Key Takeaways from the Intellus Institute Conference – Healthcare at a Crossroads

The 2025 Intellus Institute Conference made one thing clear – healthcare and life sciences are at a turning point. Policy, technology, and trust are reshaping the way our industry works, and none of it is simple. A few key themes among the presentations and discussions stood out loud and clear and are worth further thought as we continue to evolve in the life-sciences insights industry.

Policy Doesn’t Always Support Progress

Innovation in the US is under pressure. Cuts to research funding and uncertainty around regulation are making it harder to bring innovative ideas to life. While places like Europe and Japan are stepping up, the US risks losing ground. If we want to keep leading in healthcare innovation, policies need to do more than create roadblocks.

When Experts Aren’t in the Room

Another theme that stood out: major healthcare decisions are often made by people who don’t have deep expertise. That’s not necessarily bad, it just means the stories we tell and the data we share need to be clear. If insights aren’t easy to repeat and act on, the wrong voices can carry the day. Continuing to focus on clear and effective storytelling is key in driving change.

The Split on AI

AI was everywhere in the conversation. Most physicians are optimistic about AI in general, but when it comes to AI in healthcare, the mood shifts. The issue isn’t the tech itself, it’s trust. Who owns the data? How will it be used? What happens when something goes wrong? Without answers, adoption may be slower than expected when it comes to physicians and care teams.

The Trust Gap

One message came out that might be a bit hard to swallow – trust in healthcare is fragile. Patients, providers, and even policymakers question motives and reliability. Data disappearing, advisory boards stacked with non-experts, and opaque decision-making only deepen the gap. If trust doesn’t improve, even the best innovations won’t reach their potential.

Why Insights Matter Now More Than Ever

For those of us in healthcare insights, this is a call to action. We can simplify complex ideas so decision-makers, expert or not, can act on them. We can partner more closely with patient groups who hold valuable data. And we can help rebuild trust by being transparent and clear. The challenges are big. But so are the opportunities. If we focus on clarity, trust, and responsible innovation, our industry can navigate these changes and come out stronger.