The Preclinical Form and Formulation for Drug Discovery GRS provides a unique forum for young doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to present their work, discuss new methods, cutting edge ideas, and pre-published data, as well as to build collaborative relationships with their peers. Experienced mentors and trainee moderators will facilitate active participation in scientific discussion to allow all attendees to be engaged participants rather than spectators.
This year’s theme, Molecular Foundations and Emerging Strategies of Preclinical Formulation, emphasizes the continuum from fundamental principles at the molecular level to how these insights shape formulation performance. Participants will have opportunities to discuss research spanning synthetic molecules, biologics, new modalities, and mechanistic and computational tools that deepen our molecular understanding of drug formulations. The GRS will additionally highlight innovative and translational formulation strategies beyond the molecular scale, including but not limited to novel excipients, enabling technologies, advanced processing methods, computational and AI-informed tools, and next-generation delivery platforms.
Held immediately prior to the GRC, the GRS fosters scientific growth and networking among early-career researchers, preparing for deeper engagement in the full GRC, themed "Formulation at Interfaces of Discovery: AI-Native Design, Barrier Biology, and Emerging Modalities."
Session 1: Molecular Foundations of Preclinical Drug Formulation and Delivery. The molecular mechanisms underlying drug product performance inform rationale formulation design and drive development of novel drug delivery strategies, accelerating product pipelines and bringing patients more effective medicines. This session will feature work from selected registrants on the molecular foundations, mechanisms, and basic physicochemical principles that form the basis of formulation design and drug delivery.
Session 2: Innovations and Emerging Strategies in Formulation Development. Advances in digital tools, manufacturing strategies, and the rapid expansion of new therapeutic modalities are reshaping formulation science, creating both new opportunities and new challenges for efficient and adaptive drug development. This session will highlight novel formulations designs, innovations in preclinical manufacturing and processing, and the application of data-driven approaches to drug product design, as presented by selected registrants.
Application Instructions
The seminar will feature approximately 10 talks and 2 poster sessions. All attendees are expected to actively participate in the GRS, either by giving an oral presentation or presenting a poster. Therefore, all applications must include an abstract.
The seminar chair will select speakers from abstracts submitted by March 14, 2027. Those applicants who are not chosen for talks and those who apply after the deadline to be considered for an oral presentation will be expected to present a poster. In order to participate, you must submit an application by the date indicated in the Application Information section above.
Program Format
Gordon Research Seminars are 2-day meetings which take place on the Saturday and Sunday just prior to the start of the associated GRC. The GRS opens with a 1-hour introductory session on Saturday afternoon, followed by a poster session, dinner and a 2-hour session in the evening. Sunday morning begins with breakfast and is followed by another 2-hour session, a second poster session, and lunch. A final 1-hour session takes place just after lunch, and the associated GRC begins later that evening.
