Welcome to the March 2026 ASCEPT newsletter
In this video ASCEPT President Nicola Smith and ASCEPT Mentoring Program Chair Elly Djouma discuss the new mentoring program and preview the contents of this month’s newsletter.
Associate Professor Nicola J. Smith
President – ASCEPT
In this edition
ASCEPT Awards and Prizes for WCP2026 Just Announced
Several awards and prizes are now open for submissions, and I encourage you to apply! There is something for everyone, no matter your career stage or role, making this a great opportunity to be recognised for research, teaching, innovations, and achievements, to the broader ASCEPT community.
Please see details below for the newly opened prizes/awards below. Career disruptions are taken into account, and our EDI policy applies to all awards. If you have any questions about 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.
REMINDER: Nominations close soon for the 2026 ASCEPT Lecturer and ASCEPT Fellowship
The ASCEPT Lectureship was established by the ASCEPT Council at its March 1987 meeting. The Lectureship is awarded biennially to a member of ASCEPT who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the development of pharmacology and/or toxicology in Australasia.
Nominations should be sent to the ASCEPT Executive Officer via email at ascept@ascept.org by COB Monday 16 March 2026.
The ASCEPT Fellowship is the highest honour the ASCEPT Board can bestow on a financial member. It recognises significant contributions to the Society or to the advancement of pharmacology and toxicology. Nominations can be made by two Fellow Members, the President, or the Immediate Past President.
Self-nominations will not be accepted, and nominations must be independent, without lobbying by prospective nominees.
Nominations should be sent to the ASCEPT Executive Officer via email at ascept@ascept.org by COB Monday 16 March 2026.
Call for mentees and mentors – ASCEPT Mentoring Program
The ASCEPT Mentoring Program has been refreshed to better support career growth, build confidence, and strengthen connections. Running March–December 2026, it includes monthly meetings, resources, and optional workshops.
Mentees gain tailored guidance and networking opportunities. Mentors share experience and support others’ development – no prior experience needed.
Expressions of interest are open until 6 March 2026. Submit your EOI to join as a mentee or mentor.
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!
ASCEPT Members honoured at BPS Pharmacology 2025
Incoming Aotearoa New Zealand Forum Chair, Associate Professor Jack Flanagan from the University of Auckland has provided a snapshot of his highlights from the British Pharmacological Society Pharmacology 2025 meeting held immediately after the ASCEPT-Hypertension Australia meeting last December. Great work Jack and congratulations to all the ASCEPT awardees!
Still Not on Mighty Networks? You’ve missed these updates:
- Society newsletters and media releases
- Business of Advanced Therapeutics Masterclass 2026 details
- ANZCCART Openness Agreement – Tony Jones documentary
- WCP late breaking abstract submission reminder
- Medical Research Future Fund campaign
- 2026 IATDMCT congress registration invitation
- CV SIG – ACvA MRFF Research Missions program evaluation survey
- CP SIG – PharmVar membership update
- CP SIG – ARTICLE: Advancing pharmacogenomics in medicines regulation and clinical practice: a call for collaborative action.
- ED FORUM – IUPHAR-Ed meeting information
- ED FORUM – IUPHAR call for contributions – Education Section Pharmacological Research Reports
- RI SIG – ASCEPT Mentoring Program
- TX SIG – Invitation to display posters at the 2026 Global Collaboration Coffee at SOT Annual Meeting
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)
Days of significance
Below are several significant days recognised in March. Click the links to learn more about each observance.
EDI spotlight
Click here to read about the Sydney Pride Regatta 2026 where the St Vincents Hospital Sydney Emergency Department and Clinical Pharmacology/Toxicology teams joined forces to compete!
SIG Updates
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’ve 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!
Important dates for your calendars
WCP2026
IUPHAR
ASCEPT Awards
16 March – Nominations CLOSE for
- ASCEPT Lecturer
- ASCEPT Fellows
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
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!
Member update newsletter – February 2026
The STA member newsletter provides updates on news, policy, events and funding opportunities, including grants, for professionals in science and technology.
Member alert – February
Research Australia provides this member only exclusive update, to help keep you informed, and in the know!
Alert newsletter
This newsletter shares scientific updates, research highlights, awards, events, and opportunities to keep the Aotearoa New Zealand research community informed and connected.
IUPHAR Education Section Announcements
IUPHAR – WHO Webinar: World Patient Safety Day
2027 honorific awards and funding opportunities are open
Feedback and suggestions
Have any feedback or suggestions, email the ASCEPT Secretariat here or by completing the form below.