Welcome to the June 2026 ASCEPT newsletter
Associate Professor Nicola J. Smith
President – ASCEPT
In this edition
Updates from the WCP Organising Committee
There’s still time to secure your place at the 20th World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (WCP2026), taking place 12–17 July 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.
Join the global pharmacology and therapeutics community for six days of cutting-edge science, collaboration and networking with leading researchers, clinicians and industry experts from around the world.
In addition to the main congress program, a range of satellite meetings will be held before and after WCP2026. These smaller, focused events provide the opportunity to explore specialised topics in greater depth and connect with peers in more intimate settings.
Satellite meetings are independently organised and designed to complement the main program, making them a valuable addition to your WCP2026 experience. Learn more click here.
What is happening in the Innovation Theatre?
The Innovation Theatre at WCP2026 offers a dynamic platform for exploring the latest advancements, transformative technologies and forward-thinking solutions driving the evolution of basic and clinical pharmacology.
Conveniently situated within the exhibition area, the Innovation Theatre is a vibrant hub where breakthrough ideas come to life. All registered delegates are invited to join this inspiring space and engage with the future of the field.
IUPHAR Education Innovation Showcase
Wednesday 15 July, 1:15pm – 4:15pm
The IUPHAR Education Section is pleased to present the Education Innovation Showcase at WCP2026. With a thriving pharmacology education community across the globe, there is a wealth of new and innovative teaching resources, strategies and methods being developed to enhance and improve the quality of education and training. This event showcases a diverse range of creative, evidence informed educational innovations designed to enhance the learning and engagement of students, the public, patients and wider audiences with pharmacology. The session will highlight practical resources and approaches, beginning with flash presentations followed by interactive demonstration tables that create a lively space for discussion, idea sharing and collaboration.
Building Your Scientific Brand: Strategic Networking for Career Growth
Thursday 16 July, 1:15pm – 1:45pm
This session will focus on how scientists can intentionally build and communicate their professional identity through strategic networking. It will cover practical approaches to expanding professional connections, increasing visibility within the scientific community and leveraging conferences, professional societies and digital platforms such as LinkedIn. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to foster collaborations, navigate networking and align their scientific brand with their long-term career goals.
Bellberry New Investigator Awardees and ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize finalists announced
Join us in congratulating the four awardees of the Bellberry New Investigator Award and the finalists for the Garth McQueen Prize.
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 Aotearoa New Zealand Forum Annual Scientific Meeting
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:
- 24 July – Early bird registrations close
- 31 July – Abstracts submissions close
- 31 July – Standard registrations close
- 2 September – NZ ASM commences
Reflecting on the ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Weekend 2026
The 2026 ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Weekend brought together trainees, specialists and experts from across Australia and New Zealand for an outstanding weekend of learning, collaboration and networking in Sydney.
Hosted at St Vincent’s Hospital, the program showcased an exceptional line-up of speakers and interactive sessions spanning clinical pharmacology, toxicology, therapeutics, forensic medicine and regulatory challenges.
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 Iris Lim.
Dr Iris Lim
Dr Iris Lim is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Sciences at Bond University and a researcher in the Centre for Urology Research. Her work focuses on urogenital pharmacology and physiology, as well as innovative approaches to higher education.
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
- IUTOX No Tabacco Day Campaign 2026
- Gustaaf Hallegraeff presentation – 5 June
- World Smart Medication Day
- CV SIG – new Hypertension Australia newsletter
- CV SIG – WCP SIG dinner/catch up
- CP SIG – Commission review of Acute Coronary Syndromes Clinical Care Standard
- CP SIG – Pharmacy Board of Australia proposal to establish endorsement for scheduled medicines
- NP SIG – Prize submissions reminder
- PE SIG – Webinar: AI applications in pharmacoepidemiology and clinical practice research – 10 June
- TX SIG – ACTRA webinar – setting consumption advisories for PFAS in fish from a risk/benefit perspective – 4 June
- TX SIG – IUTOXtalks returns – “Persistent and Pervasive: Tackling PFAS Through Science and Policy – A Global Perspective: Part 2” – 24 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 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 to add a badge 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 June. Click the links to learn more about each observance.
- International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (4 June)
- World Environment Day (5 June)
- Men’s Health Week (June 9-15)
- World Blood Donor Day (14 June)
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June)
- National Refugee Week (14-20 June)
- International Day for Countering Hate Speech (June 18)
- International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26)
SIG updates
Use the drop-down menus below to view updates and learn more about ASCEPT SIG activities.
Pharmacoepidemiology SIG
The Pharmacoepidemiology SIG is hosting a webinar on AI applications in pharmacoepidemiology research. This webinar is open to anyone interested in AI, pharmacoepidemiology or clinical pharmacology.
When: Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm AEST
Register via Mighty Networks
Speakers:
- Bradley Menz (Flinders University): Multimodal generative AI in clinical practice
- Kenji Fujita (Kolling Institute, University of Sydney): LLM applications in Japanese community pharmacy
Chair: Natansh Modi (Adelaide University)
Toxicology SIG
ToxSig Practice Forum: Come and practice your scientific presentation for 5-10 minutes over zoom with the Toxicology SIG on 5 June.
The Tox SIG is arranging a special online event to provide an opportunity for Tox SIG members – particularly student members and early-career researchers – to present their research in a friendly and supportive environment.
This session is intended as a practice forum for those preparing presentations for WCP (World Congress of Pharmacology) or any other upcoming scientific meetings.
The event will be held online via Zoom and integrated with our Mighty Networks platform, RSVP in Mighty Networks.
We are planning to run the session on 5 June at 11:00am AEST (10:30am ACST/ 09:00am AWST).
Call for presentations: We invite students and interested researchers at all career stages to volunteer to give a short practice presentation of their work. Presentations may be at any stage of development and may cover completed studies, work in progress, or proposed research. Presentation length can be 5 minutes (especially useful for practicing your poster talks) or longer if required. We anticipate the event will last about 2 hours. Constructive feedback and discussion from fellow SIG members will be encouraged, with the aim of helping presenters refine their content, delivery and timing ahead of formal conference presentations.
See the Toxicology SIG Mighty Networks channel to secure your spot in the lineup or register your attendance.
Pharmacogenomics SIG
ASCEPT PGx SIG Journal Club
Join us at the next Pharmacogenomics journal club on Monday 15 June at 12:00pm AEST.
Article: Brooks, Gabriel A et al. “Association of DPYD rs4294451, plasma uracil concentration, and sex with 5-fluorouracil exposure in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.” Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology vol. 95,1 120. 4 Dec. 2025.
Presented by Sihan Wang and chaired by Nuala Helsby (University of Auckland).
Follow the PGx MightyApps channel for more information. If you’d like to receive journal club calendar invites, please contact toni.michael@sydney.edu.au
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.
- Abstracts and registrations are now open
- Abstract submissions close on 5 June 2026
We look forward to seeing you there!
18th Asian Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology
On behalf of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology (ISPE), we are pleased to announce the 18th Asian Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology (ACPE 2026), taking place in Melbourne, Australia, from 30 October to 1 November 2026.
Under the theme “Data to Decisions: Real-World Evidence in Action,” the conference, hosted in collaboration with Monash University, will bring together global experts to share insights through engaging keynote sessions, symposia, and research presentations.
ACPE 2026 offers a valuable opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, and build new collaborations, all while experiencing the vibrant city of Melbourne.
Important dates:
- Scholarship application deadline: 12 June 2026
- Abstract submission deadline: 12 June 2026
We look forward to welcoming you.
Important dates for your calendars
WCP2026
Other events
- In Conversation with Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM and Tracey Spicer AM - 4 June
- Women in STEMM Leadership Summit - 17-18 June 2026
- European Society of Toxicology In Vitro (ESTIV 2026) - 29 June - 2 July 2026
- PAGANZ 2026 - 10-12 July 2026
- ASIATOX 2026 - 3-6 August 2026
- 2026 ASCEPT NZ Forum ASM Christchurch – 2-4 September 2026
- EUROTOX 2026 - 13-16 September 2026
- 2026 Joint IATDMCT/SFPT Congress - 27-30 September 2026
- 18th Asian Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology - 30 October to 1 November 2026
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.
STA Member Update: Applications now open – STA policy and EDI committees
STA Member Update: Friday 15 May 2026
STA Member Update: Friday 26 May 2026
Media Release: ANAO report reinforces need for long-term investment in national research infrastructure – Thursday 7 May 2026
Media Release: Federal budget “savings” create more uncertainty without a plan – Friday 8 May 2026
Media Release: A budget that begins R&D reform but adds to uncertainty – Tuesday 12 May 2026
Media Release: CSIRO job cuts statement – Thursday 21 May 2026
Media Release: Welcome certainty for health and medical research – Friday 22 May 2026
Media Release: CSIRO job cuts another blow for Australia’s science capability – Thursday 28 May 2026
Media Release: A welcome boost to Australia’s research infrastructure – Friday 29 May 2026
Research Australia provides member only exclusive updates to help keep you informed and in the know!
Event: Showcasing the Value of Health and Medical Research and Innovation – 25 June 2026
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
IUPHAR provides monthly updates highlighting key developments, research insights, organisational news, events and upcoming opportunities relevant to the global pharmacology community.
Webinar: Inflammation-Mediated Mechanisms of Endothelial Dysfunction – Download here
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.
IUTOX: President’s Newsletter May 2026
IUTOX talks return with: Persistent and Pervasive PFAS—A Global Perspective: Part 2 Wednesday June 24 2026
CTDC13: Call for proposals – submissions close 1 July 2026
IUTOX: Upcoming events
The Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) is the peak professional society representing Australian health and medical researchers, and has a long-established role in scientific, political and public advocacy.
Member Update: ASMR’s response to the Federal Budget – 13 May 2026
Member Update: ASMR’s response to the 2026-2036 National Health and Medical Research Strategy – 25 May 2026
Feedback and suggestions
Have any feedback or suggestions, email the ASCEPT Secretariat here or by completing the form below.