Ascept

In this issue:

• ASCEPT ASM
• Science Meets Parliament
• IUPHAR / NIDA Young Investigator Awards
• ARCS Congress - Student Opportunities
• BPS Meetings (with discounts for ASCEPT members)
• News from other organisations
• Forthcoming Conferences

April E-Newsletter
of the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists

Welcome back from your Easter break with the April edition of ASCEPT e-newsletter.

If any would like to contribute any items to eNews, please send it along to Meetings First for consideration.

Roselyn Rose'Meyer
ASCEPT Newsletter Editor

ASCEPT 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting

The 43rd ASCEPT Annual Scientific Meeting will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, November 29 - December 2, 2009.

The theme of the meeting is the "The Rights of Medicines", with sub-themes of "The Right Drug, The Right Patient, The Right Dose and the Right Result" woven into each of the symposia. Distinguished plenary speakers include Professor Shuh Narumiya, the Japanese Pharmacological Society Lecture, in addition to the Rand Anglo-Australian visitor and the Rand medallist.

The program includes 8 symposia and 2 workshops that feature high quality speakers and 'cutting edge' science. In addition to the invited presentations, there will be time for free communications (oral and poster). More details will be provided later.

Please note the following deadlines for registration and abstract submissions.

Abstract submission deadline - September 1, 2009
Early Bird Registration deadline - October 20, 2009

Abstracts and Registrations will be open soon an individual email will be sent to each ASCEPT member regarding further details on how to register and submit an abstract.

Note - other ASCEPT related meetings will be held before the Annual Scientific Meeting - details to follow!

Science Meets Parliament, March 2009

Alyson Miller and Barbara Kemp-Harper
Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne

Science meets Parliament was introduced in 1999 by the Federation of Australian Science and Technology Societies (FASTS), and since this time it has grown to become one of the most significant opportunities for Australian scientists to understand, interact with and influence federal politics. It was an honour to represent ASCEPT at the 2009 event and we would like to extend our gratitude to ASCEPT for this opportunity.

The first day's briefing was held at Old Parliament House. Throughout the day we heard a number of interesting presentations/panel discussions from experienced scientists, lobbyists and parliamentary staff about how they engage politicians successfully. The presenters emphasized the need to hone a message down to a few key points, and to frame those points in terms of their relevance to solving a problem faced by the politician (or their constituents), and most importantly be prepared. Furthermore, following up by providing further information soon after the meeting reaffirms the message. Like all of us, politicians expect to be treated with politeness and respect (in lobbying situations, if not during Question Time!). It also became apparent that if scientists are to stand a chance of influencing policy making, we must learn to communicate our science in terms of political rationality. Day one concluded with a banquet in the Great Hall of Parliament House, where we were joined by a score of politicians. At our table Luke Simpkins MP, LIB member for Cowan (WA) joined us for dinner. The atmosphere at the dinner was informal and provided us with an excellent opportunity to share and discuss our scientific interests with fellow participants and a Member of Parliament. Mr Simpkins was engaging and very interested in science, and was only too happy to answer our many questions about what life is like as a politician.

The key event of the second day was our meetings with politicians at Parliament House. There were three representatives from scientific societies at each meeting and we were allocated approximately five minutes each to describe our science/ideas, followed by discussion. Besides our two meetings, FASTS also provided us with the opportunity to attend a press conference/lunch at the National Press Club, at which the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, spoke. The minister gave an up-beat speech outlining what the government had achieved thus far and their future plans for science and innovation in this current economical uncertainty. In line with the other world leaders such as Barack Obama and Gordon Brown, it was comforting to know that the government acknowledges the short- and long-term benefits of investing in science and innovation for the Australian economy. Senator Carr emphasized that the government had already made significant new investments in science and research - some in fulfilment of election promises, and some in response to the crisis. These included the introduction of HECS reduction and refunds to encourage more young people to study science at university and thus pursue science careers after they graduate, and increasing the number of Commonwealth Scholarships for undergraduates in 2009. For the future, Senator Carr outlined that governments plan to double the number Australian Postgraduate Awards, beginning with 1,000 awards this year. While he also announced the introduction of 1,000 new Future Fellowships for mid-career scientists and Australian Laureate Fellowships for senior scientists, our concern is that such initiatives will accentuate the 'bottle neck' that many early career scientists experience when trying to secure a training or career development fellowship.

To sum up, we found Science meets Parliament to be an extremely enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Attendance of this event provided us with it provided us with important insight into government policy, strategies for interacting with politicians and promoting our views and those of the scientific community to the leaders of our country.

Parliamentarian Meetings: Alyson Miller

The Hon. Arch Bevis (Government, House of Representatives, Brisbane Electorate, QLD)
Mr Bevis is a long-standing supporter and participant in Science Meets Parliament. I began our meeting by outlining the impact of stroke on the Australian community, its economical burden and the sobering fact that the number of strokes will continue to increase each year due to the ageing population. I then discussed that more action is needed to prevent stroke from occurring in the first place. In particular, I highlighted the need for increased funding for community education campaigns (particularly for children) focussing on lifestyle risk factors for stroke. Additionally, I emphasised the need for the government to increase financial support for clinicians and scientists to find new therapies to improve stroke outcome. Mr Bevis appeared well informed in this area, however he was of the opinion that most people were well aware of healthy lifestyle choices and that educating (or traumatising as he put it) children may not be the best way to prevent stroke later in life. Despite us not agreeing on these matters, Mr Bevis strongly supported the need for more funding from the government to support scientific research.

Mr Jamie Briggs (Opposition, House of Representatives, Mayo Electorate, SA)
Mr Briggs was engaging and clearly very interested in science. We spent forty minutes discussing the impact of the drought on the Murray Darling Basin, in particular the Lower Lakes, and the impact of stroke on the Australian community. Once I again I outlined the facts, figures and statistics of stroke in Australia. Mr Briggs appeared genuinely surprised that it was so common, and even more surprised when I emphasised that stroke can affect all age groups. We then discussed ways to help prevent stroke and what role the government versus parents had in educating children on healthy lifestyle choices.

Parliamentarian Meetings: Barbara Kemp-Harper

Mr Michael Johnson (Opposition whip, House of Representatives, Ryan Electorate QLD)
Mr Johnson expressed keen interest in medical research. We discussed the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Australian society and its economical impact. We recognised that many Australians are aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle (good eating habits and exercise) yet busy work and life style schedules and the expense of natural produce often preclude implementation of such lifestyle changes. Mr Johnson raised the issue of the responsibility of the Government versus parents in educating our children on healthy living. I advocated that the introduction of "healthy lifestyle" education programs in our primary schools would help our children recognise the importance of keeping healthy and may lead to lifetime changes in eating habits and exercise regimes. In addition, we would anticipate that, as future parents these children would educate their offspring in a similar manner. Ultimately changing the mindset of Australian children may aid in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease in our population.

Senator Dana Wortley (Government, SA Senator)
Senator Wortley was very interested in science and the latest advances in medical research and preventative medicine. We spent an hour with her discussing climate changes issues and the impact of cardiovascular disease in the Australian society. As a former teacher, Senator Wortley recognised the importance of educating our children in "healthy lifestyle" choices. We discussed the possibility of such programs being developed in consultation with scientists and incorporating healthy eating programs (Kids Café, vegetable gardens, food preparation, hygiene), science education (working models of healthy versus diseased blood vessels & hearts, plant growth, water saving) and exercise programs. We acknowledged that as children 'can't see what is happening inside their bodies' it is difficult to portray to them the dangers of poor diet and lack of exercise. The introduction of educational models of body parts (i.e heart, brain etc) into the classroom is one strategy to provide visual stimuli for children and reinforce our message. Senator Wortley recognised the need for increased funding for medical research and appreciated the benefit of our work to society.

IUPHAR / NIDA Young Investigator Awards

The United States National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will, once again, be sponsoring an all-day satellite mini-convention at this years Society for Neuroscience (SfN) meeting on Friday, October 16th, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The "Frontiers in Addiction Research" mini-convention will have four symposia (see attached Word document) and a poster session for early career investigators (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty) that will take place during a two-hour extended lunch break.

IUPHAR has again been asked to co-sponsor three international (non-U.S.) early career investigators who will receive travel awards of USD$1,000 each. It is generally expected that poster presenters will be individuals who are already planning on attending the SfN meeting, and it is therefore acceptable for them to present the same poster at both meetings. The travel award is to help with their expenses and defray the extra cost of coming a day earlier.

Please send nominations, including a copy of the abstract to be presented and a CV of the young investigator, by e-mail attachment to Ms. Lynn LeCount no later than Friday 15 May 2009.

The winners will be announced in the June issue of the 'Pharmacology International' newsletter.

Mini-Convention Information
Friday October 16, 2009
8:00 am - 6:25 pm
NIDA Mini-Convention: Frontiers in Addiction Research
Satellite meeting of the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Washington, DC

At the NIDA mini-convention satellite meeting, outstanding scientists will present recent findings and discuss future directions in the neurobiology of drug abuse and addiction. The mini-convention will include four symposia, a presentation by the Jacob Waletzky Memorial Prize winner, and the poster session for early career investigators. The symposia this year will be:

• Non-Cannibinoid Receptor-Mediated Actions of Endocannabinoids
• Delayed Neurobiological Plasticity in Drug Abuse and Chronic Pain
• Epigenetics Modulation of Brain Function
• Role of Neurotrophic Factors in Drug Addiction

ARCS Congress - Student Opportunities

As final year or post graduate students interested in clinical pharmacology or other aspects of the development of therapeutic products, I would like to invite you to attend the 18th ARCS Annual Scientific Congress at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 1st – 3rd June 2009. This Congress attracts over 1000 delegates to the 3-day scientific program, and includes wonderful opportunities to meet and talk with our 60 Exhibitors who represent pharmaceutical companies, recruitment companies and suppliers to our industry such as clinical laboratories, consultants and contract research organisations. Do take a look at the full Program and Online Registration information available on our website at www.arcs.com.au under the Conference tab.

ARCS Australia Ltd is the professional development association supporting scientists working in a range of roles involved in the development of new pharmaceutical, medical devices and biotechnology products in Australia. This is a member organization dedicated to facilitating ongoing training, professional development and networking opportunities for members.

ARCS has a Student Membership rate, and also offers a heavily discounted rate for Student Members to attend Congress. You must be able to identify via a Student card or similar that you are a full-time student to be eligible for Student membership. Full details of member benefits, events and training courses can be found on our website.

We are also offering students the opportunity to attend the Congress free of charge in return for assisting our staff on the Registration desks during the day.
To be eligible, students must be final year or post graduate students enrolled full-time in a relevant course, or be enrolled part-time and be employed in a therapeutics development capacity in a government or academic institution.

We will need approximately five assistants each day of Congress, to help us before the sessions commence and in the lunch break. You will be able to attend the scientific sessions of your choice, and visit the Exhibition booths; however this invitation does not extend to social functions. Please complete and fax back the Volunteer Application before May 8th 2009 if you would like to be considered for this offer.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to ARCS, and to Congress!

Yours sincerely,

Marisa Petersen PhD
Chief Executive Officer

BPS Meetings (with discounts for ASCEPT members)

BPS Summer Meeting

ASCEPT members can register at the member rate of £50 per day rather than the usual £100 per day for non members

8 - 10 July, 2009
University of Edinburgh, UK

Download the first announcement.

Online registration for this meeting is now open. The early bird registration deadline is 12 June 2009. Registration is complimentary for Members until 12 June after which a late registration fee of £50.00 will apply. Non Members: £100 per day until 12 June after which an additional late registration fee of £50.00 will apply.

Register for this Meeting

Abstract submission for this meeting is now open, to submit an abstract please follow the link below Submit Abstract

ACCOMMODATION

2 & 3 star ensuite bedrooms at The University of Edinburgh Pollock Halls of Residence can be booked via the BPS by clicking on the following link:

• Pollock Halls Booking Page

Hotel accommodation for the Meeting can be booked through the Edinburgh Convention Bureau:

• To book accommodation online please follow this link: Booking Page
• To view a hotel summary along with indicative rates please follow this link: Hotel Summary

The above online booking form will allow you to make an accommodation booking. Please take care to provide all of the necessary information. When you submit the form, you will receive an independent email acknowledgement.

Wednesday 8 July

• Challenges in respiratory disease drug development (SIG: Respiratory Pharmacology)]
• GPCR signalling: new connections and ligand selectivity (SIG's: Molecular Pharmacology - Cell Signalling)
• Metabotropic Glutamate receptors: advancing novel drugs for treating CNS disorders (SIG's: Molecular Pharmacology of Receptors - Cellular and Systems Neuropharmacology)

Thursday 9 July

• Circadian rhythms - pharmacology and therapeutic potential (SIG: Integrative Mammalian Pharmacology)
• Developments in receptor imaging (SIG: Imaging)
• Peripheral actions of MDMA and other amphetamine derivative drugs of abuse (SIG: Autonomic Pharmacology)

Friday 10 July

• Alzheimer's Disease - Mechanistic insights and novel therapeutics (SIG's: Cell Signalling - Cellular Neuropharmacology)
• Imaging and targeting inflammation in stroke and atherosclerosis (SIG's: Obesity Metabolic Ds - Integrative Mammalian Pharm -Cellular Neuropharmacology -Pulmonary and Cardiovascular - Pain and Inflammation - Endothelium - Imaging)
• Topical questions in cell death signaling - a Satellite Meeting on Cell Death will follow this symposium (SIG's: Cell Signalling - Cellular Neuropharmacology - Integrative Mammalian Pharmacology)

7th James Black Conference - Joint Meeting with The Physiological Society

ASCEPT members can register at the same rates as BPS members

1 - 3 September 2009
King's College London, UK

Download the programme
Download the flyer

Abstract submission is open for poster presentations and short talks including those relating to the education and teaching of Integrative Pharmacology and Physiology. To submit an abstract please follow the link below:

Online registration for this meeting is now open, to register please follow the link below.

Register for this Meeting

£250 prize for the best poster presentation by a young researcher (graduate students or newly qualified postdoctoral workers within 5 years of PhD) will be awarded.

News from other organisations

Please click on the relevant links for any news from other organisations that may be of interest to ASCEPT members.

Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS)

Royal Society of New Zealand

AusBiotech

British Pharmacological Society

Forthcoming Conferences

Genes for Health

3 - 6 May 2009
Fremantle, Western Australia

The ASCEPT Pharmacogenomics SIG has joined with the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) and the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) to present a keynote speaker and a symposium on pharmacogenomics on May 6th in Fremantle, WA, as detailed below (details on conference at http://www.graphint.org/australia2009/index.cfm)

Keynote Speaker
Title - TBA but related to HLA-B and abacavir, Prof Simon Mallal

Symposium
Chair persons: A/Prof Les Sheffield and Dr John Beilby

Speakers / Titles

1. Dr John Duley / The states of play in thiopurine and fluoropyrimidine pharmacogenomics, including Australasia
2. Dr Janet Coller / Pharmacogenomics of opioid dependence
3. A/Prof Les Sheffield / Clinical pharmacogenomic tests in 2009
4. Prof David Joyce / The use of pharmacogenomics in clinical decision making

PK/TK and Drug Metabolism in Drug Discovery and Development

4 - 5 June 2009
London, UK

BPS Summer Meeting

8 - 10 July, 2009
University of Edinburgh, UK

Download the first announcement

ASCEPT members can register at the member rate of £50 per day rather than the usual £100 per day for non members.

Australian Pharmacogenomics Summit

30 - 31 July 2009
Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour, Sydney
Set to revolutionise healthcare delivery both in Australia and across the globe, the potential for targeted therapies is huge. IIR Conferences' Australian Pharmacogenomics Summit will comprehensively cover all of the major issues and opportunities that lie ahead.

7th James Black Conference - Joint Meeting with The Physiological Society

Integrative Pharmacology and Physiology: translating "omics" into functional and clinical applications
1 - 3 September 2009
King's College London, UKM

Download the programme
Download the flyer

ASCEPT members can register at the same rates as BPS members.

11th International Congress of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring & Clinical Toxicology

3 - 8 October 2009
Montréal, Québec, Canada

ASMR 48th National Scientific Conference

15 - 17 November 2009
Hobart, Tasmania

16th World Congress on Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WorldPharma2010)

17 - 23 July 2010
Copenhagen, Denmark

The next e-news will be sent out on Friday 15 May 2009. If there is information you would like to include, please email it to athina@meetingsfirst.com.au by Friday 8 May 2009.

Roselyn Rose'Meyer
ASCEPT Newsletter Editor