Moderna, Carnegie Mellon launch employee AI academy

Staff can enroll in early 2022

Pharma company Moderna is launching an AI academy in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).

The academy is meant to educate employees on how to integrate AI and machine learning solutions into Moderna systems and processes.

“We believe AI is a key enabler of our ability to build the best version of Moderna now and into the future,” said CEO Stéphane Bancel.

“This AI Academy will enable us to make AI part of our ways of working, part of our DNA. We look forward to driving this with Carnegie Mellon’s team.”

Back to AI school

The Cambridge, Massachusetts, -based biotech firm focuses its work on RNA therapeutics, primarily mRNA vaccines.

Moderna’s only commercial product is the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The company plans to work with CMU’s Department of Statistics and Data Science to design and deliver the AI academy.

The program’s tailored curriculum focuses on topics including data quality and data visualization, statistical thinking and models, machine learning algorithms and AI ethics.

The content is aimed at helping the company’s employees think strategically about how to leverage AI in their specific job functions, Moderna said in an announcement.

The company’s staff is expected to connect directly with CMU’s faculty both in-person and online using an interactive educational platform.

The program is scheduled to launch at the turn of the year, with employees able to enroll in early 2022.

“We are excited to deliver a world-class AI curriculum to Moderna and support the company’s deep-rooted commitment to discovery and innovation that protects public health,” said CMU president Farnam Jahanian.

“It’s rewarding to partner with a pioneering biotech company that is dedicated to adapting its business and its workforce to this critical technology.”