Innovations in Drug Discovery (IDD) is an interdisciplinary faculty collaborative of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (PBS). Established in fall 2025, IDD works to partner with other drug discovery experts from the College of Pharmacy; other UGA colleges, schools, and units; along with external leaders in the field.
The IDD collaborative has a robust set of goals that define the objectives of their work:
- Develop and maintain a strategic vision of the IDD collaborative that will serve as a guiding force—now and in the future
- Foster strategic collaborations within the PBS department, the College of Pharmacy, the University of Georgia community, and external stakeholders that will catapult the notoriety and reputation of these partners in the field of drug discovery
- Mentor fellow faculty and trainees, supporting their growth in drug discovery
- Collectively pursue extramural funding to strengthen the research environment for drug discovery at the College of Pharmacy and UGA
- Organize seminars, workshops, and symposia to enhance scholarly exchange and expand the thinking of drug discovery
- Facilitate the translation of discoveries into therapeutic opportunities by creating and enhancing various partnerships
- Collaborate within the PBS department, the College, and beyond to develop initiatives that build research infrastructures and create shared resources to support faculty
The IDD Team
Members of the Innovations in Drug Discovery collaborative offer a unique depth of expertise in cancer biology, microbiology, aging biology, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and drug development. Specifically, IDD team members focus on drug discoveries in the areas of cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and aging. Members include:
Dr. Yaguang Xi, Department Head, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences; UGA Athletic Association Distinguished Professor in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. David Crich, IDD Co-Director; Georgia Research Alliance and David Chu Eminent Scholar in Drug Design; PBS Professor
Dr. Robert Huigens, IDD Co-Director; PBS Associate Professor
Dr. Eugene Douglass, PBS Assistant Professor
Dr. Lei Zhang, PBS Assistant Professor
Dr. Uma Singh, PBS Assistant Research Scientist and Lecturer
Dr. Bin Yi, PBS Associate Research Scientist
