The Medicinal Chemistry GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes an array of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
The 2026 Medicinal Chemistry Gordon Research Conference will feature talks on the cutting edge of the discipline that include new technologies, therapeutic modalities, and molecules advancing drug discovery. H. Rachel Lagiakos of Novartis is responsible for the scientific program; please see the planned topics and contact the Chairs if you would like to submit a talk proposal. A preliminary program of speakers will be posted in November 2025.
The conference will culminate with a “Late-Breaking Topics” session organized by Izzat Raheem of Merck &Co. This highly anticipated session comprises first disclosures of clinical candidates across therapeutic areas. Finally, the conference program will conclude on Thursday evening with the Keynote address organized by the Chair.
The conference is usually oversubscribed and those who submit high-quality poster applications are given priority admission. As such, we encourage the submission of poster abstracts by April 15, 2025, to facilitate the admissions process as there are a limited number of poster slots. We strongly encourage attendees to submit poster presentations on any aspect of Medicinal Chemistry as the poster sessions are an essential outlet for thoughtful discussion and interaction among the conferees. This year, the poster sessions will be organized by Meredeth McGowan of Moma Therapeutics. Prospective applicants are expected to share unpublished or undisclosed data, along with undisclosed chemical structures, within their poster presentations. We particularly encourage applications from those of diverse backgrounds and scientific perspectives. The 2025 Medicinal Chemistry GRC will continue a tradition of outstanding science presented in a relaxed atmosphere offering a variety of social activities. Vice Chair-Elect Amy Hart of Aleksia Therapeutics will organize social events for the week, including hikes up Mt. Kearsarge and Mt. Sunapee, cycling, frisbee golf, cruising Lake Sunapee, volleyball, softball, soccer, a golf scramble, and a charity fundraiser.
As we look forward to another amazing conference in 2026, on behalf of myself, the Vice Chair, and the Vice Chair-Elect, we welcome your application.
Solicitations are not welcomed.
Thank you for your interest in the Medicinal Chemistry GRC!
Emily Peterson, Novartis
Chair, 2026 Medicinal Chemistry GRC
