The Protein Sciences in Drug Discovery 2026 conference, a collaborative venture between ELRIG and The Protein Society, will take place at GSK Stevenage from November 10–11, 2026, featuring prominent keynote speakers including Prof Dame Carol Robinson, Dr Andrew Doré, and Prof Paula Booth.
Keynote Lineup at GSK Stevenage
ELRIG, a volunteer-led drug discovery community, and The Protein Society announced their keynote roster for the upcoming 2026 event. The free-to-attend conference brings together scientists from academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and contract research organizations (CROs) to evaluate structural biology and modern drug discovery.
The scientific program is structured around four primary themes. Attendees will examine artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in protein science, investigate challenging targets and macromolecular complexes, review antibody and alternative biologic developability alongside quality control, and address production bottlenecks linked to non-standard binding proteins.
Prof Dame Carol Robinson DBE FRS FMedSci FRSC, Director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery at the University of Oxford, opens the first day with a presentation titled “Cell Surface Receptors and Transporters; Insights From Native MS.” Robinson is widely recognized for establishing mass spectrometry as a viable methodology for studying protein complexes and founded OMass Therapeutics.
Following Robinson, Dr Andrew Doré, Head of Structural Biology at Isomorphic Labs, will present “Engineering the Future of Drug Discovery: Isomorphic Labs’ AI-First Approach.” Doré previously led structural biology teams at Heptares Therapeutics and CHARM Therapeutics, delivering multiple GPCR structures and advancing 14 drug candidates into clinical evaluation.
Prof Paula Booth, Daniell Chair of Chemistry at King’s College London and leader of a Satellite Group at the Francis Crick Institute, will deliver the closing keynote on the final day. Her presentation, “Membrane Protein Tool-kit: Co-translational Folding in Native Lipid Environments,” highlights the biosynthetic folding of integral membrane proteins.
| Keynote Speaker | Affiliation | Presentation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Prof Dame Carol Robinson | University of Oxford / Kavli Institute | Native Mass Spectrometry on Cell Surface Receptors |
| Dr Andrew Doré | Isomorphic Labs | AI-First Structural Biology and Precision Medicine |
| Prof Paula Booth | King’s College London / Francis Crick Institute | Co-translational Folding in Native Lipid Environments |
International Collaboration Supports Researchers at Every Career Stage
Del Trezise, Chair of ELRIG, noted that the caliber of the keynote speakers reflects the overall strength of the program. Dr Sam Barrell and Prof Heather Pinkett of Northwestern University, representing The Protein Society, said international collaboration across disciplines and support for researchers at every career stage are essential.
In addition to scientific sessions and networking opportunities, the conference features an exhibition hall showcasing technology and service providers. Early Career Professionals presenting posters will be eligible for a dedicated award designed to highlight contributions from the next generation of researchers entering the drug discovery pipeline.
Paula Booth Brings Membrane Protein Folding to Drug Discovery
Prof Paula Booth highlighted the broader translational gap, stating: “I’m delighted to participate in Protein Sciences in Drug Discovery 2026, and to have the chance to bring membrane protein folding – a critical but often overlooked process – into prevailing drug discovery conversations.”
References
- ELRIG and The Protein Society.
