March 14, 2025
The 2025 CDD Basel Science Community Meeting brought together researchers, industry experts, and thought leaders to discuss the latest advancements in drug discovery, data management, and collaborative research. Held in the heart of Europe’s life sciences hub, the event fostered both insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities in a welcoming and open atmosphere.
“Thanks for this very nice and very interesting event. Everything was great—from the venue to the food and, of course, the speakers. The post-event meal was a great opportunity to connect with other participants and have more meaningful conversations.”
— Colin Bournez, PhD, Computational Chemist
Key Highlights from the Event
This year’s meeting featured engaging discussions on scientific data management, real-world applications of FAIR data principles, and the increasing role of AI and machine learning in drug discovery. Attendees shared practical insights on tackling data integration challenges and improving workflows to accelerate research.
The exchange of real-world experiences helped bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation.
Beyond the formal sessions, the sense of community was a major highlight. The event encouraged open conversations, making it easy for attendees to connect and share ideas.
The lunchtime networking was especially well received, providing a relaxed setting for discussions and new collaborations. Many participants noted that these informal interactions were just as valuable as the presentations, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in scientific progress.
Notable Speakers & Sessions
The event featured an exceptional lineup of speakers who shared insights on topics in life sciences. Highlights included:
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Dr. Frank Hoonakker (Novalix) on setting up CDD Vault in a rich and constrained software environment.
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Charlie Weatherall (CDD) presenting an overview of CDD Vault.
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Dr. Daniel Domine (WegaIT) discussing the transition from a blank page to an integrated and FAIR research data and system landscape.
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Dr. Ben Allen (MoA Technology) on CDD Vault as the backbone of data infrastructure at MoA.
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James Halle (Optibrium) sharing insights on enabling change in drug discovery.
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Dr. Oliv Eidam (CADD Consulting GmbH) on leveraging free AI and machine learning resources for drug optimization.
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Dr. Christoph Sager (leadXpro) on unlocking structure-based drug discovery together.
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Dr. Thomas Sander (Alipheron) highlighting advanced open-source cheminformatics with DataWarrior.
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Dr. Susana Tomasio (CDD) presenting updates on the CDD Vault Deep Learning AI module and curves.
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Dr. Dario Gioia (AXXAM) discussing enhancements in data management and client access with CDD Vault.
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Dr. Simon Dawson (Cresset) on integrating Torx as a collaborative molecule design workbench.
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Dr. Qiqun (Sophia) Zeng (Opna Bio) on the discovery of novel inhibitors targeting FMRP-mediated immunosuppression in cancer.
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Dr. Antima Gupta (CDD) providing updates on CDD Vault for biologics.
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Kellan Gregory (CDD) outlining the future roadmap of CDD Vault.
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Dr. Yaroslav Nikolaev (InterAx Biotech) on mathematical biology models for accelerating drug discovery DMTA cycles.
These sessions equipped attendees with actionable strategies and new perspectives on managing complex scientific data. A huge thank you to all our speakers for their valuable contributions.
Attendee Engagement & Key Takeaways
The interactive format of the meeting encouraged active participation, with attendees engaging in discussions about how digital transformation is shaping modern drug discovery. Networking opportunities allowed researchers and industry professionals to exchange ideas, explore potential collaborations, and share real-world applications of CDD Vault.
A recurring theme from the discussions was the importance of centralized, accessible, and structured data to drive innovation. Many attendees expressed enthusiasm about implementing new approaches in their workflows, reinforcing the value of collaborative platforms like CDD Vault in streamlining research efforts.
Looking Ahead
We are grateful to everyone who joined us for the 2025 CDD Basel Science Community Meeting and contributed to such an engaging and insightful event. Your participation and discussions continue to shape the future of collaborative drug discovery.
If you missed this event or would like to continue the conversation, stay tuned for details on our upcoming CDD Science Community Meetings in Canada and Boston (announcements coming soon). We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering!
If you'd like to dive deeper into any of the topics discussed or have questions about future events, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us at info@collaborativedrug.com to schedule a discussion or learn more about upcoming opportunities in 2025 and Beyond.