Building Momentum for Targeted Metal-Based Therapeutics and Diagnostics

The clinical successes of the platinum-based anticancer drugs, technetium-based radiopharmaceuticals, and gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents have boosted the interdisciplinary research area of metals in medicine, which is rapidly evolving and affording new highly effective and selective drug candidates with great translational potential. The main goal of the 2026 Metals in Medicine GRC is to showcase impactful discoveries in both basic and translational research, while fostering a cross-disciplinary supportive community of scientists and clinicians that provides a valuable training environment for the next generation of researchers. This conference aims to advance knowledge in the mode of action and use of metallodrugs to treat and diagnose human diseases. Sessions will highlight the latest findings on understanding the modes of action and activation of metal-based drugs, optimization of drug delivery strategies, the use of such compounds to treat neglected tropical diseases and cancer, radionuclide-based therapeutics and diagnostics, and inorganic chemistry-based imaging modalities. We have included a session on the clinical translation of metal-based drugs. In addition, this GRC will advance the knowledge on the effects of metal ions on human diseases with sessions on the latest advances in metal ion regulation and/or dysregulation in human disease, and in metalloneurochemistry. This GRC will provide a multidisciplinary, engaging, and supportive environment for idea exchanges between researchers at all professional development stages. Several program components are designed to feature early-career investigators.