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#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Bayer
DDIF
For the patients, we must do better.

18th Annual Drug Discovery to Development Innovation Leaders Summit 2025

The 18th Annual Drug Discovery to Development Innovation Forum 2025 (#DDIF) is an exclusive, invite-only gathering of up to 200 C-suite executives, visionary scientists, and strategic decision-makers shaping the next era of pharmaceutical innovation.

This is more than a conference- it’s a mission-critical forum for those leading the most high-risk, high-reward phase of therapeutic development. 

 

With billions in projected investment flowing into generative AI, explainable AI (XAI), biomarker-based discovery, and precision medicine, this summit focuses on the areas most poised for disruption and action.

Learn more: Request Draft Programme

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Bayer
#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Bayer
Learn more

Confirmed Speakers

Request Your Invitation

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Real Words, Real Leaders 

PAST SPEAKERS

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Laura Matz, Chief Scientific & Technology Officer at Merck #DDIF

Laura Matz

Chief Science & Technology Officer

Merck

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Richard Bickerton

Chief System

Scientist Exscientia

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Chris Gibson

Chris Gibson

CEO

Recursion

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Fred Manby

Fred Manby

CEO

Iambic Therapeutics

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Craig Johnstone

Craig Johnstone

Chief Operating Officer

Evotec

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Ashwini Ghogare

Head of AI and Automation for Drug Discovery

Merck

DDIF ATTENDEES

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Bayer

This is more than a conference 
It’s a mission-critical forum for those leading the most high-risk, high-reward phase of therapeutic development.

KEYNOTES & ADVISORY

“True impact doesn’t come from being seen. It comes from being heard—by the right people, at the right moment.”

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Laura Matz

Chief Science & Technology Officer at Merck Group

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Jose Duca

Global Head of Computer-Aided Drug Discovery at Novartis

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Nuno Prego Ramos

Founder & CEO of Valvian

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Petrina Kamya

VP & Global Head of AI Platforms at Insilico Medicine

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Werngard Czechtizky

Executive Director Head Medicinal Chemistry, Respiratory and Immunology at AstraZeneca

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Rudi Schmidt

Chief Operating Officer at Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi

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Louis Boon

CSO of JJP Biologics

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Uli Schmidt

Executive Director, Structural Chemistry at Gilead Sciences

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Franhofer_Merck_artificial_intelligence
2025 PROGRAMME SNAPSHOT

In an era of rising pressure, regulatory complexity and technological acceleration

this is where Science Meets Purpose - Because For The Patients, We Must Do Better

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Franhofer_Merck_artificial_intelligence_2025

KEY TOPICS

  • Generative AI & explainable AI (XAI) in drug discovery and trial design

  • Quantum-accelerated screening & biomarker-driven pipelines

  • AI/ML integration with genomics, protein prediction, and lab operations

  • Re-engineering Phase 3 success through adaptive, AI-informed trial models

  • Preparing for trade policy volatility with smarter R&D investment choices

  • Connecting CROs, digital partners, and sponsors in a shared purpose ecosystem

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Franhofer_Merck_artificial_intelligence_2025

INDUSTRY SECTORS

  • Biopharmaceutical and drug discovery companies

  • Clinical research organisations (CROs & IROs)

  • Genomics and personalised medicine firms

  • AI, ML, and data science platforms

  • Healthcare venture capital & investors

  • Government and regulatory agencies

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Franhofer_Merck_artificial_intelligence_2025

WHY ATTEND?

  • Navigate Phase 3 complexity with new tools and models

  • Explore the impact of XAI and generative AI in R&D

  • Learn how to integrate AI into drug development pipelines

  • Build strategic partnerships with CROs and tech leaders

  • Benchmark innovation strategies with global peers

  • Align purpose-driven leadership with patient-centric impact

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Franhofer_Merck_artificial_intelligence

Type of Job Titles Attending:

  • CEO

  • CSO

  • CTO

  • CIO

  • EVP/SVP/VP

  • Director

Type of Companies Attending:

  • Pharmaceutical Organizations

  • Pharma and Research Institutions

  • Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations

  • Government and Regulatory Agencies

  • Biotech Companies

  • Drug Discovery Solution Providers

  • Digital health and software providers

  • Logistics and supply chain companies

What’s at Stake

As global leaders face mounting trade tariffs, supply chain fragility, and regulatory divergence, the lab of the future is under pressure to deliver faster, smarter, and more securely. Meanwhile, the demand for AI-integrated discovery, real-time data transparency, and scalable clinical design continues to outpace infrastructure and internal readiness

In this new environment, Phase 3 trials have become risk epicenters, and innovation itself must be

de-risked through better alignment, explainability, and investment strategy

A panel discussion at #GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Bayer

WHY ATTEND

Engage in thought-provoking discussions on challenges and opportunities facing the drug discovery industry

Revolutionize R&D through AI & Machine Learning

In-Person only attendance of up to 200 decision-makers

Maximise your time by taking part in our exclusive pre-qualified one-to-one networking service

Hear exclusively from renowned leaders presenting on challenges when leveraging digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in your innovation cycle

Leveraging AI to unblock drug discovery, drug repurposing and target validation

Explore the latest advancements, breakthroughs, and innovative approaches in the quest for new drugs and therapies

Uncover novel therapeutics targets, drug candidates, and innovative approaches that can drive the development of life-changing treatments

Journey of a CXO - witness in person The Why? The journey and destination of some of the most inspirational CXO’s in the industry

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Franhofer_Merck

Why It Matters

We empower decision-makers to think boldly, act ethically, and lead with clarity - because the stakes have never been higher.

 

For the patients, we must do better.

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Bayer

WHY SPONSOR

  • Meet qualified C-level buyers and innovation leads

  • Position your solutions at the heart of decision-making

  • Align your brand with next-generation drug innovation

  • Engage in 1:1 meetings with high-value prospects

  • Drive commercial outcomes in a curated, focused environment

  • Showcase how your technology accelerates ethical innovation

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Bayer

SPONSOR BENEFITS

  • Speaking slots in high-impact spotlight sessions

  • Hosted private roundtables with senior delegates

  • Pre-qualified 1:1 partnering meetings

  • Premium visibility across digital and onsite branding

  • Deep engagement with R&D and commercial leaders

  • Access to real-world insights on strategic buying cycles

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Franhofer_Merck_artificial_intelligence

WHO ATTENDS?

  • Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

  • Head of R&D

  • Head of Drug Discovery

  • Translational Medicine

  • VP/Director of Computational Biology - Bioinformatics - Data Science

  • Head of Innovation - AI Strategy - Outsourcing - Integration - Digital Transformation

  • Business Development - Corporate Strategy Teams

THE NUMBERS

200+

Up to 200 decision-makers in person. Previous attendee demographics include 50% EMEA, 30% America and 20% ROW

20%

20% best-of-breed vendors supporting the drug discovery industry

06

Journey of CXO presentations. Six insightful, powerful and inspirational talks from CXOs in the industry

02

Exclusive in-person networking, over 2 days in Barcelona 2025

7+

Pre-scheduled and pre-qualified one-to-one meetings with delegates who can either influence or make a decision

90%

Over 90% of our attendance provided positive feedback. Please click here to see what our delegation has to say

#GBXevents The Annual Drug Discovery Innovation Forum #DDIF #BILS #CGTI #MEVO_Bayer
This is more than an industry event  - it’s a catalyst for executive alignment and bold leadership.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS 2025

PREVIOUS SPEAKERS

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