Welcome to the July 2026 ASCEPT newsletter
Associate Professor Nicola J. Smith
President – ASCEPT
In this edition
Updates from the WCP Organising Committee
Unable to attend the full WCP 2026 Congress? We have got you covered!
We are pleased to introduce complimentary selected session registration options for WCP 2026, creating more opportunities to engage with the global pharmacology community.
Whether you would like to support students and early career researchers, hear from internationally recognised experts, or explore the latest advances in pharmacology, you are invited to attend one selected Congress session at no cost.
Join us to:
- Celebrate and support student and early career researcher award presentations.
- Hear from world-renowned speakers, including Professor Sharon Lewin, as she shares insights into pandemic preparedness and response.
- Experience keynote and plenary presentations showcasing the latest research, innovation and perspectives in pharmacology.
Registration conditions
- Complimentary selected session registration is open to everyone.
- Registrants may select one eligible session only across the entire Congress. Multiple session registrations are not permitted.
- Eligible sessions include:
- Opening Ceremony and Opening Plenary
- Plenary presentations
- Selected Keynote Sessions
- ASCEPT Sessions including Garth McQueen and New Investigator Award, ASCEPT Awards Ceremony
- Closing Ceremony
Attendance is limited to the selected session only and does not include access to the full Congress program or delegate entitlements.
Register now to be part of these inspiring sessions and experience WCP 2026.
Want to join the networking events?
Session-only delegates also have the option to purchase tickets to selected social functions and networking events at an additional cost, allowing you to make the most of your WCP 2026 experience.
Looking for the full congress Experience?
Full Congress registrations remain available and continue to offer the best value, including access to all scientific sessions, the exhibition, poster presentations, networking opportunities, and social events (where applicable).
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of one of the world’s leading pharmacology events.
Register today
Browse the available registration options below and secure your place at WCP 2026.
What is happening in the Innovation Theatre?
The Innovation Theatre sessions at WCP 2026 bring together leading experts, pioneering research, and cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of pharmacology. Located in the heart of the exhibition area, these engaging sessions offer delegates the opportunity to explore the latest advances in drug discovery, development, and therapeutic innovation through real-world case studies and expert insights.
Animal models support new modality drug discovery and development
Tuesday 14 July, 10:30am – 11:00am
The US NIH Perspective on the Priority of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) in Biomedical Research, Regulatory Acceptance and Widespread Adoption
Thursday 16 July, 10:40am – 11:10am
Monday 13th July is ASCEPT Day at WCP2026!
Well, that’s what we are calling it! Join us in Plenary 2 from 9 am to catch the Bellberry New Investigator Award, the Garth McQueen Prize for best HDR oral presentation and then our ASCEPT Fellowship and Awards Ceremony. All that before the Congress opening ceremony and welcome reception – what a day!
Bellberry New Investigator Award
The ASCEPT Bellberry New Investigator Award celebrates research excellence, innovation, and emerging leadership. This award highlights rising stars shaping the future of pharmacology and toxicology.
The four awardees will present at WCP2026 in a dedicated prize session on Monday 13 July, 9:00am – 11:00am. The overall winner from this session will be awarded the BPS-ASCEPT Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award.
2026 awardees:
- Arisbel Batista Gondin
- Harley Robinson
- Madison Coward-Smith
- Wessel Burger
ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize
The ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize recognises scientific rigour paired with compelling, high-impact communication. The finalists will deliver an oral presentation during a dedicated session at WCP2026 on Monday 13 July, 11:30am – 1:00pm. The best presentation will receive the ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize.
2026 finalists:
- Mariah Stavrou
- Jack Zhang
- Dominika Fuhs
- Nicki Kyriacou
- Tselmeg Lkhagvajargal
- Supitchaya Watakul
ASCEPT Fellowship & Awards Ceremony
Last chance to secure early bird rates for the ASCEPT NZ ASM!
The ASCEPT Aotearoa New Zealand Forum’s Annual Scientific Meeting will take place 2-4 September 2026 at the Manawa Campus in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The Aotearoa New Zealand Forum of ASCEPT (ASCEPT-NZ) supports the promotion and dissemination of pharmacology and toxicology in clinical practice, education and research in New Zealand.
This year’s provisional program will include sessions on pharmacodynamics in normal or diseased systems, bench to beside applications of pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology education.
Key dates:
- 31 July – Early bird registrations close
- 7 August – Abstracts submissions close
- 2 September – NZ ASM commences
The King's Birthday 2026 Honours List
Professor Sarah Roberts-Thomson
Professor Sarah Roberts-Thomson is a recipient of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, where she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. Her outstanding contributions to pharmaceutical medicine, academic leadership, and tertiary education, along with her long-standing commitment to ASCEPT, reflect a remarkable career dedicated to advancing research, mentorship, and excellence in the field.
Professor Michael Roberts
ASCEPT is equally delighted to honour Professor Michael Roberts, who has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours. His distinguished service to pharmaceutical science, particularly in drug delivery and clinical toxicology and his decades of contribution to ASCEPT and the broader scientific community, have had a lasting impact both nationally and internationally.
ASCEPT EMCR Achievers spotlight
The ASCEPT EMCR Achievers spotlight series celebrates emerging researchers who are shaping the future of pharmacology through innovative, interdisciplinary work. This month we are featuring Dr Liz Johnstone.
Dr Liz Johnstone
Dr Liz Johnstone is a Lecturer at the University of Western Australia and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. She is currently an ASCEPT Board Member, an IUPHAR Early Career Committee Member and a Council Member of the Endocrine Society of Australia.
ASCEPT Members making an impact
We want to celebrate our members who are making an impact in all walks of life. Do you know of someone who should be congratulated or highlighted?
We will start the ball rolling this month but encourage everyone to send one or two sentences praising an ASCEPT member to ascept@ascept.org. If you’d rather remain anonymous, let us know.
Professor Shane Bullock, OAM, Head of Monash Rural Health
Shane was recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours with the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to community health. He was the 2018 recipient of the ASCEPT Teaching Excellence Award in recognition of his innovative approach to pharmacology learning and teaching and generations of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists have benefited from the ease with which he adapts to the learning needs of his students. As the co-author of a multi-award-winning Fundamentals of Pharmacology, currently in its 9th edition, his gift as an educator has extended across Australia and the Pacific region, as well as to the UK. The 3 additional textbooks he has co-authored, as well as his education publications spanning almost 3 decades, attest to his commitment to quality pharmacology education, particularly for medicine and the allied health fields. Congratulations, Shane!
Professor Andrew Rowland, Flinders University
Andrew and his Precision Medicine Team do a wonderful job raising money for cancer research by cycling 450km each year for the Tour De Cure SA Discovery Tour. For those less inclined to hit the South Australian wine regions, donations are welcome. Amazing work Andrew!
Still not on Mighty networks? You’ve missed these updates:
- Society newsletters and media releases
- Contribute to IUPHAR survey regarding the definition of Pharmacology
- PG SIG – PGx Journal Club – October 2026 details
- PG SIG – Pharmacogenomics cheat sheet for WCP 2026
- PG SIG – Recent publication of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genetic diversity in people of Māori ancestry
- PG SIG – Publication “A primary care pharmacogenetic precision medicine pilot based on specific Māori tribal ethical frameworks and principles”
- RI SIG – Meet the researchers
- Student Forum – student hub events poll
- TX SIG – Liver toxicity from unapproved peptides
- TX SIG – Ian Musgrave quote in AFR article
- TX SIG – IUTOXtalks returns – “Persistent and Pervasive: Tackling PFAS Through Science and Policy – A Global Perspective – part 3”
- TX SIG – Article “Does paraquat cause Parkinson’s? Here’s what the evidence says about this common weed killer”
Remember to engage with your SIGs on Mighty Networks – like, comment, and share! It’s the only way we know the content is reaching members. Don’t forget to turn on your email notifications in settings to stay up to date.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
ASCEPT EDI at WCP 2026 (Melbourne/Narrm)
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at WCP, which is just around the corner!
ASCEPT will have a stand at WCP where we will be giving out EDI badges representing Indigeneity, LGBTQIA+, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity, Neurodiversity, and Ability. Come visit us if you would like one to add to your lanyard.
You do not need to identify with these demographics yourself to wear the badges, you can also wear them to demonstrate your support!
Days of significance
Below are days of significance observed in July. Click the links to learn more about each observance.
SIG updates
Use the drop-down menus below to view updates and learn more about ASCEPT SIG activities.
Pharmacoepidemiology SIG
The Pharmacoepidemiology Special Interest Group recently hosted a webinar exploring AI applications in pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacy practice. The session highlighted emerging opportunities for large language models and generative AI to support clinical decision-making, quality indicator development, medication optimisation and real-world pharmacoepidemiology research.
We were pleased to hear from two expert speakers:
- Dr Bradley Menz from Flinders University, who presented on artificial intelligence in clinical practice, with a focus on the emerging multimodal capabilities of generative AI platforms and their potential application in clinical workflows.
- Dr Kenji Fujita from the University of Sydney, who presented on LLM applications in Japanese community pharmacy, including their use in clinical decision support, pharmacy record generation and quality indicators for medication use.
PAGANZ 2026 Melbourne
The Population Approach Group of Australia and New Zealand (PAGANZ) will hold its 2026 meeting at Monash University (Parkville Campus) in Melbourne, Australia, from 10-12 July 2026, immediately before WCP, bringing together experts in pharmacometrics, clinical pharmacology and systems pharmacology.
The event will feature hands-on workshops given by world leaders in the field, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and innovation. The workshops are followed by the scientific program, including the keynote lecture by Prof Oscar Della Pasqua, presentations by international speakers Prof Catherijne Knibbe and Prof Don Mager, symposia on physiologically-based PK modelling and modelling in drug development, and several free oral sessions.
The meeting gives researchers, particularly students, the opportunity to present and discuss work in a collegial and friendly environment, and to win student prizes. PAGANZ is proud to be a world leader in teaching and support of research in this important area of pharmacology and drug development.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Important dates for your calendars
WCP2026
Other events
Job opportunities
ASCEPT is excited to connect our members with the latest career opportunities in pharmacology and toxicology. Don’t miss the chance to explore roles that could shape the next step in your professional journey.
If you would like to advertise a position, please contact us at ascept@ascept.org.
What's new with our society network
Stay connected with the wider scientific and medical community. Below you can find a round-up of recent bulletins, policy updates, funding opportunities and events from partner organisations and international networks. Explore the latest news, grants and resources to support your work and keep you in the loop.
All of these newsletters are also shared in the general channel on Mighty Networks. Make sure to join here and turn on your email notifications to stay up to date!
STA provides members with regular updates on news, policy, events and funding opportunities, including grants, for professionals in science and technology.
STA Member Update | 12 June 2026
STA Member Update | 26 June 2026
Media Release: Bird Flu, Cleaner Shipping and Life-Changing Hearing Implants: 20 Years of NCRIS – 29 June 2026
Research Australia provides member only exclusive updates to help keep you informed and in the know!
The finalists for the 2025-26 Research Australia Health & Medical Research Awards.
The Royal Society Te Apārangi newsletters share scientific updates, research highlights, awards, events and opportunities to keep the Aotearoa New Zealand research community informed and connected.
Update from the Royal Society Te Apārangi
EVENT: Our Mysterious Brain: The Making and Breaking of Memories – WELLINGTON
IUPHAR provides monthly updates highlighting key developments, research insights, organisational news, events and upcoming opportunities relevant to the global pharmacology community.
IUPHAR Definition of Pharmacology: Complete Survey
The National Rural Health Alliance publishes a fortnightly email newsletter with updates from the alliance and rural health sector.
Partyline Issue 95 | Rural Health Tech and Innovation in rural, regional and remote Australia
18th National Rural Health Conference program out now, 14-16 September 2026
This update invites expressions of interest for consumer members to join a co-design group aimed at shaping enhanced consumer engagement in healthcare decision-making, alongside broader opportunities for stakeholder involvement and collaboration.
AusBiotech is Australia’s life sciences peak body. For almost 40 years, we have worked to support the growth of our more than 3,000 members as they advance breakthroughs in medical science and develop new innovations to help solve some of Australia’s and the world’s most complex health challenges.
The ISC is an international non-profit organization with a unique global membership that brings together 250 scientific organizations around the world, including international scientific unions and associations, national science academies and research councils, international and regional federations and societies, and academies and associations of young scientists.
The ISC was created in 2018 from the merger of the International Council for Science (1931) and the International Social Science Council (1952).
Supporting scientists facing conflict, persecution and displacement
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) connects, represents and trains Physicians and trainee physicians across Australia and New Zealand.
A message from the AMD President, awards and scholarship opportunities, events & more.
Feedback and suggestions
Have any feedback or suggestions, email the ASCEPT Secretariat here or by completing the form below.