Paula Petrone
AI for Healthcare · Clinical AI · Digital Medicine
Digital Health Unit Leader
Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC)
About Me
I studied Physics at Instituto Balseiro in Patagonia, Argentina, started my research career at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US, and later completed a Ph.D. in Biophysics at Stanford University. My career has moved between academia and industry, including several years at Novartis and Roche applying machine learning to drug discovery and translational research, before returning to biomedical AI research in Barcelona.
My work focuses on chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, liver disease, mental health, and ageing, with a strong interest in explainable and trustworthy AI. A central motivation in my research is helping AI move beyond publications into tools that can truly support doctors and improve patient care in the real world. To achieve this, we work closely with hospitals, researchers, and industry partners to develop AI systems that are not only technically robust, but also clinically useful, equitable, and safe.
Beyond research, I care deeply about science communication, mentoring, and diversity in STEM. I regularly speak about AI, ethics, and fairness in healthcare at conferences, public events, and educational initiatives, and I have co-organized several editions of WiDS Barcelona and WiDS Biomedicine to promote the visibility and leadership of women in data science and digital health.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking and mountain biking, and sharing adventures with my partner and our two teenage children.