Important Deadlines 

Early Registration Deadline: December 28, 2026 

Scholarship Deadline: October 29, 2026 

Short Talk Abstract Deadline: October 29, 2026 

Poster Abstract Deadline: February 2, 2027 

Meeting Summary 

Title: Computational Drug Discovery: Tools Across the Translational Pipeline 

Date: February 22 - 25, 2027 
Location: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, AB, Canada  

Scientific Organizers: Aicha BenTaieb and Jakob Kather 

Keynote Speaker(s): James Zou, Stanford University 

Recent advances in generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and multimodal learning are redefining what's possible in drug discovery. Yet significant translational challenges remain—from accurately identifying new targets to predicting therapeutic efficacy and safety in diverse patient populations. This conference directly addresses the need to bridge these gaps by convening experts across machine learning, experimental biology, pharmacology, and clinical research to explore how computational tools can drive innovation across every stage of the drug development pipeline. 

This meeting will follow the arc of drug discovery, with each day dedicated to a different phase of translation: 
Day 1 covers drug design and preclinical development, featuring generative and simulation-based approaches for molecule design, pharmacokinetics, and dose optimization. 
Day 2 focuses on target discovery, highlighting computational models that decode molecular and cellular systems and validate perturbations using spatial, organoid, and real-world datasets. 
Day 3 centers on clinical and real-world translation, showcasing multimodal learning from EHRs and clinical trials, digital biomarker discovery, and agentic AI systems for future-ready R&D. 

Attendees will gain a clear, end-to-end view of how emerging computational methods are shifting traditional drug development paradigms—from iterative wet-lab cycles to predictive, simulation-driven pipelines. Through curated sessions, cross-disciplinary panels, and networking events, the program fosters collaboration between AI developers, biologists, translational scientists, and regulatory experts. 

Uniquely, this meeting spans the full translational continuum and is paired with the “Antibodies as Drugs” conference, enabling synergistic exchange between platform developers and computational toolmakers. This integrated format offers an unmatched opportunity to shape the next generation of AI-driven drug discovery. 

*This meeting will be held jointly with Antibodies as Drugs: Evolving Designs, Formats and Approaches 

View the program 

Join Options 

Attend in person, via livestream, or catch sessions on demand after the conclusion of the conference. 

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*Keystone Symposia Scholarships & Awards* 

Keystone Symposia offers discounted registration to students in undergraduate, M.S., Ph.D., or M.D. programs, providing access to the latest scientific advances, technologies, and approaches to further research and careers.  

In addition, several financial aid opportunities are also available to support attendance at its scientific meetings: 

• Student and Postdoctoral Scholarships provide up to $1,200 to help defray travel, lodging, registration, and related costs when presenting a poster at an in-person conference. Awards are competitive, based on the abstract’s scientific quality and relevance, and you must apply by the individual scholarship deadline for the desired meeting (abstract + mentor letter required).   

• Early-Career Travel Awards (ECITAs) support early-career investigators with funding to attend meetings; these also require application by the posted deadline for each conference.  

• Global Health Travel Awards (GHTAs) provide financial aid for scientists, clinicians, fellows, and students from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to participate in select Keystone Symposia meetings, especially those focused on global health topics. These awards may cover registration, lodging, airfare, and ground transportation, and applications are submitted through the Financial Aid Portal by the listed meeting deadlines. Learn which meetings have in-person GHTAs available: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/financial-aid/global-health-awards/ghta-listing 

For details on eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply for financial aid, visit: https://www.keystonesymposia.org/financial-aid.