Propose a BPS event

Event topics should be at the cutting-edge of research and present a broad overview across the drug discovery pathway (i.e., pre-clinical, clinical and industrial perspectives) and have wide appeal to both BPS members (pre-clinical, clinical and industrial scientists) and non-members. Some examples of topics that we would particularly welcome proposals on are:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) in:
  • drug discovery
  • clinical pharmacology
  • drug re-purposing
  • drug interactions  
• New drug modalities e.g.:
  • gene therapy  
  • RNA
  • antibody
  • PROTACs
• New approaches to mental health disorders  
• Sustainable medicines and climate emergency

Events can be a focused meeting, webinar or training workshop. They can be held in-person, fully online or hybrid (both in-person and online). Any final decision on how an event will be delivered will be made by the BPS Meetings Committee.

It is expected that the proposer(s) of an event will commit to assume the role of Chair of the Meeting and work closely with the BPS Events Team to deliver the event. View our guidance for what is involved in this role. Meeting Chairs are also expected to adhere to the Society’s Code of Conduct for Members and Code of Conduct for Events.

For in-person events, the BPS Events Team will work with you to identify a suitable venue. Considerations include cost of hire, transport connections, and the strength of the local scientific community (i.e. proximity to an academic institution and/or industrial laboratories) to maximise attendance.

When preparing a proposal, you should consider the following questions:

• Is the topic novel, cutting edge, of broad appeal and likely to attract a good-sized audience?
• Is there potential for incorporating open oral sessions for early career researchers (ECRs) to broaden the scope of the event and facilitate wider engagement?
• Is there potential for incorporating a training event as part of the meeting (before, during or after)? If so, can you suggest the topic?
• Is there potential to submit a perspective and breaking research articles for rapid publication in one of the BPS journals?
• Can you identify individuals who would form a Scientific Committee to oversee the programme?
• Can you suggest organisations that may sponsor or pay to exhibit at the meeting? (The BPS Events team can help with identifying potential sponsors and negotiating agreements.)
• Think about the date and time of the meeting to ensure your target audience can attend. E.g. should it fall within breaks between the academic calendar (i.e., between semesters) allowing academic staff and ECRs to attend? Does the proposed date clash with any other events in this or a related discipline?
• Can you promote the event to those outside the BPS using your academic, clinical and/or industrial networks?