Exhibit 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan and Employee Stock Purchase
Plan of Discovery Partners International, Inc., of our report dated January 25,
2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Discovery
Partners International, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 2001.



                                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP

San Diego, California
March 27, 2002