1-on-1 Networking

Connect with Attendees at Discovery on Target!

Discovery on Target offers a networking platform designed to help you make meaningful connections with fellow attendees—before and during the event

Take part in 1-on-1 Networking with an easy-to-navigate profile search, filter and scheduling platform
Search attendee profiles and connect via private messaging, onsite meeting requests, or video calls
Use our search and filter tools to identify participants with shared interests and goals
Browse our Sponsors & Exhibitors
Join the conversation on session pages using the chat feature

*Access to 1-on-1 Networking will be provided to registered conference participants one week prior to the event. Please watch for email updates from Discovery on Target to learn more.

Here are some on-site networking activities planned at DOT this year:

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22:

2:00 pm Brainstorming Session (In-Person Only)
This informal session will be led by the speakers, allowing participants to ask questions and exchange ideas around topics related to the symposium. To get the most out of this session, please come prepared to share your ideas and participate in collective problem solving.

2:45 pm Networking Refreshment Break
Join your colleagues for a cup of coffee or refreshments and make new connections

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23:

2:50 pm Breakout Discussions (In-Person Only)
In-Person Breakouts are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator, or facilitators, who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing. Please visit the Breakouts page on the conference website for a complete listing of topics and descriptions.

3:35 pm Grand Opening Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing and Best of Show Voting Begins
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Discovery on Target community, including leading service providers and poster presenters in our first Exhibit Hall break! Grab a cup of coffee or refreshment, vote for awards, and explore booths to fill the Game Card for a chance to win raffle prizes.

Fast Connections through Speed Networking! — Meet fellow attendees and spark meaningful connections in minutes. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet collaborators, mentors, or idea generators!

Poster Sessions | Beginning September 23
Meet with our poster presenters who are keen to share their recent findings and innovative technologies during the exhibit hall breaks.

Best of Show Poster Awards will recognize the most innovative and well-presented posters of the event. Get inspired and see who takes home the top honors! Winners will be announced during the morning break on September 24 and afternoon break on September 25.

6:05 pm Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Step Up to the Plate! Join us for a baseball-themed reception full of ballpark bites, cold drinks, and all-star networking with the DOT community. Don’t forget to play the Game Card and vote for our Best of Show Poster and Best of Show Exhibitor awards. It’s the perfect way to relax and connect while in Boston.
Feel free to wear your team jerseys, favorite vintage baseball tees, ball caps, sneakers - anything sporty & fun!

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24:

10:00 am Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
Start your morning with coffee, connections, and cutting-edge research! Vote for the Best of Show Poster and stay to celebrate the winner! Visit with industry-leading service providers, fill out the Game Card to win a raffle prize and vote for the People’s Choice Best of Show Exhibitor.

3:25 pm Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
Recharge during our refreshment break! Visit booths, view posters, connect with peers, and turn in your Game Cards for a chance to win a raffle prize.

4:15 pm Venture Capitalist Insights into Trends in Drug Discovery
Don’t miss this dynamic discussion with leading VCs and investors as they share thoughts on what they’re excited about in drug discovery, what they’re funding and how start-ups can stand out. Whether you're a founder, scientist, or investor, this is your front-row seat to understand where the money is going and why.

Panel Moderator:
Daniel A. Erlanson, PhD, Chief Innovation Officer, Frontier Medicines Corporation

Panelists:
Olga Danilchanka, PhD, Partner, MRL Ventures Fund
Chris De Savi, PhD, CSO Partner, Curie Bio
Jamie Kasuboski, PhD, Partner, Luma Group
Brendan Kelly, PhD, Principal, Lightstone Ventures
Devin Quinlan, PhD, Principal, Investment, MPM BioImpact Inc.
Blair Willette, PhD, Associate, KdT Ventures

5:15 pm Collaborative Conversation: Connecting the DOTs to Spark Change!
Join us for an hour of inspiring, informal discussions on how to forge connections and create impactful ecosystems that will help you think, act, and thrive. We have invited pharma, biotech, and academic leaders to share their stories and experiences and to discuss key learnings. Come and be part of the change — and the conversation.

Moderators:
Saudat Fadeyi, PhD, MBA, Head, Business Development & Strategy, Samyang Biopharm USA, Inc.
Sean Ekins, PhD, Founder & CEO, Collaborations Pharmaceuticals
Shruthi Bharadwaj, PhD, Program Leader, MIT
Raquel Mura, DPharm, Founder, RGM Life Sciences Consulting; former VP & Head R&D, Sanofi
Nisha Perez, PhD, VP Preclinical Development & Clinical Pharmacology, ROME Therapeutics

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25:

10:05 am Breakout Discussions (In-Person Only)
In-Person Breakouts are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator, or facilitators, who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing. Please visit the Breakouts page on the conference website for a complete listing of topics and descriptions.

10:50 am Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall (Best of Show Awards Announced)
Meet new collaborators, and network with clients, colleagues, and exhibitors. Make your vote count for the People’s Choice Best of Show Exhibitor award and plan to stay and cheer the winner!

Best of Show Awards 2025
Recognizing Exceptional Innovation in Technologies Used By Research Professionals

Attendees are encouraged to explore the novel technologies and solutions firsthand in the exhibit hall and vote for the People's Choice Award once the conference has begun.

1:35 pm Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall with Last Chance for Poster Viewing
Enjoy dessert and coffee during our final exhibit hall break. Did you connect with all the service providers and poster presenters? You never know what you missed! Stay till the end to maximize your time in the exhibit hall and to celebrate our Best of Show Poster award winner!