Drug Discovery & Development Symposium
Washtenaw Community College | Morris Lawrence Building
4800 East Huron River DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48105
United States
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.
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Academic - Nonmember - Early Bird
Registration Ends 9/24/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$129.00 |
|
Industry - Nonmember - Early Bird
Registration Ends 9/24/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$299.00 |
|
Student - Nonmember - Early Bird
Registration Ends 9/24/25 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$39.00 |
|
Academic - Nonmember - Regular Registration
Registration Opens 9/25/25 at 12:00 AM EDT
|
$149.00 |
|
Industry - Nonmember - Regular Registration
Registration Opens 9/25/25 at 12:00 AM EDT
|
$349.00 |
|
Student - Nonmember - Regular Registration
Registration Opens 9/25/25 at 12:00 AM EDT
|
$49.00 |
|
Academic - Nonmember - Late Registration
Registration Opens 10/15/25 at 12:00 AM EDT
|
$179.00 |
|
Industry - Nonmember - Late Registration
Registration Opens 10/15/25 at 12:00 AM EDT
|
$399.00 |
|
Student - Nonmember - Late Registration
Registration Opens 10/15/25 at 12:00 AM EDT
|
$59.00 |
Agenda
| October 20 | |
| 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 + Hot Pitches + Sponsors and Exhibitors |
| 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 + Plenary Keynote Speaker + Poster Session + Sponsors and Exhibitors |
| 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: The Digital Disruption of Clinical Trials This session will explore the transformative impact of digital trends and technologies on clinical trials are reshaping drug development and accelerating timelines, improving patient engagement, and enhancing data accuracy. |
| 2:55 PM - 3:25 PM | Networking Break Coffee + Networking + Hot Pitches + Sponsors and Exhibitors |
| 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 regulatory and legislative developments that are changing how therapies are discovery, developed and brought to market. Topics will include changes in FDA and business regulations, funding for research and commercialization, and legislation affecting rare diseases, clinical trials and more. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Networking Reception and Poster Session Appetizers + Networking + Posters + Sponsors and Exhibitors |
