Each year, ELRIG hosts various conferences in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. This includes its renowned flagship event, Drug Discovery, which is now in its 11th year. Drug Discovery 2017 will take place at the ACC in Liverpool from 3rd to 4th October. The conference will feature a panel of 50 world-class speakers presenting on six of the hottest topics driving exciting innovations and scientific breakthroughs in the field. There will also be a diverse exhibition showcasing the latest technological and service innovations for the benefit of drug discovery scientists.
Drug Discovery 2017 will bring together a diverse group of delegates, including a large number of speakers who are thought-leaders in the industry, as well as researchers, instrument manufacturers, service providers, the media, educators, government officials and investors from across the life science sector, to stimulate discussions on pertinent challenges and future opportunities in the development of novel therapeutics. If you are involved in drug discovery or disease research in any way, read on to find out ten reasons why you simply cannot afford to miss Drug Discovery 2017 in Liverpool on October 3rd.
Reason one: it’s free
Yes, you read that correctly: Drug Discovery 2017 is completely free for delegates to attend. Register today and join a cohort of industry leaders and academic experts at Drug Discovery 2017, without having to spend a penny on your registration fee. You can also present a poster about your research free of charge by submitting an abstract for review by the meeting’s Scientific Program Committee.
Reason two: get insights and advice from world-class speakers
The event might be free, but the quality of the science presented will be as high as you will find anywhere across the world. The Drug Discovery 2017 programme is packed with over 50 world-class speakers, including the Plenary keynotes, Dr Mene Pangalos (Executive Vice-President, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca) and Dr Nessa Carey (International Director at PraxisUnico and Visiting Professor at Imperial College London). By attending talks spread across six distinct conference tracks, you can hear thought-leaders and experts speak on current issues and opportunities, helping you to generate new ideas to drive your research forward.
Reason three: network with the whole community
At Drug Discovery 2017, delegates will come from all sectors of the drug discovery community, with 41% from biopharma, 32% from academia, and 27% from other domains, including recruitment companies, publisher/media relations, government agencies and investment firms. If your interactions are usually restricted to networking with experts in your own field, then this is your chance to find out how your research could be applicable in other sectors, and how novel approaches and breakthroughs in other fields could help you with your work. Tapping into this diversity is likely to drive innovation within your research, by enabling you to learn about novel technologies and approaches you may otherwise never have got to learn about.
Reason four: make your research more translatable
Academic researchers are increasingly collaborating with pharma companies to leverage their scientific breakthroughs in a way that opens up new clinical potential. At Drug Discovery 2017, industry representatives and researchers from both sides will be on hand to discuss opportunities for converting primary research into new treatments for disease. Such collaborations have the potential to improve the lives of patients, as well as help all involved make their research more translatable (something that could also make it easier to publish in higher-impact journals).
Reason five: learn from presentations across six diverse topics
No matter what your scientific interest, the multitude of topics covered by the speakers at Drug Discovery 2017 will ensure you learn something new. The talks will also provide a comprehensive introduction to the field for those just starting out. The speakers will focus on breakthrough research covering a diverse array of the hottest topics in drug discovery, enabling you to learn about different technological innovations and approaches in six main session tracks, including:
- Innovations in Chemistry
- Target Identification and Validation
- Innovations in Assay Design, Development, and Screening
- Advances in Imaging
- Drug Discovery in the 4th Dimension
- From Molecule to Man: Right Dose, First Time
Reason six: use it as a great training opportunity
Drug Discovery 2017 will give you the chance to tap into the diverse expertise and experiences of other delegates and speakers to enhance your skills and knowledge, both within and outside your usual field. The exhibitions and workshops at Drug Discovery 2017 are also fantastic training tools for you to learn about the latest technologies, how to use them, and how they can enhance your research. For example, an innovative workshop featuring sessions led by AstraZeneca, Unilever, SiLA, Genedata (and others) will give you the chance to learn about cutting-edge ideas and technologies that are set to impact the future of the laboratory environment, such as artificial intelligence and automation. In addition, the SLAS Author Workshop presented by SLAS Discovery Editorial Board Member, Dr Rob Howes (AstraZeneca), will provide you with expert insider insights and tips for designing, writing and publishing your scientific papers.
Reason seven: learn about the latest trends and technologies
At Drug Discovery 2017, you will be able to view various talks and posters about the latest innovations in drug discovery, and attend interactive vendor workshops on key issues, trends and opportunities in the industry. In addition, over 100 exhibitors will show you the latest technologies you can use to improve your research output and efficiency, as well as drive novel discoveries.
Reason eight: tap into new career opportunities
Attending Drug Discovery 2017 will give you two full days of meeting new people with similar research interests, while also offering you the chance to make new connections with people in other sectors you are interested in. By submitting and presenting a poster about your work, you may also win the chance to give a podium talk in the “poster taster” sessions; you could even win the event’s annual poster prize and get the chance to give a ten-minute podium talk in one of the main conference tracks! These opportunities to enhance your visibility, add to your CV and have interactions with other delegates could lead to you starting up new collaborations, help you redefine your career goals, and could even direct you towards your next job opportunity.
Reason nine: promote yourself (and your company/lab)
At Drug Discovery 2017, you will be surrounded by industry leaders and academics, sales and marketing representatives, and journalists all specialising in the life sciences/drug discovery sector. This is an ideal setting for you to promote yourself and your team, as well as disseminate any research breakthroughs you have made (or products/services you are offering). ELRIG also provide a subsidised Innovation Zone at Drug Discovery 2017 for emerging companies offering innovative technologies or services to create a more diverse show and drive greater delegate engagement.
Reason ten: enjoy an expertly organized event in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities
The Drug Discovery event is now in its 11th year, and ELRIG has a wealth of experience in organizing various events and conferences each year across Europe. Drug Discovery 2017 will be built on this expert experience and informed by a decade of successful Drug Discovery events to deliver a well-organized and interesting meeting for you to enjoy.
The world-class conference venue at ACC Liverpool, UK, will only add to your enjoyment. The venue is set on the banks of the River Mersey at the heart of the city’s iconic waterfront, giving you the chance to experience a vibrant, modern and friendly city that is rich in heritage and world trade history.
The organizers are already making life easier for delegates: you can quickly get information about Drug Discovery 2017 on your mobile by downloading the app. You can also follow the conversation before and during the event by using the hashtag #ELRIGDD17 on Twitter.
If you would like to learn more about the event and register for free, you can find more information about Drug Discovery 2017 and register here.
