The session will showcase successful examples of gene therapy for severe paediatric neurological and neurometabolic disorders. It will explore the full translational journey, from the development of preclinical gene therapy approaches and their evaluation in clinically relevant disease models, through to the translation of these therapies into clinical trials. The session will also feature a unique perspective from a parent whose child has received gene therapy, offering a personal insight alongside scientific and clinical viewpoints. Together, these talks will highlight current challenges in the field and discuss emerging opportunities and future directions for gene therapy

The session will showcase leading examples of how advanced modalities are generating paradigmatic shifts in the treatment options for patients suffering from vision, hearing loss and neuropathic pain. We aim to present the challenges and opportunities in the development, manufacture, evaluation and adoption of these modalities as future treatments for sensory disorders. The session will cover the level of innovation involved in the design of novel therapies targeting inherited and late-in-life onset disorders, designs to enhance their effectiveness and how developers have addressed the feasibility of delivery. It will also discuss the likely impact for patients, society and healthcare budgets that an approved medicine will deliver when their effect is quality of life improving, but not typically life extending. Finally, we will discuss the conundrum of how payors might decide on which medicines to invest in based on their comparative evaluation

To submit a poster application you must first register for Research & Innovation 2025. A link to the poster portal will be available in your registration confirmation email. The poster abstract submitted must not exceed 300 words.

PLEASE NOTE: Only one poster can be submitted per delegate, we only need your title and abstract, you do not need to upload your PDF and only Early Career Posters will be considered for a flash presentation at this event.

• Flash poster presentation are open to ECPs only –  please submit your title and abstract by 09 February
• to be considered for general display – upload your title and abstract by 01 March

We have limited space at site and late entries will not be accepted.

If you have any questions regarding your submission, please contact events@elrig.org

Flash Poster Acceptance 

If your poster is chosen for a Flash Poster presentation, you will need to prepare a PowerPoint presentation to last no more than 5 minutes. The scientific judging panel will review the posters submitted for Flash poster presentations and if successful you will receive confirmation from the ELRIG Team two weeks prior to the event.

Your poster should be displayed for the duration of the full event.

A board will be available with your poster number and Velcro strips to affix your poster (your poster must be A0 portrait).

Poster sessions will take place during the late afternoon networking session on Day 1, and in the lunch refreshment break on Day 2.  You will be expected to be at your poster during these times to answer questions from delegates.

All posters will need to be collected at the end of the event and removed from site; any posters left at the end of the event will be disposed of.

The Early Career Professional Poster Award celebrates the fresh ideas and groundbreaking research shaping the future of drug discovery. The posters will be judged during the conference based on its relevance, innovation and impact. You will not need to be at your poster during judging.

If you’re an undergrad, postgrad (including PhD), or early in your career*, this is your chance to showcase your work and get the recognition you deserve.

The winner will receive:

• £250 (which you can keep, donate to your lab, or give to charity).
• A prestigious glass trophy.
• Industry exposure & networking opportunities.

The prize is awarded during the opening session on day 2 of the event.

To apply for this award, please register first. A link to the Poster Portal will be available in your confirmation email where you can submit a 300 word poster abstract.

*Career breaks will be recognised, as will individuals whose career has spanned a break due to caring responsibilities or personal circumstances.

During registration you will be asked if you identify as an ECP – An Early Career Professional (ECP) can be a student in higher education undertaking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree (including PhD), or within 5 years of finishing higher education and starting their career in life sciences and drug discovery.

We are a not-for-profit organisation hosting events for the drug discovery community. We believe that access to high quality science should be accessible to all. Find out more here.

We’re grateful for the support from our exhibitors who help us cover the costs of our events from sponsorship and stand sales. If you come to our events, please take the time to visit our exhibition and meet our exhibitors.

Or if you’re interested in exhibiting at an event, check out our sponsorship page.

If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket. Your confirmation email includes a link to the cancellation site.

Refreshments will be provided, please bring your own reusable cups to help us reduce plastic waste at our events.