Interview: Bob Newman is ALL IN on Innovation

May 20, 2024

Interview: Bob Newman is <em>ALL IN</em> on Innovation

To highlight how FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific is ALL IN on innovation, we spoke with Chief Scientific Officer, Bob Newman. Our conversation ranges from the exciting additions to our research and development team to Bob’s favorite part of the assisted reproductive technology (ART) industry.

Q: Can you share some of the changes that FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific has made over the past year to be ALL IN on innovation?

Our focus in ART research and development has been on building a stronger and more rapid-acting foundation for the future. To achieve that, we have added more engineers and data scientists to work alongside our experienced media and in vitro fertilization (IVF) scientists. Greater cross-functional workflows will allow for more diverse ideation and faster execution on project needs.

To allow faster execution on ideas, we have added a Manufacturing Sciences and Technology Group, focused on supporting scale up and turning ideas into reality. In addition, we’ve invested in more high throughput screening platforms.

The final touch was the recent addition of an intellectual property (IP) group – having clearer insight into IP allows us to know where there is more opportunity to innovate and protect our new technologies. Robust IP protection means safer investment into the development of ideas.

Q: What can we look forward to in the next 12 months?

While I do not want to spoil any commercial launches, I can share that we are working on a number of improvements to our existing media product portfolio in the short term. In the long term, we are exploring further use of artificial intelligence and automation to improve IVF processes.

Q: What does ALL IN mean to you?

Research and development is all about teamwork. ALL IN is an agreement on goals and a commitment to achieve those goals as one unit. ALL IN is a vision for the future – not just the next 6–12 months, but also where we want to take innovation in the long term.

Q: What is your favorite thing about working for FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific and the ART industry?

I love how close our products are to patients, and how critical they are to helping start a family. It motivates me to achieve “Value from Innovation.” There is a lot of improvement still to come in the field of infertility, and my favorite part of working at FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific is the opportunity to direct where we go in the future.

For more information on ALL IN, check out the innovation landing page to learn more.