Universität Bonn

Institute of Computer Science

20. October 2026

Colloquium: Talk by Dr. Norbert Furtmann Colloquium: Talk by Dr. Norbert Furtmann on November 26

We cordially invite you to Dr. Norbert Furtmann’s colloquium!

On November 26, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dr. Norbert Furtmann, Head of Biologics and Design at Sanofi, will give a talk (in English).

You are welcome to attend the next colloquial research talk
You are welcome to attend the next colloquial research talk © lizenzfrei – unsplash
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The talk will focus on the following topic:

Towards Biologics by Design: Data, Models, and Computational Strategies for Next-Generation Protein Therepeutics

Abstract: 
The discovery of biologics is evolving from large-scale screening toward rational, computationally guided design. This presentation provides an overview of Sanofi's computational and AI activities along the value chain for antibody and NANOBODY® design and optimization. Generative de novo design of VHH binders and machine learning models for key developabilityproperties of mono- and multi-specific formats are embedded into design workflows, enabling earlier and more informed decision-making across therapeutic programs. Examples of AI-specific data generation campaigns, subsequent model building, and computational workflows are presented, together with case studies showing how the models are applied in projects.

About the speaker:
Upon finishing his studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Furtmann pursued his interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Computational Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Bonn's B-IT (Bonn-Aachen International Center for Information Technology). Since joining Sanofi in 2016, he has held various roles focused on computational and AI-based biologics design. Currently, Dr. Furtmann heads the global Biologics AI & Design teams within Sanofi's Computational and AI Strategy organization, spanning next-generation foundational models, virtual screening and property prediction, and de novo design for next-generation biotherapeutic modalities.

The event is free of charge. Anyone interested is cordially invited to attend!

When? Thursday, November 26, 2026, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where? Institute for Computer Science, University of Bonn, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 8, Room 3.110/3.111 + Zoom

Dr. Brendan Balcerak Jackson
Managing Director
Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

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