Welcome to the April 2026 ASCEPT newsletter
In this video ASCEPT President Nicola Smith provides an update for April, previews the contents of this month’s newsletter and discusses the outcomes of the ASCEPT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion survey with EDI Chair Brendan Wilkins.
Associate Professor Nicola J. Smith
President – ASCEPT
In this edition
Updates from the WCP Organising Committee
Early bird deadline extended
In recognition of the challenging and uncertain time for many across the global pharmacology community. In the spirit of goodwill and flexibility, the early bird registration has been extended for the 20th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology 2026 (WCP2026).
Early bird registration deadline: Monday 20 April 2026
Satellite meetings at WCP
Have you seen the satellite meetings that will be held adjacent to WCP2026? Our members are driving the organisation and delivery of a fantastic variety of satellite meetings that complement the main WCP2026 program. See previews below and click here for more information.
12th Pharmacology of G Protein-Coupled Receptors & Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs (MPGPCR) Joint Satellite Meeting
The long‑running Pharmacology of Adrenoceptors Satellite Meeting returns in 2026 re‑imagined as the Pharmacology of GPCRs, reflecting the field’s expansion well beyond its origins in the late 1970s. This 12th iteration will be held as a joint meeting with Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs (MPGPCR), showcasing cutting‑edge GPCR science across two and a half days in downtown Melbourne. The program features international leaders in molecular pharmacology, multiple keynote and invited talks, great opportunities for HDR and EMCR presentations (including the popular 1‑minute Flash Posters), student prizes, and a clear commitment to diversity, inclusion and sustainability.
Location: Monash University Parkville campus: 381 Royal Parade, Parkville
7th WCP IUPHAR Education Section Satellite
The IUPHAR-Ed Satellite allows pharmacology educators from around the world to connect and share ideas and innovations to improve teaching and learning. The 2026 WCP IUPHAR-Ed Satellite program will include themes such as generative artificial intelligence, authentic assessment strategies and inclusive pharmacology education, as well as a meeting of the IUPHAR-Ed Core Concepts Expert Group. Through dedicated interactive workshops and networking sessions, this meeting aims to enable the development of new international collaborations and higher impact research outputs. The meeting also recognises the outstanding research achievements of pharmacology educators through the awarding of the prestigious Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence and Early Career Educator Awards. The venue at Monash University is less than 5 kilometres from the congress venue.
Location: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 399 Royal Parade, Parkville Victoria 3052
PAGANZ 27th Annual Scientific Meeting
Connect with leading experts and peers in population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics through hands-on workshops and cutting-edge research presentations. Calling all scientists from academia, industry, or regulatory, this is your opportunity to advance your skills and share breakthrough work in pharmacometrics.
Location: Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), Monash University (Parkville Campus), Melbourne
Optimising Medicines Use Through Deprescribing: An Australian Deprescribing Network (ADeN) Symposium.
The Australian Deprescribing Network (ADeN) is the national network of clinicians, researchers, and consumers dedicated to advancing medicines safety. This interactive, workshop-style satellite meeting will focus on strengthening the evidence base for deprescribing as a key strategy to optimise medicines use. Bringing together leading and emerging researchers, clinicians, consumers, and policymakers from Australia and internationally, the symposium will explore methodological challenges, foster collaboration, and identify pathways to translate evidence into sustained practice change.
To receive updates about this symposium, please sign up to the ADeN newsletter via the link at the bottom of this webpage.
Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System: Constantly Evolving
This 2-day meeting will bring together international and local experts who will showcase recent preclinical and clinical aspects of classical AT1R function as well as non-AT1R biology and the clinical potential of targeting alternative arms of the RAAS. The meeting format will provide opportunities for EMCR/HDR presentations.
Location: Balgownie Estate, Yarra Valley, 1309 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen VIC 3775
Inflammation, fibrosis and metabolism satellite meeting
The Inflammation, fibrosis and metabolism satellite offers world leader's insights including Prof Clive Page on the journey to the ensifentrine blockbuster anti-inflammatory agent and Dr Dan Tagle, former Director of Special initiatives at NIH will discuss the impact of novel approach methodologies (microphysiological systems, in silico and in chemico processes), with local experts discussing novel targets in neural fibrosis and inflammation. Free communications, 3MT and poster communications will be welcomed from registrants.
Location The University of Melbourne, Australia
From Nature to Science: Developing Safe, Effective and Scalable Natural Product Therapeutics
This international satellite symposium brings together leading pharmacologists, biotechnologists, and industry experts to explore innovative strategies for translating natural products into clinically validated therapeutics. Join us to discuss how advances in pharmacology, bioengineering, and drug development are enabling safe, effective, and scalable medicines from nature.
Location: Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus
Celebrating excellence: meeting the Fellows
The ASCEPT Fellowship is the Society’s highest honour, recognising exceptional service and contributions to pharmacology and toxicology. We are proud to celebrate our newly awarded Fellows, shown left to right in the photograph with Associate Professor and 2024-2025 ASCEPT President Bridin Murnion (centre): Professor Carl Kirkpatrick, Professor Sarah Hilmer, Professor Andrew McLachlan, and Professor Peter Molenaar. Read more about our Fellows and their impact by clicking the link below.
Introducing our new 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 two members, Dr Anh TN Nguyen and Dr Mouna Sawan. Click the links below to read their Q&As.
Dr Anh TN Nguyen
Dr Anh TN Nguyen is an ARC DECRA Fellow and Head of the GPCR EcoPharmacology Laboratory at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, leading interdisciplinary research on GPCR-targeted drug discovery for dementia and the effects of environmental pollutants on receptor and kinase signalling.
Dr Mouna Sawan
Dr Mouna Sawan is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney and experienced pharmacist whose research focuses on improving medication safety for people living with dementia through co-designed tools, collaborative care, and national policy impact across aged care systems and diverse healthcare settings.
ASCEPT Award and Prize applications reminder
A reminder that several ASCEPT Awards and Prizes are currently open for submissions, and members are encouraged to apply. With opportunities spanning all career stages and roles, these awards recognise excellence in research, teaching, innovation, and broader contributions to the ASCEPT community. If you have any questions regarding eligibility or the submission process, please contact the ASCEPT Executive Officer (ascept@ascept.org) or the Prize Coordinator (chantal.donovan@uts.edu.au).
Kind regards,
Dr Chantal Donovan
Prize Coordinator – ASCEPT
ASCEPT Achievement Award
For established leaders (>7 years), the ASCEPT Achievement Award honours individuals who have made sustained and significant contributions to research, teaching, or professional service in pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, toxicology, or clinical toxicology. This award celebrates long-term impact and excellence.
Applications should be sent to the ASCEPT Executive Officer via email at ascept@ascept.org by COB Monday 4 May 2026.
ASCEPT Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence Award
For established educators, the ASCEPT Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence Award recognises significant contribution to education and/or training in one of the disciplines of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Toxicology in Australasia. This award celebrates excellence, innovation, mentorship, and leadership in teaching.
Applications should be sent to the ASCEPT Executive Officer via email at ascept@ascept.org by COB Monday 4 May 2026.
ASCEPT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award
For everyone, the ASCEPT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises individuals and teams at any career stage who drive meaningful change. This award celebrates actions that strengthen our community and foster a more inclusive future for pharmacology and toxicology.
Applications should be sent to the ASCEPT Executive Officer via email at ascept@ascept.org by COB Monday 4 May 2026.
ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize
For HDR Students and Advanced Trainees, the ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize recognises scientific rigour paired with compelling, high-impact communication. Applicants will be shortlisted based on an extended abstract, with finalists delivering oral presentations at WCP2026. The best presentation will receive the ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize.
Applicants must upload an extended project description and declaration in the submission portal by 11:59pm AEST, Sunday 10 May 2026.
Bellberry New Investigator Award
For EMCRs within eight years of their PhD, 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.
Applications must be submitted through the submission portal by 11:59pm AEST, Sunday 10 May 2026 and should include a letter of support from the nominator, the nominee’s CV (max 2 A4 pages), an abstract of the proposed presentation, and a statement of relative to opportunity, if relevant.
Successful nominees will be invited to deliver a 20-25 minute presentation at the WCP2026. In addition, nominees will be eligible for the BPS-ASCEPT Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award.
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
- TGA consultation on improvements of the regulations of sunscreens in Australia
- Free webinars
- CV SIG – Hypertension Australia Newsletter
- CV SIG/PG SIG/TX SIG – call for newsletter items
- CP SIG – NSW Health EOI for advisory committee membership
- CP SIG/PG SIG – World Smart Medication Day 2026
- CP SIG – Nicholas White obituary
- DD SIG – introducing the 2026 committee
- Education Forum – Request for feedback regarding use of animals in university teaching
- Education Forum – IUPHAR Education Section Satellite Meeting
- PE SIG – SIG webinar 14 April
- PG SIG – abstract on The evolving landscape of pharmacogenomics: Current achievements and future directions
- PG SIG – PGx elearning initiative from the British Pharmacology society (BPS)
- RI SIG – Meet the Researcher spotlights
- TX SIG – Toxicology Special Interest Group Online Presentations session 5 June
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 Survey
The responses from the ASCEPT EDI Survey have now been collated and analysed. Overall, the perception of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in ASCEPT is very positive. Most respondents believe that there is a strong commitment to ensuring members have access to equitable opportunities and that our diverse membership feels included. This was great to see and is a fantastic indicator that ASCEPT is meeting its EDI goals.
For the aggregate results click here and the survey report can be accessed here.
Dr Brendan Wilkins, Chair of the ASCEPT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Days of significance
Below are several significant days recognised in April. Click the links to learn more about each observance.
SIG updates
Cardiovascular SIG highlights
Shortly after the ASCEPT-Hypertension Australia meeting last December, Prof Grant Drummond, A/Prof Antony Vinh and Dr Hericka Figueiredo Galvao were awarded an NHMRC Ideas Grant for their project investigating novel treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
The team is thrilled and extremely grateful for the opportunity to investigate novel immune and inflammatory drivers of AAA, yet conscious of the difficulty faced by many in an increasingly difficult funding landscape. This is what Prof Drummond had to say:
“Our team was fortunate to be funded in this round of NHMRC Ideas Grants. However, at <10% success, luck plays a bigger part than any of us would like to admit – and far too many excellent, high impact proposals went unfunded.”
The cardiovascular SIG would like to congratulate Prof Drummond and his team on this award and remind its fellow members that success comes in many forms. So, if you have any publications, awards, grant successes, student completions or if you are excited about an upcoming presentation (e.g., WCP) let us celebrate with you! All you have to do is tell us what you would like us to highlight using this anonymous form.
Provide your feedback to the Cardiovascular SIG
As we look toward the next year of the Cardiovascular Special Interest Group, our goal is to ensure that our initiatives, workshops, and symposiums align with your research interests and professional needs. To help us do that, we have put together a brief anonymous 3-minute survey to gather your thoughts on
- The recent Student Symposium and other current events.
- The types of networking and scientific sessions you want to see.
- How we can better support our ECRs and senior members alike.
Your feedback is vital in helping us advocate for the CV community within ASCEPT and in designing events that add real value to your career. Thank you for your time and for your ongoing contributions to cardiovascular pharmacology! Provide your feedback to the Cardiovascular SIG.
Pharmacoepidemiology SIG webinar
The Pharmacoepidemiology SIG is kick-starting the 2026 webinar series with the first webinar on Australian health data resources for pharmacoepidemiology and real-world evidence research. Learn about major Australian real-world datasets (PBS, MBS, PLIDA, NHDH), pharmacovigilance data, and the MedIntel linked data platform for population-level medicines research!
Speakers:
- Dr Imaina Widagdo (Adelaide University) – Navigating Australia’s Health Data Ecosystem
- A/Prof Michael Falster (UNSW) – The Medicines Intelligence (MedIntel) Data Platform
Date: 14 April 2026
Time: 1:00-2:00pm AEST
Important dates for your calendars
WCP2026
IUPHAR
ASCEPT Awards
4 May – Nominations CLOSE for:
- ASCEPT Achievement Award
- ASCEPT Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence Award
- ASCEPT EDI Award
10 May – Nominations CLOSE for:
- Bellberry New Investigator Award
- ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize
Other events
- 2026 ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Weekend – 16-17 May 2026
- Save the date: 2026 ASCEPT NZ Forum ASM Christchurch – 2-4 September 2026
- 2026 Joint IATDMCT/SFPT Congress – 27-30 September 2026
Advanced Pharmacy Australia and Therapeutic Guidelines announce a strategic partnership
Therapeutic Guidelines and Advanced Pharmacy Australia have launched a strategic partnership, introducing ObesiD an Australian first digital resource supporting care for people living with obesity and a redesigned home for the trusted Don’t Rush to Crush guide.
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.
Moving forward all of these newsletters will also be 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. Click the links below to read through the latest updates.
Media releases
Horizon Europe and Science Meets the Economy
New Program to Bridge Science and Business, Strengthening Australia’s Innovation Economy
Response to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development Report ‘Ambitious Australia’
Australia Must Seize Horizon Europe Opportunity
A Once‑in‑a‑Multigeneration Opportunity to Supercharge Research and Development
Australia risks losing global edge in astronomy with eso decision
Urgent discussion
Science & Technology Australia invites members to register for informal discussions about the Ambitious Australia report recommendations.
Monday 13 April – RDTI, capital & procurement – recommendations 7-11, 16-20
Register here
Research Australia provides member only exclusive updates to help keep you informed, and in the know!
Policy Series Newsletter – March 2026
Health & Medical Research Awards
Advancing Equity in Women’s Health and Research
Member Alert: The Future of the HMR Workforce + Member Updates
These newsletters share scientific updates, research highlights, awards, events, and opportunities to keep the Aotearoa New Zealand research community informed and connected.
Alert newsletter
Read alert newsletter 1362 here
Read alert newsletter 1363 here
Read alert newsletter 1364 here
Read alert newsletter 1365 here
Membership newsletter
IUPHAR provides a monthly update highlighting key developments, research insights, organizational news, and upcoming opportunities relevant to the global pharmacology community.
Read the IUPHAR newsletter here
Watch the IUPHAR Webinar – How Adipose Inflammation Fuels Cardiometabolic Disorders
The 2027 Australian Academy of Science honorific awards and funding opportunities are open, nominations close 1 May 2026.
The National Rural Health Alliance publishes a fortnightly email newsletter with updates from the alliance and rural health sector.
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.
The RACP provides regular updates highlighting paediatrics training developments, workforce and wellbeing issues, member engagement opportunities, and professional development initiatives.
The International Union of Toxicology update highlights global toxicology initiatives, including upcoming meetings, training and funding opportunities, and efforts to advance international collaboration, education, and research to improve human and environmental health.
Feedback and suggestions
Have any feedback or suggestions, email the ASCEPT Secretariat here or by completing the form below.