ELRIG announces keynote speakers for Research & Innovation 2025

The European Laboratory Research & Innovation Group (ELRIG) has announced the keynote speakers for Research & Innovation 2025: Dr Jue Wang, Research Scientist and Co-lead of the Protein Design Team at Google DeepMind, and Dr Robert Grundy, CEO of Intelligent OMICS. The event will explore how large molecules and big data are shaping drug discovery.

Taking place on 10-11 March at The Royal Society of Medicine, London, the free-to-attend conference will unite scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs across the drug discovery community. Key topics include proteins, RNA, cell and gene therapies, PROTACs, and the role of big data in target identification, biomarkers, and drug development.

The two-day event will feature: Big technology for big molecules – Advances in biotherapeutic drug discovery and development; Big molecules for big problems – The potential and challenges of large molecule therapies; Big data for big insights – AI and big data’s role in tackling complex diseases.

The conference will also host poster presentations, networking opportunities, and a vendor exhibition, including the ELRIG Breakthrough Zone for early-stage companies. Young companies and early-career professionals can apply for award opportunities.

Dr Jue Wang is a computational biologist specialising in protein engineering, deep learning, and synthetic biology. As Co-lead of the Protein Design Team at Google DeepMind, he develops AI tools for novel protein creation. Previously, he worked on deep learning for de novo protein design with Nobel Laureate Dr David Baker at the University of Washington. His keynote, ‘From rocks to picomolar binders: a short history of computational protein design in therapeutics’, will explore advancements in AI-driven protein engineering.

Dr Robert Grundy MBE has over 25 years of experience in pharma and biotech, including leadership roles at Schering-Plough, GSK, Cerebricon, and Almac Discovery. He is CEO of Intelligent OMICS, an AI-driven drug discovery company, and has advised government policy on science and technology. His keynote, ‘Exploiting big data to drive drug discovery through AI and collaboration’, will highlight the role of AI in accelerating innovation.

Roger Clark, ELRIG Conference Director and Head of High Throughput Screening at Charles River Laboratories, commented: “This year’s event promises an exciting program of emerging technologies and research, alongside networking and collaboration opportunities for scientists working at the intersection of big molecules and big data.”

Sarah Brockbank, ELRIG Conference Director and Strategy Leader for Complex Medicines at Medicines Discovery Catapult, added: “We are delighted to welcome Drs Wang and Grundy to Research & Innovation 2025. Their insights will be invaluable in driving forward discussions on AI, big molecules, and innovation in drug discovery.”

Dr Jue Wang expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “ELRIG provides a fantastic platform for connecting with innovators dedicated to advancing AI, big molecules, and data-driven research.”

Dr Robert Grundy added: “I’m thrilled to speak at this year’s conference and engage with scientists from pharma, biotech, and academia.” 

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