Li Wang
Chief AI and Scientific Officer
Li Wang is a recognized leader in artificial intelligence, data science, and statistical innovation, with more than 20 years of experience across the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in driving drug development and enterprise-scale digital and AI transformation in R&D. Throughout his career, he has led the development and application of innovative methodologies including adaptive trial designs, Bayesian frameworks, synthetic controls, digital twins, machine learning, and generative AI to improve clinical development decision-making and accelerate the delivery of medicines to patients.
Prior to joining Cytel, Li held leadership roles of increasing responsibility at AbbVie, most recently serving as Head of Statistical Innovation. There, he led enterprise Clinical Trial Innovation AI/ML capabilities and built multidisciplinary teams focused on advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and innovative trial design across therapeutic areas. His work delivered measurable impact in clinical development, including accelerating decision-making, increasing probability of success, reducing trial size and duration, and driving broad adoption of Bayesian and external control methodologies.
Earlier in his career, Li worked at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he served as lead statistician on multiple global development programs, including regulatory filings and approvals. Across his industry career, he has significantly contributed to the development and approval of several blockbuster therapies including Rinvoq, Eliquis and Onglyza, which benefits millions of patients every day.
Li is an active contributor to the broader biopharmaceutical and statistical communities through leadership roles with organizations including the Drug Information Association (DIA), the Society for Clinical Trials (SCT), the International Chinese Statistical Association (ICSA), and the American Statistical Association. He served on the Board of Directors of ICSA and BBSW and serves as an advisor for several AI start-up companies. He is co-leading AI/ML working group for ASA BIOP section. He holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from Virginia Tech and a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Peking University. He is currently pursuing a EMBA from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, expected in 2027.
