25 years of domain expertise
Bridging the gap between scientific hypothesis and actionable leads.
The DesertSci mission
DesertSci is an independent, scientist-led organisation dedicated to removing the friction from drug discovery.
Founded in 2000 to solve the disconnect between complicated computational chemistry software and the daily needs of researchers, we have evolved into a global provider of high-performance bioinformatics and cheminformatics solutions.
Our mission is to empower multidisciplinary teams with agile, cutting-edge tools that make technology accessible to every researcher, from the lab bench to the server room.
Our mission is to empower multidisciplinary teams with agile, cutting-edge tools that make technology accessible to every researcher, from the lab bench to the server room.
By centralising fragmented data into a secure, searchable enterprise hub, we ensure that high-level innovation is a standard across your entire organisation.
Our vision for discovery
We envision a future where data-driven discovery is seamless and accessible, enabling organisations to achieve breakthroughs with higher efficacy and lower toxicity.
Over the next ten years, DesertSci will deepen its impact as a trusted partner to the world’s most innovative labs. We continue to scale our reach and our technology, ensuring our platform remains at the forefront of the breakthroughs that redefine modern medicine.
By enhancing predictive accuracy and accelerating workflows, we aim to bring safer, more impactful solutions to market faster for the benefit of people and the planet.
A foundation of expertise, a future of innovation
Guided by decades of industry experience and a shared commitment to scientific excellence.
Dr. Neil Taylor
Founder & Chief Scientist
As the architect behind DesertSci’s core proprietary algorithms, Neil brings over 30 years of experience in the med-chem software space. His belief that software should be a practical tool for discovery, rather than a barrier to it, remains the bedrock of our development philosophy. Today, Neil focuses on the long-term scientific roadmap, ensuring DesertSci’s tools continue to be shaped by real-world use cases and rigorous data.
Annabelle Kay
Director of Operational Excellence & Client Strategy
Annabelle leads the operational and strategic growth of DesertSci, ensuring the brand’s foundational mission is reflected in every user interaction and enterprise partnership. By bridging the gap between our development teams and global client requirements, she ensures that the Proasis enterprise system remains agile, secure, and perfectly aligned with the evolving needs of Big Pharma and Biotech.
The DesertSci team
Behind our platform is a small team of committed scientific experts. As a scientist-led organisation, our strength lies in our independence and ability to pivot, quickly meeting the latest research needs of the industry.
Our values
Built on credibility, sustained by science.
Scientific rigor
We prioritise accuracy and precision above all else, building on 25 years of proven capability and scientific knowledge.
Institutional agility
Our independence allows us to evolve our products in tandem with the latest breakthroughs in structural biology and machine learning.
Accessibility
We believe in breaking down the barrier between specialist silos, making complex data accessible to both specialists and non-specialists.
Ethical innovation
We are committed to creating tools that lead to safer outcomes, reduced failure rates, and smarter global health solutions.
Partners and collaborators
A collective of the world's brightest minds
DesertSci is built on the power of partnership. For over two decades, our software's evolution has been guided by continuous collaboration with the world’s foremost experts and research organisations.
Contact usGlobal collaboration
Our med-chem solutions are shaped by real-world use cases from users across the globe, from Big Pharma to innovative Biotech startups.
Our clients include:
Our clients include:
Johnson & Johnson
F. Hoffmann-La Roche
MSD
AbbVie Inc.
Novartis
Merck KGaA
Biogen
UCB
Eisai
Ipsen
Genentech
Revolution Medicines
Johnson & Johnson
F. Hoffmann-La Roche
MSD
AbbVie Inc.
Novartis
Merck KGaA
Biogen
UCB
Eisai
Ipsen
Genentech
Revolution Medicines
Frequently asked questions
Common questions related to our products, integration, and services.
Who is your company?
Desert Scientific Software Pty Ltd (DesertSci) is an Australian software company specialising in knowledge-based computational chemistry and structural bioinformatics software for early-stage drug discovery. Our flagship product, Proasis, is the industry-leading protein structure database and visualisation platform for structure-based drug discovery.
Where are you located?
DesertSci is based in Thornleigh, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
How long have you been in business?
DesertSci was founded in 2000 by Dr Neil Taylor and has been developing Proasis for structural biology and medicinal chemistry teams for 25 years.
Who are your typical customers?
Our customers are global pharmaceutical and biotech companies running structure-based drug discovery programs. Proasis is used by over 50% of the top 25 global pharmaceutical companies, with client relationships spanning North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
How do I contact sales?
You can reach our commercial team at info@desertsci.com or via the contact form on our website to arrange a conversation or demonstration.
