As artificial intelligence transforms every sector, excellence in data science is essential for leaders across industries.
AstraZeneca Canada, one of the country’s leading research-based pharmaceutical companies, is joining the Data Sciences Institute (DSI) as an Industry Partner. This new partnership exemplifies the DSI Industry Membership model and the DSI’s role in connecting industry leaders with top-tier data science expertise drawn from across the University of Toronto’s unmatched breadth of excellence in various disciplines.
Through this new collaboration, AstraZeneca will play a founding role in both the upcoming DSI Talent Showcase and the new DSI Industry Speaker Series. The immersive format of the Talent Showcase will enable AstraZeneca to engage directly with DSI-affiliated trainees and their data science research in a live setting. As part of the Industry Speaker Series, leaders from AstraZeneca will open a window into how data science is transforming the pharmaceutical sector and driving real-world impact.
There is strong industry demand for data science and AI talent, and especially for collaboration opportunities with the University of Toronto community. As a gateway between industry and academia, the DSI is meeting this demand and advancing data science impact in Canada and beyond.
For industry partners, the DSI offers a unique combination of access to world-class students and trainees who are ready to make an impact, alongside platforms — such as the DSI Talent Showcase and Industry Speaker Series v where industry and academia come together.
“At AstraZeneca, we believe the future of pharmaceutical innovation is being shaped by data, AI, and advanced analytics. Partnering with the University of Toronto’s Data Sciences Institute enables us to create greater patient impact by collaborating with — and investing in — emerging talent who share our vision of using data to transform science and deliver life-changing medicines,” says Martin Booth, Head of Analytics & Data Excellence at AstraZeneca Canada.
As a DSI Industry Partner, AstraZeneca joins a group of forward-thinking organizations shaping the future of data science. This partnership is just the beginning: the DSI is welcoming more industry leaders to join this vision, with access to top talent and a collaborative hub of University of Toronto excellence.
The DSI is a hub for a breadth of data science and AI research and training. Access to this top talent — across undergraduates, doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows — was a key draw for AstraZeneca, who will have a unique opportunity to connect and innovate with high-performing students, researchers, and faculty.
Lisa Strug, Director of the Data Sciences Institute, highlights the importance of this partnership in shaping the future workforce and industry-ready research in data science.
“Building connections between academia and industry are a core part of our mission at the Data Sciences Institute. This partnership with AstraZeneca will allow new access to the talent pipeline and the research excellence that the DSI brings together from across the University of Toronto. I am delighted to see how this and future partnerships will continue to grow the impact of data science on industry innovation.”
The Data Sciences Institute welcomes other industry leaders ready to join in this vision!
See our Industry Partnership Model and contact parterships.dsi@utoronto.ca to get started.
About the Data Sciences Institute
The Data Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto is a hub for research, training, and industry collaboration. Bringing together faculty, students, and partners, DSI advances data-driven discovery through interdisciplinary research, hands-on training, and partnerships that translate data science into real-world impact. The DSI enhances and capitalizes on U of T’s established data science leadership in a city renowned for its data science and AI expertise.
About AstraZeneca Canada
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that transform lives – in such therapy areas as Cardiovascular and Metabolic disease, Oncology, Respiratory and Immunology; and Rare Diseases. In Canada, AstraZeneca employs more than 2,600 people across the country and is one of the country’s leading R&D contributors, investing $285M in Canadian R&D in 2024. Through recent investments – including the expansion of our Mississauga-based Research & Development Hub and the creation of a new Alexion Development Hub focused on rare diseases – the company has roughly tripled its employee footprint in Canada since 2022. To learn more visit www.astrazeneca.ca.