Finnish Drug Discovery Center Roadshow 2026 visiting UEF

Finland produces world-class biomedical research – much of it with real potential to become new treatments. We are here to help researchers take that next step.

This on-site event is open to all interested participants. Please note that advance registration is required.

What is the Roadshow? 

Finnish Drug Discovery Center (FDDC) is visiting University of Eastern Finland (UEF) to meet researchers and research groups with drug discovery potential. Whether you have a promising target, an early or later stage idea, or simply want to explore what drug development could look like – we'd love to hear from you.

FDDC offers scientific and financial support to help translate academic research into viable drug development projects. No strings attached, just a conversation. 
 

Who should attend? 

Researchers, research group leaders, and anyone working on biomedical projects that might have drug discovery potential. You don't need a finished business case – just an idea worth exploring. 

What the Roadshow will offer? 

The Roadshow will begin with morning coffee, followed by presentations on FDDC’s drug discovery support activities, UEF-FDDC collaboration opportunities, researcher perspectives, and university services supporting research commercialization and collaboration. The programme also includes insights into funding pathways for research ideas, along with opportunities for discussion and networking. After a self-funded lunch, researchers will have the opportunity to participate in pre-booked 30-minute one-to-one meetings with FDDC experts to discuss research ideas, collaboration opportunities, and drug discovery-related topics. 
 

Programme

08:30-09:00 Networking: Breakfast, Coffee and Refreshments,
Hosted by the Finnish Drug Discovery Center (FDDC)

09:00-09:10 Welcome and Opening Remarks,
Markus Forsberg, Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland

09:10-09:30 Introduction to Finnish Drug Discovery Center (FDDC): “How We Support Drug Discovery”,
Maarit Merla, CEO, FDDC

09:30-09:45 Insights from UEF-FDDC Collaboration,
Antti Poso, Professor, School of Pharmacy, UEF

09:45-10:00 Researcher Experiences,
Anna-Liisa Levonen-Harju, Professor, A.I. Virtanen Institute, UEF

10:00-10:15 Researcher Experiences,
Tatu Pantsar, Academy Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, UEF

Panel Discussion: “New Models for Partnership”, moderated by FDDC
10:15-10:30 Key Perspectives
Finnish Drug Discovery Center: Julia Lindqvist, Director, Target Science & Maarit Merla, CEO
UEF Legal Services: Annamari Turunen, Legal Counsel, General Administration and Legal Affairs
UEF Innovation Services: Matti Höytö, Senior Innovation Specialist, Research and Innovation Services

10:30-11:00 Panel Discussion including Audience Q&A
Panelists: Markus Forsberg, Antti Poso, Anna-Liisa Levonen-Harju, Tatu Pantsar, Minna Hendolin (Director of Impact, UEF) and FDDC experts. Participants are warmly invited to ask questions and join the discussion.

11:00-12:00 Networking Lunch (Self-funded)

12:00-16:00 One-to-One Meetings with FDDC Experts (pre-booked, 30-minute sessions). FDDC experts: Julia Lindqvist, Patrik Holm & Marcin Chrusciel. 

Registration

Registration is open until 9 November. Researchers selected for one-to-one meetings will receive confirmation of their meeting slot by 11 November.

Further information

For further information, please contact Anna Karjalainen, Research and Innovation Manager, Faculty of Health Sciences, email [email protected].