BiotechTV - News SF Healthcare Week: Flagship Pioneering's Founder Noubar Afeyan shares his thoughts on the image of science in the United States today, biotech's roller coaster 2025, mRNA, AI, and more
Jan 12, 2026
Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of Flagship Pioneering and a pivotal figure in Moderna, shares his insights on the importance of defending the scientific method in today’s society. He emphasizes the need to engage the public in science through compelling narratives. Afeyan dives into the transformative potential of mRNA technology, its delivery innovations, and the resurgence of biotech investing post-pandemic. Additionally, he discusses Flagship's investments in AI and the future of scientific research, highlighting the intersection of technology and biology.
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Science Under Assault
- Noubar Afeyan warns that attacks on the scientific method are eroding trust in vaccines, mRNA, and other medicines.
- He argues undermining the method, not just outputs, threatens all biomedical progress.
Speak Simply And Rekindle Wonder
- Noubar Afeyan urges biotech to speak simply and rekindle public wonder about science instead of corporate jargon.
- He advises the industry to defend the scientific method proactively before skepticism targets other therapies.
mRNA As Programmable Biology
- Afeyan frames mRNA as a programmable 'software' for the body's protein production, enabling cells to act as bioreactors.
- He sees mRNA as a long-term complement to protein biologics with expanding delivery targets.