Conscience Symposium on Open Drug Discovery

At Conscience, we envision a world where every disease has a treatment, and those treatments are accessible and affordable for those who need them, while remaining sustainable for the organizations that create them.

In this future, robust, reliable, AI-powered computational tools help design and optimize drug candidates while researchers across industries and sectors collaborate openly, sharing the data, tools, and expertise required to accelerate progress.

The Conscience Symposium on Open Drug Discovery will bring together the visionaries, experts, and innovators making this future a reality.

Join us in Montreal on April 7 and 8, 2025, at the Society for Arts and Technology for two days of talks, panels, and workshops showcasing how openness is already driving the discovery of potential medicines and enabling their development. Together, we'll also explore the biggest challenges and unanswered questions that must be addressed to create a thriving open drug discovery ecosystem. Keep an eye on the 'Schedule' page for updates as we develop the detailed program.

Why Attend?

• Gain insights into cutting-edge approaches to open science, AI, and drug discovery.

• Network with leaders in academia, industry, and nonprofit sectors.

• Be part of the conversation shaping the future of open drug discovery, AI, and accessible medicine.

Register now to secure your spot at this exciting event!

Registration

We’re committed to making this event accessible to all. That’s why we’re offering:

• Significantly reduced registration fees for students and postdocs, made possible in part by the generous support of UCB. Thanks to UCB’s sponsorship, we’re able to keep costs low and ensure that the next generation of researchers can take part in these important discussions.

• Early bird discounts for all attendees—available until January 31, 2025.

Abstract submission and flash talks

Are you working on a project that involves open science, AI-assisted drug design, and/or drug discovery? Submit an abstract for the opportunity to present a three-minute flash talk at the symposium.

The flash talks will take place at the end of the first day of the symposium, just before the cocktail and networking reception. Each flash talk presenter will be assigned a numbered table at the reception, during which attendees can find and engage with presenters. Presenters are encouraged to bring handouts or a laptop/tablet to aid discussions (similar to a poster session, but without the posters!). A prize will be awarded to the best flash talk presenter during the closing remarks on the second day of the symposium.

Abstract submission will be open from January 15 to March 7, 2025. Please visit the Submission page for detailed instructions on how to apply.

Art exhibition in partnership with the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases

We’re proud to partner with the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases to showcase artwork at the symposium from the Rare Artist Program—a powerful initiative that gives individuals impacted by rare diseases a platform to share their stories through art. This exhibition will bring the voices of patients and caregivers into our event space, reminding us why we do what we do: because too many patients are left behind. Join us in experiencing these moving pieces and celebrating the creativity, resilience, and advocacy of the rare disease community.