Building AI models that understand chemical principles
Connor Coley is an MIT Associate Professor working at the intersection of chemistry and machine learning to discover new drug compounds. His research focuses on using AI to analyze vast numbers of chemical compounds and predict reaction pathways. Coley believes that this approach can significantly enhance small-molecule drug discovery.
- ▪Coley's research aims to identify potential drug candidates among an estimated 1020 to 1060 chemical compounds.
- ▪He combines chemical engineering and computer science to develop computational models for drug discovery.
- ▪Coley's background includes a strong family influence in science and a diverse educational path in chemical engineering and computer science.
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Connor Coley works at the interface of chemistry and machine learning, to discover and design new drug compounds. Anne Trafton | MIT News Publication Date: May 20, 2026 Press Inquiries Press Contact: Sarah McDonnell Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-253-8923 Fax: 617-258-8762 MIT News Office Media Download ↓ Download Image Caption: “MIT is a very special place in terms of the resources and the fluidity across departments,” says Connor Coley. Credits: Photo: Gretchen Ertl *Terms of Use: Images for download on the MIT News office website are made available to non-commercial entities, press and the general public under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives license. You may not alter the images provided, other than to crop them to size.
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