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July 2007 E-Newsletter of the
Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists
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Welcome
to the July issue of the ASCEPT eNewsletter. With Roselyn travelling this
month, I am filling her chair as newsletter editor. I will try and keep up to
her high standards, but if all else fails, she’ll be back in the editor’s seat
next month. Hopefully everyone who submitted NHMRC project grant applications
has come through relatively unscathed as we head into the new semester. ASCEPT
Council held their July face-to-face Council meeting at Melbourne airport on
July 6th. You will notice many news items this month as a result of this
meeting – more rewards for ASCEPT student prizes, ASCEPT support of the ASMR
professional development program, call for ASCEPT Life Member nominations,
Council nominations, call for Special Interest Group participation, etc. And
just to show you how busy we are, there will be a few more announcements in
forthcoming months. Important dates for your diaries are: Close of
abstracts for this years ASM (held in conjunction with SEAWP in Adelaide) 12
September 2007 and close of early bird registrations 31 October 2007. If anyone
would like to contribute anything to the eNews, please send it along to
Meetings First for consideration. And, as always, please don’t hesitate to
let us know when you have issues you would like raised at our Council
meetings. Happy
reading! Rebecca
Ritchie ASCEPT
Honorary Secretary |
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LIFE MEMBERSHIP
NOMINATIONS
You are invited to nominate a long-standing ASCEPT member for life membership
of the society. Life membership is awarded to recognise those ASCEPT members
who have contributed in a major way to the society and to Pharmacology in
Australia and New Zealand. Last year, ASCEPT awarded life membership to
Professor William Louis and Professor Stuart McLean. Nominations will be
reviewed by ASCEPT Council and presented to the membership for approval
(vote) at the AGM in December. Please note that a life member must be retired
or retiring at the end of the year in which they are being nominated. If you would like to nominate
someone would you please forward an email to the ASCEPT Secretariat ascept@meetingsfirst.com.au
with the candidates name and a short biography of the candidate? Closing date for Life member
nominations is 4 August 2007 |
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ASCEPT COUNCIL NOMINATIONS Its that time of year where
ASCEPT Council positions are up for nomination. At the end of 2007, 5 vacancies
are opening up on ASCEPT Council. The positions that are up for nomination
are Treasurer and 4 Councillors. We are now calling for
nominations for these 5 positions (4 Councillor positions and a Treasurer). Please
consider which of your colleagues you would like to nominate for these
positions; you may even encourage your colleagues to nominate yourself. You may download a nomination
form by clicking here
or by using this link http://www.ascept.org/images/Councilnominationform.pdf
Please forward all nominations
to the ASCEPT Secretariat. The deadline for nominations is
31 August 2007 |
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ASMR PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ASCEPT council are delighted to announce our sponsorship
of 10 ASCEPT members to attend the 2007 ASMR Professional Development Program,
designed to fill what is currently a gap in executive training for mid-career
Australian medical researchers, to be held in three major cities (see below): Melbourne
Monday 27
August Brisbane Wednesday 29 August Sydney
Thursday 30
August Don't worry -
members from other cities are still eligible to apply - ASCEPT will
contribute towards the airfare (50% of the standard economy fare at the time
of the workshop). Please note however that the program is only open to
those with 5 - 12 years continuous
experience since your PhD. Expressions of
interest are now sought for an ASCEPT-sponsored place in the ASMR
Professional Development Program. Please email your CV with a cover letter
that includes when your PhD was accepted by the University (not your
graduation date) and your current position to ascept@meetingsfirst.com.au
by 5pm Melbourne time Monday July 30th, 2007. Successful recipients of
ASCEPT sponsorship of this program will be notified by email Thursday August
2nd.
Rebecca Ritchie ASCEPT
Secretary
“The ASMR Professional Development Program is designed to
fill what is currently a gap in executive training for mid-career Australian
medical researchers. Ongoing professional training is not available to the
majority of medical researchers who while they may have excelled
scientifically, still need to develop the management skills that will enable
them to successfully run their own laboratories, attract funding and progress
in the National Health and Medical Research Council Fellowship scheme. This
program is aimed at assisting Australia's up and coming medical researchers
to achieve their full potential. Topics covered will include: ·
The Road to a Successful Career in Medical Research ·
Attracting Grants & Fellowships ·
How to Translate your Discovery into a Clinical Outcome ·
How to Run a Successful Research Group Medical researchers between
5-12 years postdoctoral are invited to participate.” Extract
from notice sent to ASCEPT from A/Prof Maria Kavallaris, ASMR President |
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EDUCATION WORKING PARTY REPORT The recognition of Education
in the President’s report at the last AGM and the well-attended Education workshop
organised by Harry Majewski has rekindled enthusiasm for education-based
initiatives within ASCEPT.
1)
a
submission to the Carrick Institute for a discipline-based initiative aimed
at surveying the discipline of Pharmacology across the nation and
establishing a Web-based network to enable the exchange of ideas and
materials by academics involved in Pharmacology teaching. 2) liaising with our SEAWP partners to
co-ordinate an Education workshop to be held during the December ASCEPT-SEAWP
meeting. The workshop will be focused on Problem-based learning and council
has offered support for one international speaker and a regional speaker to
participate. Please forward any suggestion for speakers and topics to me
(jamesz@unimelb.edu.au) for consideration. James Ziogas |
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GOOD NEWS FOR STUDENTS! ASCEPT
Council are delighted to announce the increased value of student prizes at
this year's annual scientific meeting to be held in Adelaide in December. The
ASCEPT Oral Prize (for the best student talk) and the Percy Prize (for the
best PhD student poster) are now each worth $1,000 in addition to a
certificate and the prestige of winning the award (looks great for the CV).
The Whelan prize (for the best Honours student poster) is now worth $500.
Note that your ASCEPT student membership application and payment of all
membership fees must have been received by Meetings First by the abstract
deadline to be eligible. This is a BIG increase in value compared with previous
years. So, students should sign up and submit abstracts, and supervisors
should encourage them to do so. We anticipate an excellent standard of
student presentations at this year's meeting, keeping up the ASCEPT
tradition. See you in Adelaide in December! Rebecca Ritchie ASCEPT Secretary |
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ASCEPT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: CALL FOR
MEMBERSHIP ASCEPT
Council are delighted that there has been interest in forming the following
Special Interest Groups (SIG) Education Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics Pharmacogenomics Toxicology Of
course there is also a New Zealand Special Interest Group that is currently
led by Professor James Paxton, and their mid-year meeting is being held at
the University of Auckland on August 29-31, 2007. ASCEPT
will shortly be calling for all ASCEPT members to consider being a member on
one of the above new Special Interest Group Committees. Each SIG will require
a leader as well as a small number of committee members to oversee it. Of
course, other interest groups may be formed at any time. Simply prepare a
proposal outlining your aims for the next year (or beyond) and forward to the
Secretariat. Following approval by ASCEPT council, nominations for leader and
committee members of these new SIGs would then also be called for. We
hope to announce the structure of each SIG at the ASCEPT AGM in December. Rebecca Ritchie ASCEPT Secretary |
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SPONSORSHIP FOR PHARMACOLOGY/TOXICOLOGY SEMINAR SERIES ASCEPT is
offering sponsorship for pharmacology seminar series. As announced at
the 2006 AGM, ASCEPT will offer an incentive to departments to encourage or
invite members to present. When 5 members
within an institution renew their membership, the institute will be able to
apply for $500 for use in their seminar program. The seminars must have the
ASCEPT logo appear at the start and end of the seminar, by using a PowerPoint
slide provided by the Secretariat and have membership brochures provided
available on the day. Up to 10 members from each institute may apply with a
maximum of $1000 available. ASCEPT will advertise the seminar
programs on the ASCEPT website/e-news. The Institute should nominate a
contact person. They can be student or full members, but their fees must have
been paid for 2007. Please click here and complete the form. |
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JOINT
SEAWP – ASCEPT MEETING 2007
On behalf of the Southeast Asian
Western Pacific (SEAWP) Regional Federation of Pharmacologists and the Australasian
Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists
(ASCEPT), we would like to invite you to participate in the combined
Scientific Meeting of the two societies. For further information please click here. Please mark these
three key dates into your diaries! September 12 - Abstract deadline October 5 - Accommodation
bookings close October
31 - Early bird registrations close This month we would like to feature the following three speakers
of the ASCEPT-SEAWP meeting. Click on the names below to view their
biographies. ASCEPT Scientific Advisory Committee, Chair
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AHMRC 2008The 4th
Australian Health and Medical Research Congress will be held November 16-21,
2008 in the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 2008 ASCEPT Annual
Scientific meeting will run within the Congress. Organisers have commenced
preparation of the congress program, so please send any ideas for symposia to
Rob Vandenberg (robv@med.usyd.edu.au), Chair of the ASCEPT Scientific
Advisory Committee. Roselyn
Rose’Meyer Queensland member on Council |
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APSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE (APSA 2007) The 2007 Annual
conference of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Sciences Association (APSA)
entitled 'Medicines from Design to Delivery' will be held from December 8-11,
2007 in Manly, NSW, Australia. Each year, the Conference is hosted by different
Faculties of Pharmacy in various Australian States and in New Zealand. This
year the conference is being facilitated through the Faculty of Pharmacy, The
University of Sydney. The topics covered in the 2007 APSA Annual Conference will range
from cutting-edge developments in the fundamentals of pharmaceutical
chemistry to future challenges that different aspects of the pharmacy
profession -from medicine design to delivery, hold. The conference also has a
strong focus on the practice of pharmacy and the latest research, which will
shape practice in the future. The format of the 2007 Conference will include
pre-conference workshops on Saturday 8 December at the Manly Pacific Hotel,
an opening lecture at Taronga Zoo on Saturday afternoon where the Welcome Reception
will also be held, plenary lectures, invited lectures, contributed lectures,
poster presentations and a Conference Dinner. Abstract submissions
are now open. A list of invited presenters will soon be
available on the conference website, www.apsaconference.info. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are also now available. APSA 2007 will create opportunities for you to establish strategic alliances and collaborations with the very best international and national scientists working in a broad range of pharmaceutical sciences and their applications. APSA 2007 is designed to facilitate extensive networking, provide examples of leading practice, and deliver practical ways of positioning organizations for the future. |
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RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIP
FOR THE MASTER OF PHARMACY OR THE MASTER OF APPLIED SCIENCE University of
Canberra, School of Health Sciences A Research Master Scholarship (starting $18,000 a
year for two years) is available immediately for an Australian
Domestic or International Student who has an Honours degree in science or
social science AND meets the following basic requirements: ·
demonstrate interests in drug and driving and
road safety; ·
proven good oral and written communication
skills; and ·
demonstrate keenness in learning and getting
work done. Bachelor graduates
having some experience in research (lab-based or survey-typed) are also
encouraged to apply. Depending on your previous studies, applicants can
be admitted to either the Master of Pharmacy (Research) 887AA, or the Master
of Applied Science (Research) 910AA. Application forms and guides can
be downloaded from the following link: http://www.canberra.edu.au/research/students/admission For domestic students: click Australian Postgraduate Research Scholarships Application Form For international students:
click International student application form for postgraduate courses Application closes on 31 July 2007. Send the
Application to: Dr David Lin, School of Health Sciences, University of
Canberra, Canberra ACT 2601. Further information: http://www.canberra.edu.au/schools/health-sciences/pharmacy/research Project Title: Mapping Drugged Driving, Drug
Use and Risk Perceptions of On-Road Drivers, Entertainment-Venue Attendees
and Newly-Licensed Drivers in the ACT Synopsis: Following a
previous pilot roadside drug test study, this project will study additional
on-road drivers, potential drivers of targeted drug use groups and new
holders of driver licences in the ACT, in order to quantify risk levels of
drug driving and determine risk factors and risk perceptions for preventive
measures and educational programs (Figure 1).
Figure 1. A systematic model to study drugged driving, drug use
problems and risk factors. |
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FOUNDATION FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE RESEARCH Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2008) The
Foundation for High Blood Pressure Research was established following the 15th
Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension in Melbourne
in 1994 to support research into hypertension and associated cardiovascular
diseases. The
Foundation is offering a two-year postdoctoral fellowship for a research
project in hypertension or related fields in basic, clinical or public health
areas at an Australian institution. Applications from biomedical, clinical
and public health researchers are invited. Applications
are open to Australian citizens or permanent residents. It is expected that
the successful applicant will have had not less than five and not more than
ten years' postdoctoral experience. The fellowship provides a salary and
modest project maintenance costs. Applications close on
3 September 2007 (Late applications will not be considered) ISH Visiting Postdoctoral Award (2008) The
Foundation for High Blood Pressure Research was established following the
15th Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hypertension in
Melbourne in 1994 to support research into hypertension and associated
cardiovascular diseases. The ISH
Visiting Postdoctoral Award has been designed to encourage experienced
researchers from countries other than Australia to work in Australia for up
to two years on a specific research project in hypertension or a related
field in basic, clinical or public health areas. The ISH
Visiting Postdoctoral Award will be awarded to an Australian research
institution, as a contribution towards the salary of a postdoctoral
researcher who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Applications close on
3 September 2007 (Late
applications will not be considered) Application
Procedures For
information on how to apply please contact: FHBPR
Secretariat Department
of Physiology University
of Melbourne Parkville
3010 Victoria,
Australia Email: jkelly@unimelb.edu.au |
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AUSTRALIAN MEDICINES HANDBOOK ASCEPT Members can save up to $77 when they buy AHM, the independent
medicines reference preferred by Australian health professionals. Australian
Medicines Handbook has become the preferred independent, evidence-based
medicines reference for Australian health professionals. The print
version of our 2006 edition went to a second printing less than six months
after its release – and still sold out in record time. AMH has
tens of thousands of users throughout the health-case system, including
pharmacies, medical practices, hospitals, aged care facilities, universities
(including medicine, pharmacy and nursing facilities) and a wide range of
health professionals with an interest in the Quality Use of Medicines. Our
independence provides assurance in an uncertain world. AMH has no
advertising, sponsorship or editorial input from drug manufacturers or any
other commercial organisations. Our
editorial staff, reviewers and Editorial Advisory Board members are all
Australia-based pharmacists, medical practitioners, scientists, researchers
and academics. AMH
includes information on drug classes, as well as individual drug monographs
containing new/revised evidence and comparative data covering indications,
dosage information, formulations, adverse effects, practice points, special
populations, etc. The appendices include a substantial drug interactions
guide. AMH is a joint project of the Australasian Society of Clinical
and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists (ASCEPT), the
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Royal Australian College of
General Practitioners (RACGP). Please
visit www.amh.net.au
or email amh@amh.net.au
to order. |
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FORTHCOMING CONFERENCES Please click here for a list of
meetings that may be of interest to members. These are displayed on the
ASCEPT website. ASCEPT Meetings ASCEPT
New Zealand Scientific Meeting, 29-31 August 2007, Auckland, New Zealand Joint SEAWP:
ASCEPT Meeting 2007, 3-6 December 2007, Adelaide Frontiers in
Vascular Medicine, 26-28 October 2007, Melbourne National Medicines Symposium 2008, 14 – 16 May 2008, Canberra |
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NEWS FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS Please click on the relevant links for any news from other
organisations that may be of interest to ASCEPT members. AusBiotech Federation
of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) Australia
accepted as associate member of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory
(EMBL) New survey
service for FASTS members Review of science
meets Parliament National Prescribing
Service
Member
update, Friday 15 June 2007 Subscribe to
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology (CEPP): When renewing your ASCEPT membership, why not take up the discounted
subscription to CEPP for regular updates on the results of clinical and
experimental work from around the world. For more information on CEPP click here. To renew or subscribe, contact ascept@meetingsfirst.com.au.
BioAustralis
Fine Chemicals: Your supplier of rare microbial metabolites for
laboratory use - diverse range of high purity metabolites produced in our
laboratories in stock now; competitively priced. Go to www.bioaustralis.com
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POSITIONS VACANT
Realising your
potential - a great future with education, science and training The Department
is currently recruiting for a range of new positions. To register
your interest online, click here. The recent Australian Government Budget
highlighted a renewed focus on a range of portfolio initiatives in the
education, science and training portfolios for which DEST is
responsible. As such, the Department urgently needs to recruit for a
range of new positions in order to service these new business
requirements. Interested and potential applicants are invited to
lodge an expression of interest. The positions will range from the APS4
to EL2 levels and will cover diverse roles including Programme Managers,
Contract Managers, Policy Developers, Researchers and Analysts and
Administrative Support officers. |
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INFORMATION FROM PREVIOUS ISSUESPlease click here for more news, jobs and information that have appeared in past
issues of the ASCEPT newsletter that are now displayed on our ASCEPT website. |
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The next E-News will be sent out on Wednesday 15 August 2007. If
there is information you would like to include, please email it to athina@meetingsfirst.com.au by Wednesday 8
August 2007.
ASCEPT Honorary
Secretary
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Please do not hesitate to contact Meetings First, our ASCEPT
Secretariat, if you have any queries: Angela, Athina and Jennifer Phone +61
3 9739 7697 Fax +61
3 9739 7076 Email ascept@meetingsfirst.com.au
Web www.ascept.org |
