Michael Kappler

Michael Kappler, PhD, currently serves as a Steering Committee Member for the Pistoia Alliance, beginning in February 2024, where the focus is on enhancing R&D innovation through collaborative efforts in the life sciences sector. Since January 2020, Michael has held the position of Director and Head of Research Informatics at IDEAYA Biosciences, overseeing R&D solutions that support various scientific departments. As the CEO and Founder of Moonlight Informatics & Computing Knowledge LLC since 2001, Michael developed a three-dimensional molecular fingerprint technology, contributing to advanced drug design methodologies. Michael's previous roles include Senior Principal Scientist at Nurix Therapeutics, Senior Manager at Afton Chemical, and Principal Scientist at Roche Pharmaceuticals, among others, where responsibilities often involved optimizing research workflows and leading cross-functional teams. Michael holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Eastern Michigan University.