Keynote Speakers revealed for Drug Discovery 2025

ELRIG, the not-for-profit organisation connecting the global drug discovery community, has announced the keynote speakers for Drug Discovery 2025. Returning to Liverpool’s ACC from 21–22 October, this year’s event will be led by Professor Heather Pinkett (Northwestern University) and Dr Dafydd Owen (Pfizer Medicine Design).

Held under the theme ‘A Festival of Life Science’, Drug Discovery 2025 will bring together researchers from academia and industry to explore how science can advance human health. The conference offers free access to over 150 talks across 14 scientific tracks, covering everything from robotics and automation to chemical biology, omics, and sustainable development.

Professor Heather Pinkett, a leader in membrane protein research at Northwestern, will deliver the opening keynote: ‘Targeting ABC Transporters: Structural Prediction and Computational Strategies Against AMR’. She is Director of the NIH Molecular Biophysics Training Program and President-Elect of The Protein Society.

“I’m excited to engage with scientists across disciplines and to deliver the opening keynote at Drug Discovery 2025,” said Professor Pinkett.

Dr Dafydd Owen, Senior Scientific Director at Pfizer, will present ‘Drug Discovery During the Pandemic: The Discovery of PAXLOVID’. With 25 years of experience in medicinal chemistry, Dr Owen is widely recognised for his scientific leadership and contributions to global health.

“It’s an honour to share the science behind PAXLOVID and to celebrate innovation at ELRIG’s flagship event,” said Dr Owen.

With over 3,000 delegates expected, the event will also host more than 200 exhibitors, a Tech Theatre, a Breakthrough Zone for startups, and dedicated sessions for early-career professionals. ELRIG will also present awards recognising rising stars and outstanding contributions to drug discovery.

Supported by VisitBritain, Drug Discovery 2025 highlights the UK’s thriving life sciences sector and aims to strengthen global collaboration by welcoming international researchers to experience UK science first-hand.

Dr Del Trezise, Chair of ELRIG, commented: “This promises to be Europe’s leading drug discovery event.”

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