The value and reliability of scientific data in biology and translational science is determined by the quality of chemical tools and their appropriate use. Well-characterised, selective small molecules are essential for understanding the cellular functions of proteins and validating them as drug targets. Conversely, the use of poorly evaluated molecules or the biased interpretation of data generated with promiscuous substances leads to pollution of the literature with unsubstantiated claims.

The ELRIG Drug Discovery in Germany forum will focus on data quality generated with small molecules and present best practices and guidelines for the use, availability and characterisation of these tools using state-of-the-art methods. We will highlight examples with both traditional inhibitors and novel chemical modalities, such as PROTACs. The meeting will bring together approaches from industry and academia, working together to improve the reproducibility and robustness of scientific data, thereby advancing target validation and our understanding of target biology.