Podcast Episode
May 4, 2026
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60: AI @ Berry

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Scott Berry, Ph.D.
President & Senior Statistical Scientist
In the 60th episode of "In the Interim…", Dr. Scott Berry, Dr. Nick Berry, and Dr. Joe Marion discuss how Berry Consultants uses AI in clinical trial design and software development.

In the 60th episode of “In the Interim…”, Dr. Scott Berry, Dr. Nick Berry, and Dr. Joe Marion discuss how Berry Consultants uses AI in clinical trial design and software development. The conversation addresses current applications, limitations, implications for productivity, and the ongoing need for human expertise in clinical trial design. The team examines both promising use cases and the risks associated with security, compliance, and AI-generated statistical work.

Key Highlights

  • AI is used to develop user interfaces and code modules, notably expediting tasks like R Shiny app development and software prototyping.

  • Statistical coding for complex modeling and simulation—such as numerical integration and predictive probability calculations—remains unreliable when delegated to AI and still requires direct oversight and manual review.

  • Attention to security and confidentiality is central; Berry prohibits the use of client-sensitive or patient data within AI tools.

  • Generative AI assists with drafting and editing documents, but the output tends to be non-specific, generic, and sometimes imprecise, requiring expert editorial input before use.

  • While embracing AI to improve efficiency, the discussion is critical of current AI hype, especially around black-box modeling and pushes back against the perception that current AI can replace domain-specific statistical design or strategic judgment.

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