Canada.

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