Cortex Conversations: Insights in Neuroscience
Episode 1: Trust, tech, and trials: AI’s role in Parkinson’s research
Topics: In this episode of the Fortrea neuroscience podcast, we explore how AI is transforming Parkinson’s research—from bold promises to practical breakthroughs. Fortrea’s Amber Burg sits down with Joanie Brown, Head of Operations at our Rapid Development Studio AI/ML and Mark Austin, CTO at Ixico, to unpack the evolving role of artificial intelligence in clinical trials. Together, they dive into how AI is being used to enhance imaging, accelerate trial timelines, and improve patient stratification in Parkinson’s disease. Listeners will hear real-world examples of AI-powered tools in action - from automated biomarker quantification to predictive modelling - and how these innovations are already delivering measurable gains in trial efficiency. The conversation also tackles the big questions around trust, transparency, and regulatory readiness, offering a candid look at what it takes to build confidence in AI-driven research.
Whether you're navigating your first AI-enabled trial or scaling your next one, this episode offers practical insights and fresh perspectives from the front lines of neuroscience innovation.
Host: Amber Burg, Therapeutic Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea
Participants:
- Joanie Brown, Head of Operations at our Rapid Development Studio AI/ML, Fortrea
- Mark Austin, Chief Technology Officer at Ixico
References:
- Fehlis Y, Crain C, Jensen A, et al. Accelerating drug discovery through agentic AI: a multi-agent approach to laboratory automation in the DMTA cycle. arXiv [Preprint]. 2025 Jul 11.
- Ocana A, Pandiella A, Privat C, et al. Integrating artificial intelligence in drug discovery and early drug development: a transformative approach. Biomark Res. 2025;13(45). doi:10.1186/s40364-025-00758-2.
- Wenteler A, Cabrera CP, Wei W, et al. AI approaches for the discovery and validation of drug targets. Cambridge Prisms: Precision Medicine. 2024;2:e7. doi:10.1017/pcm.2024.4.
Episode 2: Innovations in imaging for Parkinson’s Disease
Topics: This episode features an insightful interview between Fortrea neuroscience leaders and experts from Ixico, focusing on novel imaging biomarkers in Parkinson's disease.
Imaging biomarkers offer valuable insights into Parkinson's disease (PD) progression and can help distinguish it from other conditions. They can be used to identify the disease early, track its progression, and potentially improve clinical care and management.
We discuss the importance of selecting the right biomarkers and explore various imaging approaches that can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of clinical trials. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how these innovations are shaping the future of neuroscience research.
Host: Amber Burg, Therapeutic Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea
Participants:
- Leone Atkinson, Executive Medical Director of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Fortrea
- Robin Wolz, Chief Scientific Officer at Ixico
References:
- Benamer, H. T. S., Patterson, J., Grosset, et al. (2000). Accurate differentiation of parkinsonism and essential tremor using visual assessment of [123I]-FP-CIT SPECT imaging: The [123I]-FP-CIT study group. Movement Disorders, 15(3), 503–510.
- Dentamaro, V., Impedovo, D., Musti, L., et al. (2024). Enhancing early Parkinson’s disease detection through multimodal deep learning and explainable AI: Insights from the PPMI database. Scientific Reports, 14, Article 70165.
- Gelb, D. J., Oliver, E., & Gilman, S. (1999). Diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s disease. Archives of Neurology, 56(1), 33–39.
- Li, K. R., Avecillas-Chasin, J., Nguyen, T. D., et al. (2022). Quantitative evaluation of brain iron accumulation in different stages of Parkinson's disease. Journal of Neuroimaging, 32(2), 363–371.
- Pagano, G., Taylor, K. I., Anzures-Cabrera, et al. (2022). Trial of prasinezumab in early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Nature Medicine, 28(7), 1707–1715. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01878-0
- Simuni, T., Chahine, L. M., Poston, K., et al. (2024). A biological definition of neuronal α-synuclein disease: Towards an integrated staging system for research. The Lancet Neurology, 23(2), 178–190.
- Zhong, J., Yu, H., Huang, C., et al. (2018). Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 by FCPR16 protects SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-induced decline of mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative stress. Redox Biology, 16, 47–58.
Episode 3: Digital endpoints in neuroscience today
Topics: This episode features an insightful interview between Fortrea neuroscience leaders and experts from Ixico, focusing on novel imaging biomarkers in Parkinson's disease.
Digital endpoints are no longer a future ambition—they’re shaping neuroscience trials today. In this episode, we explore how digital biomarkers are gaining traction, what regulators are saying, and how biotech leaders can confidently integrate these tools into their development strategies. With insights from the Neuroscience team at Fortrea, Amber Burg, Leone Atkinson, and Alicia Baker, we’ll unpack the current landscape, share real-world regulatory wins, and look ahead to what’s next, including AI and hybrid models. Whether you're just starting to explore digital endpoints or looking to push boundaries, this episode lays the groundwork for smarter, more precise neuroscience trials
Host: Amber Burg, Therapeutic Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea
Participants:
- Leone Atkinson, Executive Medical Director of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, Fortrea
- Alicia Baker, Vice President, Head of Global Regulatory Strategy at Fortrea
References:
- Apple Watch App – Parky by H2o Therapeutics.
- Camntech Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers.
- Clinical innovation: How digital health solutions are transforming our trials.
- Medtronic BrainSense™ Adaptive DBS System.
- Neu Health Smartphone-Based Tremor Assessment Module.
- PKG™ System by Global Kinetics.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Digital Health Technologies for Remote Data Acquisition in Clinical Investigations: Guidance for Industry, Investigators, and Other Stakeholders. Silver Spring, MD: FDA; 2023 Dec.
- European Medicines Agency. Questions and answers: Qualification of digital technology-based methodologies to support approval of medicinal products. Amsterdam: EMA; 2020 Jun.
Episode 4: From theory to practice - Making digital endpoints deliver (DHI and AI Cure)
From digital endpoint real-world examples to strategic insights, in this episode Fortrea’s Abby Fuller and Walter Gonzalez team up with Haiyan Wei, SVP of Technology and Operations at AI Cure to spotlight how neuroscience trials are turning this digital health innovation into real-world results. We go beyond the buzzwords to explore what’s actually working in the field with digital endpoints, when to invest, and how to choose the right partners. With honest lessons from the front lines and a look at what’s next, this episode is a practical guide for sponsors ready to move from pilot to scale. If you're aiming to make smarter, faster decisions in your neuroscience programs, this is the conversation that connects strategy with execution.
Host: Amber Burg, Therapeutic Delivery Head of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Fortrea
Participants:
- Abby Fuller, Senior Director of Strategic Delivery Growth in Neuroscience, Fortrea
- Walter Gonzalez, Associate Director, Digital Health and Innovation, Fortrea
- Haiyan Wei, SVP of Technology and Operations at AI Cure
References:
- Beaney, A. (2024, March 19). Q&A: Reinventing the 6MWT with wearable sensors. Clinical Trials Arena.
- Clinical innovation: How digital health solutions are transforming our trials.
- Liu, X., Zhao, C., Zheng, B., et al. (2021). Wearable Devices for Gait Analysis in Intelligent Healthcare. Frontiers in Computer Science.
- Prasanth, H., Caban, M., Keller, et al. (2021). Wearable Sensor-Based Real-Time Gait Detection: A Systematic Review. Sensors, 21(8), 2727.
- Zhou, Y., Wang, J., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Facial micro-expression analysis for Parkinson’s disease detection using mobile video. npj Digital Medicine, 5(1), 112.