Ward Neefs

AI & Digitalization Expert

Ward Neefs is a life-science professional with a strong focus on software, data, and digitalization within regulated pharmaceutical and medical device environments. At QbD Group, he combines his background in bio-engineering and artificial intelligence to support organizations in the validation and implementation of complex digital systems.

Biography

Ward Neefs holds a master’s degree in Bio-engineering (bio-nanotechnology) and a second master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, both obtained at KU Leuven. His interest in software and data-driven solutions in life sciences emerged during his studies and continues to shape his professional career.

Since joining QbD Group, Ward has contributed to a range of digital transformation and software validation projects. His experience includes work on Master Batch Record (MBR) implementations for COVID vaccine production at Pfizer, where he supported the deployment of digital manufacturing solutions in a highly regulated context.

Currently, Ward is active on a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software validation project at DSM-Firmenich, focusing on ensuring compliance, data integrity, and system robustness. In parallel, he is extensively involved in Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) projects, supporting organizations such as Akmelogi, CellCarta, and BugSeq with validation, regulatory alignment, and quality considerations.

Ward regularly shares insights on the role of AI and software in regulated life sciences, both internally and externally. He has contributed to QbD Group’s blog and participated in panel discussions on AI in medical writing, including sessions at the EMWA 2024 Spring Conference in Valencia.

Ward's key areas of expertise

Artificial Intelligence in Pharma

Applying AI to improve pharmaceutical processes, systems, and decision-making.

MES & Batch Record Implementation

Digitalizing manufacturing operations through structured data and automation.

Process Automation

Improving process flexibility and software code logic in GMP-regulated environments.

Digital Health & Data Strategy

Combining engineering expertise with AI to support digital health innovations.

AI is here to stay. Yes, AI is a hype — but for good reason, and it will no doubt change society (it already has). However, there is a profound lack of understanding of how it actually works among most users. This carries some risk: it can lead to overestimating its capabilities, or to misuse due to a lack of understanding. It can also create a culture of fear, as humans tend to fear what they do not understand. It is therefore important that, moving forward, we aim to demystify AI model architectures and move away from this extreme black-box view of AI.