Drug Discovery & Development Symposium
Washtenaw Community College | Morris Lawrence Bldg.
4800 East Huron River DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48105
Advancing Innovation. Connecting Michigan’s Biosciences Community.
The Drug Discovery & Development Symposium brings together faculty, students, bio-industry professionals, and contract research organizations (CROs) for a day of learning, networking, and collaboration. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with Michigan’s life sciences community, explore academic drug discovery efforts, and discover new avenues for partnership.
Why Attend?
This robust program offers something for everyone:
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Inspiring Keynotes & Panels – Gain insights from thought leaders tackling today’s biggest challenges in drug discovery and development.
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Research Presentations & Posters – Explore groundbreaking science and innovative projects from across Michigan.
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Exhibits & Innovation Showcase – Connect with organizations advancing the latest technologies and solutions.
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Networking Receptions – Build meaningful connections that spark future collaborations.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, connect with like-minded professionals, or discover new opportunities, this symposium puts you at the forefront of Michigan’s biosciences ecosystem.
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for anyone invested in advancing drug discovery and development, including:
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Faculty, researchers, and students from Michigan’s leading universities
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Bio-industry professionals and CRO representatives
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Entrepreneurs, innovators, and members of the biosciences community
If you’re eager to explore the latest innovations, collaborate across sectors, or grow your professional network, you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event.
Agenda
| May 11 | |
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Networking Breakfast Continental Breakfast + Networking + Sponsors and Exhibitors |
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | The Evolving State of Drug Discovery: Redefining Development Models This session brings together industry leaders to explore how drug discovery is being reimagined amid rapid scientific, technological, and market shifts. Panelists will examine breakthroughs in digital innovation, cross-sector collaboration, regulatory changes, and evolving business strategies—focusing on how these forces converge to transform therapy discovery, development, and delivery to accelerate patient impact. |
| 9:35 AM - 10:30 AM | Innovations in Drug Discovery and Development Hear about exciting new scientific breakthroughs and technology advances in drug discovery and therapeutics development from Michigan academic and industry researchers. |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM |
Networking Break
Coffee + Networking + Innovator Hot Pitches + Sponsors and Exhibitors Get a front-row seat to the future of biotechnology at Innovator Hot Pitches. Michigan’s early-stage startups will deliver rapid-fire pitches showcasing breakthrough products, bold technologies, and transformative ideas. Discover the next wave of biopharma and research innovators, spark dialogue, and connect with visionary entrepreneurs driving the future of healthcare and patient outcomes. |
| 11:00 AM - 11:55 AM | AI and the Future of Drug Discovery: Revolutionizing the Path from Target to Therapeutic Discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of drug discovery—from initial target identification through preclinical development to the clinic and patient. |
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Lunch + Plenary Keynote Speaker + Poster Session + Exhibitors
Lunch + Networking + Innovator Hot Pitches + Poster Session + Sponsors and Exhibitors Get a front-row seat to the future of biotechnology at Innovator Hot Pitches. Michigan’s early-stage startups will deliver rapid-fire pitches showcasing breakthrough products, bold technologies, and transformative ideas. Discover the next wave of biopharma and research innovators, spark dialogue, and connect with visionary entrepreneurs driving the future of healthcare and patient outcomes. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM | T1-INNOVATION—Translating Innovation to Market: From Bench to Business The challenges and opportunities in translating groundbreaking research into successful commercial products, with a focus on entrepreneurship, and scaling biotech ventures. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM | T2-DRUG DEVELOPMENT—Investigational New Drug (IND) Applications – Types, Requirements and Opportunities This session will review the different types and essential components of INDs, regulatory requirements for submission, approval process, critical steps in planning and executing successful INDs, and the strategic opportunities that arise at this stage of the drug discovery and development pathway. |
| 2:15 PM - 2:55 PM | T1-INNOVATION—Navigating Current Funding Models for Drug Discovery and Development This session will explore strategies for securing funding in a rapidly changing research environment that can sustain and accelerate commercialization. Experts will discuss funding sources including governmental programs, partnerships with strategics, and philanthropic collaborations. |
| 2:15 PM - 2:55 PM | T2-DRUG DEVELOPMENT—Revolutionizing Drug Development: Emerging Trends in Clinical Trials and Regulation This session will explore how evolving FDA regulations and innovative approaches are reshaping the landscape of clinical trials and drug development. Discussion will highlight how new models, technologies, and regulatory frameworks are accelerating development timelines, enhancing patient engagement, ensuring data integrity, and driving more efficient and flexible trial designs. |
| 2:55 PM - 3:25 PM |
Networking Break
Coffee + Networking + Innovator Hot Pitches + Sponsors and Exhibitors Get a front-row seat to the future of biotechnology at Innovator Hot Pitches. Michigan’s early-stage startups will deliver rapid-fire pitches showcasing breakthrough products, bold technologies, and transformative ideas. Discover the next wave of biopharma and research innovators, spark dialogue, and connect with visionary entrepreneurs driving the future of healthcare and patient outcomes. |
| 3:25 PM - 4:10 PM | Radiopharmaceuticals: The Next Frontier in Disease Treatment Explore the explosive growth of radiopharmaceuticals and their transformative potential in diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular conditions. This session will delve into the latest advancements, industry trends, and the challenges of scaling up production and deployment for clinical use, showcasing how this emerging field is revolutionizing modern medicine. |
| 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM | How the Regulatory and Legislative Policy is Reshaping Drug Discovery and Development A session covering the latest legislative developments at the state and federal levels that are impacting how therapies are discovered, developed and brought to market. Topics will include policies related to funding of research and commercialization, FDA and business regulations,and legislation affecting rare diseases, biopharma business models, use of animals in research, and more. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Networking Reception and Poster Session Appetizers + Networking + Posters + Sponsors and Exhibitors |
CONNECT AND INSPIRE MICHIGAN'S BIOSCIENCES COMMUNITY
Spotlight your brand among top researchers, bio-industry professionals, and decision-makers at The Cutting Edge/Drug Discovery & Development Symposium. This event is held biennially and highlights the path from therapeutic discovery to commercialization and features keynote speakers, panel discussions, poster sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Sponsorship or advertising offers unparalleled visibility and connects you with the University Research Corridor and the state’s thriving bioindustry. Don’t miss your chance to stand out in this influential community—partner with us today!
Questions on sponsorship, exhibitor or marketing opportunities, please email Emily Brockman or Jamie Krajny.
Presented By:
Sponsors:
