Celebrating Excellence Across ASCEPT
ASCEPT is proud to recognise the exceptional achievements of our 2026 Award recipients! These outstanding individuals and teams have been honoured for their contributions to research, education, leadership, equity, and the advancement of pharmacology, clinical pharmacology and toxicology across Australasia. Congratulations to all our recipients on this well-deserved recognition!!
ASCEPT Lecturer
Awarded to Professor Robert Widdop, Monash University
Rob is an internationally renowned cardiovascular pharmacologist whose discoveries in the renin–angiotensin system have transformed our understanding of cardiovascular disease and opened new avenues for therapeutic innovation. Over more than four decades of service to ASCEPT and the discipline, he has combined outstanding scientific leadership, translation of discoveries into new medicines and companies, and exceptional mentorship of the next generation of pharmacologists.
This award is presented biennially to an ASCEPT member who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the development and advancement of pharmacology and/or toxicology in Australasia.
Presented by ASCEPT President, Associate Professor Nicola J Smith.
ASCEPT Achievement Award
Awarded to Dr Sheila Doggrell, Griffith University
Sheila has devoted almost five decades to advancing pharmacology through outstanding contributions to research, education, scientific writing and service to ASCEPT. A respected experimental and clinical pharmacology researcher, award-winning educator and lifelong advocate for the discipline, Sheila has influenced generations of students and researchers while making a sustained contribution to pharmacology across Australasia.
The nominee is recognised for substantial scientific or service contributions to ASCEPT and has shown leadership in the advancement and promotion in one of the disciplines of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology or Clinical Toxicology.
ASCEPT Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence Award
Awarded to Professor Elly Djouma, La Trobe University
Elly is a highly respected pharmacology educator whose sustained excellence in teaching has shaped the careers of countless students across Australasia. Through award-winning educational leadership, international contributions to pharmacology curricula through IUPHAR, and dedicated mentorship of students and colleagues, she has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to pharmacology education.
Named in memory of Associate Professor Elizabeth Davis, a respected pharmacology educator renowned for her commitment to teaching excellence. The nominee is recognised for significant contribution to education and/or training in one of the disciplines of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Toxicology in Australasia.
Presented by Professor Kellie Charles, Education Forum Chair.
ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize
Awarded to Jack Zhang, UNSW Sydney for his presentation ‘Live-cell imaging of serotonin receptors reveals molecular mechanisms of psychedelic signalling’.
Established in memory of Professor Garth McQueen, a pioneering clinical pharmacologist and co-founder of the Society. Awarded annually to a higher degree (M.Sc., PhD., M.D.) student for an oral communication at the Annual Scientific Meeting of ASCEPT.
Presented by Dr Luke Grundy, ASCEPT SAC Chair (right) and A/Prof Chantal Donovan, ASCEPT Prize Co-ordinator.
ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Trainee Prize
Dr Laura Dryburgh, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Awarded to the Advanced Trainee in Clinical Pharmacology who delivers the best research presentation at the annual ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Weekend. The prize recognises excellence in research and the importance of scientific presentation skills in Clinical Pharmacology training.
Bellberry New Investigator Award
Awarded to:
- Dr Arisbel Batista Gondin, Monash University
- Dr Harley Robinson, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
- Dr Madison Coward-Smith, University of Technology Sydney
- Dr Wessel Burger, Walter Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
The New Investigator award was established in 1996. Awarded annually to recognise and highlight the research contributions of New Investigators to the disciplines of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology.
BPS-ASCEPT Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award
Awarded to Dr Arisbel Batista Gondin, Monash University for her presentation ‘Amplifying Endogenous Signalling: A New Paradigm for GPCR Modulation’
Awarded annually to one of the Bellberry New Investigators for an oral communication at the Annual Scientific Meeting of ASCEPT.
Presented by Professor Emeritus Cherry Wainwright (BPS President; centre) and A/Prof Nicola Smith (ASCEPT President)
ASCEPT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Individual Award
Awarded to Associate Professor Betty Exintaris, Monash University
Betty is recognised for her outstanding leadership in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion across pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences education. Through initiatives that have strengthened belonging, improved support for international and underrepresented students, embedded inclusive teaching practices, and fostered cultural change at institutional and national levels, she has made a profound and lasting contribution to creating more inclusive environments in which students and staff can thrive.
Presented by Professor Elly Djouma on behalf of Dr Brendan Wilkins, ASCEPT EDI Committee Chair.
ASCEPT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Team Award
University of Auckland Pharmacology and Toxicology Teaching Team
A/Prof Jacqueline Hannam, Dr Rachel Cameron, Mr Liam Anderson, Prof Malcolm Tingle, Dr Matthew Moore
The University of Auckland Pharmacology and Toxicology Teaching Team is recognised for its sustained commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive education. Through innovative teaching practices, embedding Māori perspectives and values, supporting diverse learning needs, and fostering a strong sense of belonging and connection for all students, the team has demonstrated excellence in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in pharmacology and toxicology education.
Award accepted by A/Prof Jacqui Hannam (right) on behalf of the University of Auckland Pharmacology and Toxicology Teaching Team
