ELRIG’s Drug Discovery 2025 announces event speakers

The European Laboratory Research & Innovation Group (ELRIG) has unveiled the keynote speakers for its premier annual event, Drug Discovery 2025, which will take place at the ACC Liverpool, UK on 21–22 October 2025. This year’s conference, themed “A Festival of Life Science,” will feature headline presentations from Professor Heather Pinkett of Northwestern University and Dr Dafydd Owen of Pfizer Medicine Design.

As a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation, ELRIG is dedicated to bringing together scientists from across academia, industry and the wider drug discovery ecosystem. With more than 3,000 delegates expected to attend, Drug Discovery 2025 is set to be one of Europe’s most significant gatherings for life sciences professionals.

Global scientific leaders to headline

Professor Heather Pinkett, Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at Northwestern University and President-Elect of The Protein Society, will deliver the opening keynote. A leading expert in the structural biology of membrane proteins, Prof Pinkett will present on “Targeting ABC Transporters: Structural Prediction and Computational Strategies Against AMR.” Her research focuses on ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, proteins critical in combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

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

On day two, Dr Dafydd Owen, Senior Scientific Director at Pfizer and a medicinal chemist with 25 years of experience, will present a keynote on “Drug Discovery During the Pandemic: The Discovery of PAXLOVID.” Dr Owen, who played a pivotal role in the development of the COVID-19 antiviral therapy, brings a wealth of expertise in pharmaceutical innovation and leadership.

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

A celebration of science and collaboration

Held under the banner of a “Festival of Life Science,” Drug Discovery 2025 will offer free access to over 150 talks across 14 scientific tracks. Topics range from cutting-edge automation and robotics to new models for drug discovery, chemical biology, omics, sustainable development and strategies to translate early ideas into clinical therapies.

The event will feature a diverse line up of speakers and content developed in collaboration with leading organisations such as SLAS, the British Pharmacological Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cancer Research Horizons, The Protein Society, SiLA and Alzheimer’s Research UK. In a strategic effort to enhance international engagement, ELRIG is partnering with VisitBritain to offer overseas researchers an opportunity to explore the UK’s dynamic life sciences sector.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Prof Pinkett and Dr Owen to Drug Discovery 2025,” said Dr Del Trezise, Chair of ELRIG. “With over 3,000 delegates expected, this promises to be Europe’s leading event for the drug discovery community.”

Supporting innovation and the next generation

Beyond the main conference programme, the event will include over 200 exhibitors, a Tech Theatre and a “Breakthrough Zone” to spotlight startup companies. ELRIG also continues its commitment to supporting early-career professionals (ECPs) through dedicated sessions such as “Network Like a Boss” and “Meet & Greet” networking events.

The conference culminates with a series of awards recognising rising stars in the ECP community, exceptional innovation and outstanding contributions to ELRIG and the broader drug discovery field.

“ELRIG’s partnership with VisitBritain underscores the importance of international collaboration in accelerating scientific and economic progress,” said Sanj Kumar, CEO of ELRIG.

For more information and to register, visit: elrig.org