In biotech, the conversations that matter don’t always happen in the lab.
An upcoming networking event will bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals for an evening of discussion, insight, and connection at Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs.
Hosted by Collaborative Drug Discovery, “Data & Drinks — Biotechs: Insights and Lessons Learned” is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs campus.
The program combines a panel discussion with informal networking over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, offering attendees a chance to exchange ideas in a more relaxed setting.
The event is designed to address some of the most pressing questions facing biotech startups and researchers today, including how to navigate the current funding environment, what challenges exist in modern research, and how artificial intelligence is shaping drug discovery.
Panelists include Andy Cole, of Arbutus Biopharma; Melissa Dumble of Eikon Therapeutics; and Sandip Patel of BIOVERIC Pharmaceuticals. The discussion will be moderated by Romyr Dominique, director of medicinal chemistry at TB Alliance.
Cole is vice president of chemistry at Arbutus Biopharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus infection. His work centers on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery efforts targeting viral diseases.
Dumble is vice president of pharmacology at Eikon Therapeutics, a California-based biotech company focused on using advanced imaging and molecular tracking technologies to develop new medicines. Her role focuses on translating biological insights into therapeutic development.
Patel is founder and CEO of BIOVERIC Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on developing therapies targeting immune and inflammatory diseases. As a founder, Patel leads the company’s scientific and strategic direction.
Dominique is director of medicinal chemistry at the TB Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery and development of better, faster-acting tuberculosis treatments. His work focuses on advancing drug candidates through the development pipeline.
The format reflects a broader shift in how professionals connect within the life sciences industry. Rather than relying solely on formal conferences or structured presentations, smaller, experience-driven events are becoming more common—giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with peers while also gaining practical insight.
That approach is particularly relevant in biotech, where collaboration and knowledge-sharing can play a critical role in moving ideas from early-stage research to commercial development. Events like Data & Drinks create a space where those conversations can happen organically, often leading to new partnerships or perspectives.
Collaborative Drug Discovery, which is organizing the event, provides CDD Vault, a web-based platform for managing and analyzing chemical and biological data. The system is designed to support collaboration among researchers by enabling secure data sharing and streamlined workflows across organizations.
The setting for the event is equally significant. Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs serves as an incubator for technology and life science startups, offering shared lab space and access to equipment that can help early-stage companies grow while managing costs.
Founded by Princeton University in 2018, the center has become a hub for emerging biotech companies in the region.
By bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals in that environment, the event aims to bridge the gap between research and business strategy
. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from leaders in the field about lessons learned, while also connecting with others navigating similar challenges.
The informal structure—pairing discussion with networking—also reflects how professional interaction is evolving more broadly. Increasingly, business connections are formed not just through formal presentations, but through shared experiences that encourage conversation and collaboration.
For those working in or entering the biotech field, the event offers both practical insight and access to a local network of professionals. Whether attendees are looking to better understand funding strategies, explore partnerships, or simply meet others in the industry, the program is designed to provide multiple points of entry.
The events will beheld in the seminar room at Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs. Advance registration is required.
Romyr Dominique, director of medicinal chemistry at TB Alliance, is the moderator for "Data & Drinks — Biotechs: Insights and Lessons Learned” on Thursday, April 16, at the Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs campus.,
Melissa Dumble of Eikon Therapeutics is a panelist for “Data & Drinks — Biotechs: Insights and Lessons Learned,” Thursday, April 16, at the Princeton Innovation Center BioLabs campus.,
