Meet Bari Kowal

Bari provides strategic oversight for the execution of more than 220 clinical trials across approximately 55 molecules and 50 countries, leading a global organization of more than 1,300 professionals. As Senior Vice President, Head of Development Operations and Portfolio Management at Regeneron, she plays a central role in turning scientific discovery into clinical development programs that can reach patients.

Her work focuses on modernizing clinical trials at scale, including the strategic use of AI, automation, and analytics to improve protocol design, feasibility, data review, and execution. Rather than viewing technology as a solution in itself, Bari champions its thoughtful use to reduce participant and site burden, strengthen decision-making, and make clinical research more efficient, inclusive, and resilient.

“What’s one misconception is that technology alone will transform drug development. In reality, its value is only realized when it is applied with a clear purpose and supported by experienced teams. AI, automation, and analytics can strengthen areas such as protocol design, feasibility, and data review, but they cannot replace judgment. The real opportunity is to use these tools to support better decisions, improve efficiency, and free teams to focus on the areas where human expertise matters most.”