Chaofeng Liu

Chaofeng Liu’s path to becoming a biostatistics and clinical research leader was shaped by an early fascination with data and its practical applications. Born in Beijing, China, he was always curious about the world around him and how data could answer some of life’s most complex questions. This drive led him to pursue his studies at Peking University, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Probability and Statistics. He has stood out for his intellectual abilities and leadership skills throughout his academic career, receiving multiple honors, including the Outstanding Student Fellowship and Young Scientist Award. From the beginning, Chaofeng’s passion for statistics centered on its potential to solve real-world problems. This mindset prompted him to further his education in the United States, where he completed a Ph.D. in Biostatistics at UCLA and later an Executive MBA from Purdue University. These qualifications allowed him to develop a unique blend of technical expertise and business insight, which he has since applied to advancing the healthcare field. With over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Chaofeng has become known for his contributions across various therapeutic areas, including oncology and neuroscience. His career began at Eli Lilly, where he quickly demonstrated his ability to innovate in statistical methodologies and to lead cross-functional teams. From there, he held senior positions at several renowned companies, including Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Forest Laboratories, PAREXEL, and Astellas Pharmaceuticals. At each of these organizations, his leadership helped to push forward drug development programs that have impacted countless patients. A pivotal moment in Chaofeng’s career came during his time at Astellas Pharmaceuticals. He played an instrumental role in developing Gilteritinib, a first-in-class treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).