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Where Big Attendance Meets Intimate Connections

Highlights of the Two-Day Event

15 - 16 June 2026
Estrel Congress Centre, Berlin, Germany


Step into the future of discovering & developing the next blockbuster drugs at Drug Discovery Europe 2026 - where groundbreaking science meets collaborative innovation. Featuring the below highlights, our aim is to accelerate breakthroughs and empower all our attendees to connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful progress in the field. 


Cross-Programme Highlights


DAY TWO

AI & Digitisation Zone

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


DAY ONE

Networking at the Heart of Discovery & Development Europe

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.


Keynote Addresses


DAY ONE

Opening Keynote Address

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.


DAY ONE

Opening Keynote Address

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.


DAY ONE

Opening Keynote Address

David Hallett
Chief Scientific Officer, Recursion

Dave Hallett is a seasoned drug hunter with 20+ years leading high-impact discovery teams. A medicinal chemist with a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester and postdoc at the University of Texas at Austin, he’s held senior roles at Evotec and Exscientia, including CSO and Interim CEO. He combines deep chemistry expertise with AI-driven strategies to accelerate transformative therapies and strategic pharma collaborations.


DAY ONE

Opening Keynote Address

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.


Other Highlights


DAY ONE & TWO

Closed-Door Discussions – Where Senior Leaders Speak Freely

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 

     

  • C-Level Think Tank Roundtables: Advancing Drug Discovery Strategy In The Age Of New Modalities 

     

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

DAY TWO

Roundtable Discussions – Shaping the Future of Drug Discovery

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


DAY ONE & TWO

Award Winning Speakers Onboard

With 150+ speakers representing large pharmaceutical companies, emerging biotechs & renowned academic institutions, we are proud to welcome over 45 award-winning experts across the 2 programmes:

Shadi Farhangrazi, Chief Executive Officer of S.M. Discovery Group, received the 2018 BioInnovation Award for her work in drug discovery
•  Christoph Rösli, Director of Research Bern at CSL Behring, received the 2021 Swiss Biotech Success Stories Award for his contributions to biotechnology research.
•  Vineeta Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer of Vitarka Therapeutics, received the 2019 Women in Bio Entrepreneurial Leadership Award for her work in biotech entrepreneurship
•  Stephen Pham, Senior Vice President at Avalyn Pharma, was awarded the 2019 Respiratory Innovation Award
•  Emma Mead, Chief Scientific Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, was honoured with the 2020 Alzheimer's Research UK Young Investigator of the Year Award for her work in neurodegenerative disease research.
•  Raul Rodriguez, Vice President at Woxsen University, received the 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his contributions to education in the biotech field.
•  Philip Hewitt, Global Head of Early Investigative Toxicology at Merck, was honoured with the Society of Toxicology's 2018 Achievement Award for his significant impact in toxicological research.

2025 Sponsors Include

Connect and Network

Experience an event that celebrates meaningful, one-on-one connections in a dynamic, bustling atmosphere. With Drug Discovery Europe 2026, enjoy a vibrant crowd with the warmth of personal interactions and curated experiences