*Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of trauma, loss, and near‑death experiences. Please take care while listening, and reach out to a mental health professional or someone you trust if these topics become overwhelming.*

Listen to the next episode of our podcast, Under the Surface. In episode 17, Building Collaborative Drug Discovery Tools, we feature an in-depth interview with Barry Bunin, CEO of Collaborative Drug Discovery, about his journey from chemist to entrepreneur. He shares how his background and desire to make a difference have shaped his company's mission and technology.

Here's what we discuss:

• Barry Bunin's background and what inspired his purpose

• How CDD started and became a leader in sharing science safely

• Why CDD Vault was built to keep research private, secure, and easy to use

• How teamwork and sharing data make drug discovery faster

• Finding the right balance between sharing and privacy

• How new tech like AI helps scientists work together

• Caring about people, having an impact, and doing good in science

• Barry's book shows the power of working together and being creative

This episode brings together science, entrepreneurship, and the personal stories that inspire innovation.

Listener discretion is advised.

TIMESTAMPS:

• (03:00) Barry talks about starting out in science, wanting to make a difference, and how that shaped his work.
• (06:00) How Barry's personal experiences led to his book and his current journey.
• (06:33) Content Warning begins.
• (07:10) Content Warning ends.
• (10:00) Mixing hands-on chemistry with computer tools to get better results.
• (15:00) How Barry got interested in combining chemistry and technology early on.
• (20:00) Moving from lab work to starting software companies.
• (25:00) What CDD stands for: their values, company culture, and mission.
• (30:00) Working together in drug discovery, and how to keep things open but private.
• (33:24) Content Warning begins.
• (37:33) Content Warning ends.
• (35:00) Real stories from the field, and why being human matters in science.
• (40:00) Keeping data safe and models using tech like federated learning.
• (50:00) How Barry's book came together.
• (1:00:00) Looking ahead: AI, collaboration tools, and making a positive impact.
• (1:06:40) The "Deschenes Dilemma": What happens if you can't stop doing science?
• (1:08:00) Thinking about legacy, inspiring future generations, and making your mark.
  

Resources & Links:

• Inside CDD Vault — A Different Kind of Silicon Valley Success Story: Behind the Code: The Human Side of Collaborative Drug Discovery (on Amazon)

• Collaborative Drug Discovery (CDD)

• The Human Side of Collaborative Drug Discovery

• How Do B2B Companies Hold Onto Their Purpose as They Grow?

Connect with Barry Bunin:

• LinkedIn

Check out the next episode of our podcast, Under the Surface. In episode 16, When Proteins Move: Woody Sherman on Computational Chemistry, Molecular Simulation, and the Future of AI in Drug Discovery, we chat with Woody Sherman, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at PsiThera, and a longtime leader in computational chemistry, about how he went from studying quantum polymers to shaping modern tools like Induced Fit Docking.

Woody shares the moment that pulled him into protein simulations, his early exposure to AI at MIT, and how an internship at Biogen set him on the path to industry. He also reflects on his years at Schrödinger, building solutions, writing code, and learning how to solve real problems for scientists.

Topics:

• How application scientists help connect research with real-world industry needs

• Woody's journey from university research to starting Silicon Therapeutics

• How tools like induced fit docking were created

• How drug discovery platforms have changed over time

• What's different between working in industry and in academia

• What's next for open molecular software and AI working together

(02:05) Why mentorship matters for scientists

(04:15) Woody's path through school and research

(09:10) Shifting into custom molecular simulations

(12:00) Going from the academic world to industry

(15:00) Creating new tools for drug discovery at Schrodinger

(22:10) Putting together a team of experts

(26:15) Working together on drug design platforms

(34:00) Leading application science teams around the world

(41:45) Starting up Silicon Therapeutics

(45:58) Progress in the development of the STING agonist medicine

(49:00) Launching PsiThera

(56:30) Focusing on inflammation and the immune system

(60:15) Sharing science and data openly

(69:00) How AI will shape the future of drug discovery

(80:30) What Woody enjoys outside of work

(82:20) Final thoughts and getting involved with the community

Listener discretion is advised.

Check out the next episode of our podcast, Under the Surface! In episode 15, Fells' Elements of Success: A Periodic Journey, we immerse ourselves in the world of chemistry and career alchemy with James Fells. From his early days as a curious freshman to his role as an Associate Director, In Silico Discovery at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, James recounts his journey through the ups and downs of the scientific realm and the importance of guidance along the way.

Hear how his childhood curiosity about Gargamel inspired his success, how he moved between academia and industry, and why his story stands out. We think this episode will really connect with you.

Listener discretion is advised.

(02:12) The story behind the early use of MOE software in 1999
(03:36) Childhood obsession with potions and how it sparks real science
(07:00) Funding, scholarships, and the importance of independence
(08:41) Making the leap from academia to industry: speed and culture shock
(12:33) The value of humility, openness, and collaboration in pharma
(16:15) Crafting winning fellowship applications and proactive networking
(20:19) Transitioning from postdoc to industry: timing and strategy
(24:17) How industry teams differ from academia in hierarchy and respect
(37:33) The big cultural shifts moving from Merck to Johnson & Johnson
(45:18) The importance of company culture, openness, and shared lessons learned
(49:12) J&J's evolving approach to science, leadership, and opportunity
(57:47) Reflections: What he'd do differently, advice for future scientists
(62:03) If not in science, what would James do? Coach? Math teacher?
(63:53) Final thoughts: Exploring opportunities, being adaptable, and following your curiosity

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