Xtalks Featured Member: Mark Franklin, Manager, Curation, DrugBank

Introducing Xtalks Featured Community Member Mark Franklin, Manager of Curation at DrugBank, who helps lead the development of one of the world’s most comprehensive drug knowledge bases. Read his insights on data curation, leadership and the evolving role of technology in biotech.

What Are Your Proudest Life Science Achievements?

Working at DrugBank, I’ve been able to contribute to a vast knowledge base that has enabled great science across the industry. As I moved into a leadership role, it became more about how I could inspire my team to do their best work. Some of my proudest moments are when people on my team tell me they don’t get the “Sunday Scaries” since they started working here. They’re all motivated to come to work and do their best; they know I have high standards, but that’s not a source of stress for them.

What Are Your Day-to-Day Job Highlights?

I love that this work allows me to stay close to the science that I’ve always been interested in, while stretching in other directions. We’re always working closely with software development and AI/ML experts to help design systems to capture data more accurately, or going out to find the data the old-fashioned way. Over time, I’ve been consistently impressed with how my team has leveled up their skills to continue the pursuit of accurate information.

What Are Your Favorite Life Science Innovations?

I’m really interested in the application of AI to drug discovery. As more companies start to apply the technology, they’ll need the human in the loop to ensure the data is accurate and high quality to keep driving the application of AI forward.

What Is Your Vision for the Future of the Industry?

My vision for the future of biotech is one where we’re enabled through technology to do so much more than we thought possible, not a future where teams shrink, but where the same teams generate better outcomes for patients faster.

Apply Yourself or Nominate a Peer

Do you know someone doing incredible work in the life sciences? Or perhaps you’re proud of your own journey and want to inspire others? We’d love to hear from you.

You can apply to be an Xtalks Featured Community Member or nominate a colleague through our simple online form. It takes just a few minutes, and it could open doors to new conversations, partnerships and recognition across the industry.

Let’s celebrate the people driving life sciences forward, one story at a time.