For Wei Jiang, Principal Scientist in China, her drive stems from a specific formula: a desire for excellence, a pragmatic approach to challenges, and an unwavering conviction in the connection between getting stronger physically and mental resilience.
Wei's resilience emerges as a defining characteristic of how she stays in pursuit of her next goal. She adheres to a unique "24-hour rule" to mark the big moments in her life. "Recently, I was promoted to Principal Scientist. I celebrated with my family and had planned a spontaneous trip with friends to Datong, Shanxi, to mark this milestone, before I became focused on what would be my next goal."
At the forefront of scientific innovation, Wei is focused on the transformative potential of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) within drug development. Her work in antibody discovery and her expertise in advancing technologies led her to be an essential part of creating one of the first fully automated labs. Wei explains this sophisticated ecosystem with a contagious passion as she speaks to how it can execute thousands of experiments daily, often with no direct human involvement needed. "The automation platform is about 5x2 meters in size with a glass wall to keep it a sanitized environment. When the lights are on inside, it feels like you are in a sci-fi movie watching robotic arms working together to transfer materials, pipetting, opening doors, within a calculated workflow that maximizes efficiency." Her excitement is palpable as she notes that this pioneering infrastructure is "real evidence" of the AI-powered science at Sanofi that Wei is "proud to be a part of", energized by the opportunity to decrease the drug development time and accelerate delivery of potentially life-changing therapies to patients.
"I wanted to contribute to an organization equipped to deliver innovative treatments to market, to be part of a company that genuinely changes how the industry operates."
Wei
Wei's trajectory into science was shaped by the diligent work ethic she observed in her parents, both high school teachers. Guided by her parents' colleague, she conducted her first science experiment at school, which acted as the catalyst for her current career path. Throughout her life, an innate drive for excellence has propelled her. "I was always motivated by doing well," she recounts. The inherent logic and structure found in biochemistry, the precise choreography of scientific testing, these were the elements that captivated her and formed her chosen path. That path leads to patient impact, a fact Wei never forgets as her grandmother is living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a serious, progressive disease that makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. Her grandmother's diagnosis followed the start of her career so while it may not be her reason for starting, it is one of many reasons she keeps going. "My grandma took care of me during my middle school and high school, we are still very close, she taught me to work hard as even though she is a housewife, she still found part-time jobs in the textile and clothing industry."
Wei's decision to join Sanofi was driven by the company's reputation for embracing emerging technologies. "The sheer size and scale of Sanofi impressed me," she notes. "I wanted to contribute to an organization equipped to deliver innovative treatments to market, to be part of a company that genuinely changes how the industry operates."
Yet, while her professional world is upheld by structure and scientific process, Wei's personal life unveils another aspect of her disciplined ethos: a journey to elevate her physical strength. This pursuit is connected to a foundational philosophy for Wei, "I believe the investment you make to get stronger physically, has a direct impact on feeling stronger emotionally." Weightlifting currently serves as her way to decompress from the intense pressures of research. "I want to lift heavier, to feel stronger. It's how I recharge."
Her professional dream, stated with characteristic clarity and confidence, is equally ambitious, "I dream of seeing a research proposal I'm working on progress through into clinical trials and development." Wei's story is evidence that profound resilience and an approach of consistently identifying areas of opportunity for improvement can indeed accelerate the intricate, often difficult, path toward scientific miracles.
Every person's experience is unique and individual experiences may vary. Remember, your healthcare provider is the best source of health-related information and be sure to ask them any questions you may have.
