The AI & Digitisation Zone will be hosted in the exhibition area and will serve as the central hub for AI-driven drug discovery, digital R&D, and next-generation platform technologies, bringing together innovators such as Recursion, Iktos, Structural Genomics Consortium, and other leaders across AI discovery platforms, cloud infrastructure, automation, bioinformatics, digital biology, academic hubs, and strategic pharma tech partners. This interactive space will feature poster presentations, live demos, and short tech talks, alongside an AI Networking Lounge and a coffee cart to foster meaningful connections and collaboration

Experience Berlin like never before with our VR Formula One racing tour, followed by an evening of drinks, wine tasting, and invite-only exclusive dinner. Connect with peers, unwind, and enjoy the city’s sights in a relaxed, social setting.

Paul Workman OBE FRS,
Harrap Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research 

Professor Workman is one of the UK’s most influential cancer drug discovery leaders. A pioneer in targeted therapeutics and molecular oncology, he has helped shape the modern era of precision cancer medicine — translating cutting-edge biology into first-in-class and best-in-class therapies. As a former Chief Executive of the ICR, he built one of the world’s leading academic drug discovery engines, driving innovation from bench to bedside and redefining how academia and industry collaborate to deliver life-saving cancer treatments.

Rafal Kaminski,
Chief Scientific Officer, Angelini Pharma 

Rafal is a neuroscience-focused innovator driving the next generation of therapies for brain and nervous system disorders. He leads the company’s scientific vision, translating cutting-edge neuroscience research into transformative medicines that address unmet patient needs, blending deep biology insight with precision drug development.

David Hallett
Chief Scientific Officer, Recursion

David Hallett, PhD, is the Chief Scientific Officer of Recursion and former Chief Scientific Officer and Interim CEO of Exscientia. He’s an experienced “drug hunter” with over 25 years’ track record leading successful teams and driving major strategic collaborations. Prior to joining Exscientia, from 2005 to 2019 he held various positions within Evotec including Executive Vice President of Chemistry and EVP of Alliance Management. Dr. Hallett trained as a medicinal chemist and served as a Research Fellow at Merck & Co., Inc. In 2026, he was named an AI Champion for the life sciences sector by the UK Government, and is helping to guide a national vision for AI adoption. He holds a B.A. from the University of Cambridge in Natural Sciences, a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and was a post-doctoral fellow in Synthetic Organic Chemistry at the University of Texas Austin.

INGO HARTUNG,
Executive Director, Head of Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design, Merck Healthcare KGaA 

 Ingo V. Hartung is a synthetic organic chemist by training (PhD University of Hannover/Germany, Postdoc Stanford University/US) with close to 20 years of Pharma industry experience (Schering AG, Bayer AG, Merck KGaA). He has been project leader in oncology and cardiology NCE drug discovery and has had portfolio responsibility for preclinical research in the areas of epigenetics and immuno-oncology. Ingo is heading Merck’s Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design department which is driving drug discovery projects in oncology & immunology covering various types of small molecule modalities. His research interests comprise all aspects of innovation in small molecule drug discovery with a special focus on novel modalities like protein degraders. He is the author of >50 scientific publications and patents. 

Closed-door sessions offer an exclusive space for candid, off-the-record discussions. Connect with peers, share insights, and tackle the industry’s toughest challenges. Designed for executives shaping the future of the sector:  

• Where Smart Capital Meets Science: Investing In The Next Wave Of Drug Discovery Innovation 

   

• The Real Impact Of AI On Drug Discovery Workflows 

   

• Partnerships, Platforms Or Acquisitions: What Is The Winning Model For Brain Health Innovation? 

Join senior leaders for candid, high-impact discussions shaping the future of drug discovery. Explore cross-sector partnerships, AI-driven strategies, and value-focused IP portfolios, all with practical takeaways. Moderated by industry experts, these sessions are your chance to connect, debate, and influence tomorrow’s breakthroughs:

• Fostering Cross-Sector Partnerships To Accelerate Drug Discovery 
  

• Strategies for Building a Forward-Looking, Value-Driven IP Portfolio