Behind the Photos: Stories from the ELRIG Drug Discovery Community

As 2025 draws to a close, we have found ourselves reflecting on a year of successful events, the science shared and the people who have brought it, and our drug discovery community to life.

Early this year, we refreshed our branding and website and added the ‘Drug Discovery Community’ tag line, as we wanted to keep it at the centre of everything we do. To mark the end of the year, we wanted to pause and celebrate that community – by sharing the stories behind some of our favourite photos from Drug Discovery 2025, (captured by photographer Jack Ehlen.)

Each image tells a story of connection, generosity and shared experience. Together, they show what ELRIG looks like beyond the events and science programme.

Shannon & Amina: A Conversation That Mattered

During Drug Discovery 2025, Red Shirt volunteer Shannon met Amina, a scientist who had recently moved from Sudan after her lab was destroyed by war. Having previously worked in fully manual lab environments, Amina found the level of automation in UK labs overwhelming – despite holding a PhD – and it had begun to affect her confidence and job prospects.

At the conference, Amina was able to see automation in practice and talk openly about her challenges. Shannon shared practical advice on gaining experience and navigating next steps, helping make both the technology and the community feel more approachable.

For Shannon, this conversation reflected what being a Red Shirt is about – attending talks, supporting others, and finding meaning in everyday moments of connection. What began as volunteering quickly became a confidence-building experience that stayed with her long after the conference ended.

Gayshini: Language, Legacy and Support

Just after her impromptu talk at Drug Discovery 2025, Gayshini was caught in a quiet, emotional moment – supported by a fellow member of the ELRIG team.

As part of the Flash Poster sessions, Gayshini took the last minute opportunity to speak about ELRIG’s legacy initiatives and why this work matters in practice. One part of her talk focused on language – and why moving away from terms like “non-white” towards “global majority” is important. A small shift, but one that changes who we centre in conversations about inclusion, from who people are not, to who they are.

The emotion captured in this photo reflects both the impact of that message and the support around it – colleagues listening, understanding, and stepping in when it mattered.

For Gayshini, moments like this are why the work matters: the trust to try new things, the space to challenge how we communicate, and a shared commitment to making ELRIG events more representative, welcoming and impactful.

A quiet moment of reflection – and a reminder of the care and community behind the science.

Lawrence: Finding Confidence Through Community

Lawrence’s journey with ELRIG began through volunteering – first at another scientific conference, where he learned that ELRIG ran free-to-attend events, and later at an Early Career Professional networking event at his university.

Encouraged by conversations with members of the ELRIG community, Lawrence applied to become a Red Shirt volunteer at Drug Discovery 2025. Volunteering has always played a central role in his leadership journey, and ELRIG felt like a natural fit.

At the conference, what stood out most was the openness of the community. Advice was shared freely, conversations felt easy to start, and the red shirt itself became a symbol of confidence – a way to approach anyone, ask questions, and learn.

Many of those connections are ones Lawrence continues to build on today.

Rob: From First Conference to Community

For Rob, ELRIG was the first conference he ever attended – shortly after moving to London from France to begin his career in the UK.

What struck him immediately was how different it felt: fun, engaging, and genuinely connected. ELRIG reflected what he believes science should be about at its core – communication, collaboration and building on each other’s work.

Since that first event, Rob has stayed closely involved, attending meetings and joining the Vendor Strategy Workgroup after encouragement from others in the community. Alongside his involvement with OutBio, ELRIG became an important part of building both professional and personal connections.

Over time, those connections grew into friendships, collaborations and long-term partnerships – all beginning with a conversation.

Kevin: Decades of Contribution

Some stories span decades.

Kevin’s involvement with ELRIG began more than 25 years ago, when he helped organise a conference on Compound Management. Since then, he has served the community in many roles – conference director, session chair, general committee member, board member, and founder of the Vendor Group, helping strengthen links between vendors and the ELRIG Board.

Kevin’s career has followed the evolution of drug discovery itself, from medicinal chemistry through automation, high-throughput screening and industry leadership. At Drug Discovery 2025, he was presented with the ELRIG Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising his long-standing commitment.

For Kevin, ELRIG has always been about people – a community that supports one another across roles, perspectives and career stages.

David: Taking the Next Step, Together

David’s connection with ELRIG spans close to 20 years – as a regular event attendee, General Committee member and Working Group contributor. Throughout his career in drug discovery, ELRIG has been a constant presence.

In late 2024, after more than 40 years of continuous employment in the sector, David found himself at a career crossroads following redundancy. It was during this period that conversations with friends across the ELRIG community – offering honest advice, encouragement and perspective – helped shape his next step.

In January 2025, David launched Sighthound Life Science Consulting Ltd. Knowing there was a strong, supportive network of people willing to share their time and first-hand experience gave him the confidence to branch out on his own.

That support has continued in practical and meaningful ways. ELRIG’s science-led and networking events remain spaces to deepen knowledge, sustain long-standing relationships and build new ones. At Drug Discovery 2025, this was particularly evident through the inaugural Consultancy Café – a dedicated space designed not just for visibility, but for giving back.

For David, some of the most valuable conversations weren’t about business growth, but about careers. Speaking with Red Shirt volunteers about the realities of pharma, biotech and CRO pathways reinforced what ELRIG is really about: sharing experience to help others navigate their own journeys.

As David reflects, ELRIG has shaped far more than professional opportunities – it has built friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging that continues to support the next chapter.

More than moments

Together, these moments remind us that ELRIG is more than a series of conferences. It’s a community that shows up –  at turning points, in moments of uncertainty, and in the quiet conversations that help shape what comes next. Whether it’s offering guidance, sharing experience, or simply taking the time to listen, these stories reflect the trust, generosity and connection that sit at the heart of the drug discovery community. And it’s this collective spirit that continues to carry ELRIG – and the people within it – forward.