For the past few decades, drug development has been viewed as outside the mission of academic institutions. However, as technology becomes more accessible and as understanding of biological systems increases in its importance for drug discovery, it is now more likely that academic research will have substantial impact on the design of new therapeutics. In the past few years, many universities worldwide have established high-throughput screening cores to facilitate the discovery of small molecule research tools that might eventually be developed into therapeutics. This meeting will address topics important to those who oversee or participate in academic screening programs. There will be a particular emphasis on tools, technologies, and strategies relevant to drug discovery projects initiated in the academic setting.