ASCEPT Awards and Prize Guidelines
ASCEPT offers a number of prestigious awards and prizes to both full and student members the majority of which are awarded at the Annual Scientific Meeting. Call for nominations for these awards are made via the ASCEPT member e-newsletter.
To be eligible for an Award or Prize, applicants must be a member of ASCEPT. This is defined as a person whose application for ASCEPT membership has been approved by the ASCEPT Board and who has paid all membership fees up to and including the current year.
New members must have submitted a membership application and paid the membership fee before attending the ASM for consideration for prizes and/or travel grants. Undergraduate student members are not eligible for prizes however they can upgrade to Graduate Student members if they wish to apply.
If you are unsure about your ASCEPT Membership status, please contact the ASCEPT Secretariat.
Not yet a member? Find out how to become an ASCEPT member.
ASCEPT Awards
- ASCEPT Michael Rand Medal (every odd year)
- ASCEPT Lecturer (every even year)
- ASCEPT Achievement Award
- ASCEPT Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence Award
- ASCEPT Gillian Shenfield Early Educator Award
- ASCEPT Early Achievement Award for Women
- Bellberry New Investigator Awards
ASCEPT Prizes
- ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize (oral prize)
- ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Trainee Prize (oral prize)
- ASCEPT Tony Smith Quality Use of Medicines prize (oral prize)
- ASCEPT Neville Percy Prize (student poster prize)
- ASCEPT Robert Whelan Prize (student poster prize)
- ASCEPT Integrative Pharmacology/Toxicology Prize (student poster prize)
- ASCEPT Special Interest Group Prizes (student poster prize)
ASCEPT Awards
ASCEPT Michael Rand Medal (every odd year)
The ASCEPT Michael Rand Medal was established in memory of Professor Michael Rand, a founding member of the Society and is awarded biennially to a member of ASCEPT whose research has made an outstanding contribution to the disciplines of clinical and experimental pharmacology or toxicology nationally and internationally. The award is made based on the quality and impact of the candidate’s published work.
Eligibility
- The ASCEPT Michael Rand Medal is open to all financial members of ASCEPT.
- Nominees for this medal are required to be nominated and seconded by two current ASCEPT members.
Award
An official notification letter from the President will be sent to the successful candidate. The successful candidate will be invited to receive their award at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
How to apply
ASCEPT Lecturer (every even year)
The ASCEPT 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.
Eligibility
- The ASCEPT Lecturer is open to all financial members of ASCEPT.
- Nominees for this medal are required to be nominated and seconded by two current ASCEPT members, with at least one from outside the nominee’s institution.
Award
An official notification letter from the President will be sent to the successful candidate. The successful candidate will be invited to receive their award at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
How to apply
ASCEPT Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence Award
The ASCEPT Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence Award was established in memory of A/Professor Liz Davis, an exceptional leader in pharmacology education and teaching excellence, and is awarded annually to a member of ASCEPT who has made a significant contribution to education and/or training in one of the disciplines of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Toxicology in Australasia.
Such contributions may include, but are not limited to:
- Sustained excellence in teaching that promotes student engagement and effective learning.
- Innovative teaching methods and assessment strategies.
- Contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
- Fostering interdisciplinary and inter-university teaching collaborations.
- Excellence in supervising and mentoring research students.
- Leadership in the enhancement of teaching and learning in the disciplines of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology or Clinical Toxicology.
Eligibility
- ASCEPT Elizabeth Davis Teaching Excellence Award is open to all financial members of ASCEPT.
- Nominees for this medal are required to be nominated and seconded by two current ASCEPT members, with at least one from outside the nominee’s institution.
- Have not received this award in the previous 5 years.
Award
An official notification letter from the President will be sent to the successful candidate. The successful candidate will be invited to receive their award at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
How to apply
ASCEPT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award
Embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles ensures that every individual, regardless of background, has equitable opportunities and representation. This award recognises an individual, or team, that has demonstrated outstanding dedication to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in pharmacological or toxicological research, education, or industry/professional practice that aligns with the objectives outlined in the ASCEPT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
Eligibility
- Individual or lead applicant must have been a member of ASCEPT for at least 2 years prior to the Annual Scientific Meeting.
- Team applications may include non-ASCEPT members, but must have an ASCEPT member as lead applicant.
- Applicants may be working in academic, clinical, industry, or community settings, or other relevant environments.
Award
An official notification letter will be sent to the successful candidate. The successful applicant(s) will be invited to receive their award at the awards ceremony at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
How to apply
Bellberry New Investigator Awards
The Bellberry New Investigator Award recognise and highlight the research contributions of New Investigators to the disciplines of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Eligibility
- The Bellberry New Investigator Award is open to all financial members of ASCEPT.
- Nominees must have been ASCEPT members for at least the previous 2 years, or if a valid interruption to membership exists, have been a member of ASCEPT for at least 2 years before the suspension of membership.
- Nominees would normally be expected to have completed no less than two years and no more than eight years in employment since obtaining their highest tertiary qualification, allowing for career disruptions.
- There is no age limit.
- Nominees for this award are required to be nominated by one current ASCEPT member.
Award
An official notification letter from the President will be sent to the successful candidates. These prestigious awards are presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of ASCEPT during a symposium designed to showcase New Investigators in clinical and experimental pharmacology and toxicology, where they will also be presented with a certificate recognising their Award.
How to apply
ASCEPT Prizes
ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize (oral prize)
The ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize was established in memory of Professor Garth McQueen, a member of the original steering committee that established ASCEPT and is awarded annually for the best oral communication by a Higher Degree student member of ASCEPT. Students who are shortlisted for the ASCEPT Garth McQueen Prize may still present their abstract in poster format so that they remain in contention for the poster prizes. Students who are not shortlisted will automatically be included in the poster program and are thus eligible for the poster prizes.
Eligibility
- Current Higher Degree student includes anyone undertaking a Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant biomedical discipline or Advanced Trainees in Clinical Pharmacology.
- Nominees must be ASCEPT members at the time of the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Award
Students will be shortlisted based on the scientific quality, innovation and significance of their study by an ASCEPT Board-appointed judging panel and present an oral presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting. The winner of this dedicated session will then be presented with a certificate recognising their Prize.
How to apply
ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Trainee Prize (oral prize)
The ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Trainee prize is awarded for the best research presentation by an Advanced Trainee in Clinical Pharmacology at the annual ASCEPT Clinical Pharmacology Weekend. This prize recognises the importance of research to the discipline of Clinical Pharmacology and the importance of experience in presenting at scientific meetings to training in the discipline.
Eligibility
- Must be currently enrolled as a trainee in Clinical Pharmacology under the Specialty Training Committee for Clinical Pharmacology.
- Nominees must be ASCEPT members at the time of the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Award
The winner will be presented with a certificate recognising their Prize at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
How to apply
ASCEPT Tony Smith Quality Use of Medicines Prize (oral prize)
The ASCEPT Tony Smith Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) prize was established in memory of Emeritus Professor Anthony (“Tony”) Smith AM, a pioneering clinical pharmacologist, and is awarded annually for the best research presentation on QUM at the Annual Scientific Meeting of ASCEPT.
Eligibility
- ASCEPT Tony Smith Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) prize is open to all financial members of ASCEPT.
- Nominees would normally be expected to have completed not less than two years and not more than eight years in employment since obtaining their highest tertiary qualification, allowing for career disruptions, or be within 8 years of completing Basic Physician Training.
- There is no age limit.
Award
Applicants will be shortlisted based on the QUM by an ASCEPT Board-appointed judging panel and present an oral presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting. The winner will be determined by an ASCEPT Board-appointed judging panel and be presented with a certificate at the Annual Scientific Meeting recognising their Prize.
How to apply
ASCEPT Integrative Pharmacology/Toxicology Prize (student poster prize)
The ASCEPT Integrative Pharmacology/Toxicology Prize was established in 2010 and is awarded at the Annual Scientific Meeting to an Honours or Higher Degree student for the best poster communication in this category.
Eligibility
- Current Higher Degree student includes anyone undertaking a Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant biomedical discipline. Current Honours student includes BSc Honours, BMedSc Honours, or equivalent fourth year (e.g. Grad Dip Sci).
- Nominees must be ASCEPT members at the time of the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Award
The winner will be determined by an ASCEPT Board-appointed judging panel and be presented with a certificate at the Annual Scientific Meeting recognising their Prize.
How to apply
ASCEPT Neville Percy Prize (student poster prize)
The ASCEPT Neville Percy Prize was established in memory of Dr Neville Percy, one of the founding members of the Society, and is awarded annually to a Higher Degree student for the best poster communication at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Eligibility
- Current Higher Degree student includes anyone undertaking a Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant biomedical discipline. Clinicians in an accredited training program and who have worked for less than seven years full-time since completing their undergraduate degree are also eligible.
- Nominees must be ASCEPT members at the time of the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Award
Finalists will be nominated from each Special Interest Group. The winner will be determined by an ASCEPT Board-appointed judging panel and be presented with a certificate recognising their Prize.
How to apply
No additional application form is required. Higher Degree students presenting a poster at the Annual Scientific Meeting are automatically considered for this Prize.
ASCEPT Robert Whelan Prize (student poster prize)
The ASCEPT Robert Whelan Prize was established in memory of Professor Robert Whelan, a co-founder of the Society, and is awarded annually to a BSc Honours, BMedSc Honours, or equivalent fourth year (e.g. Grad Dip Sci) degree student for the best poster communication at the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Eligibility
- Current BSc Honours, BmedSc Honours, or equivalent fourth year (e.g. Grad Dip Sci) student.
- Nominees must be ASCEPT members at the time of the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Award
Finalists will be nominated from each Special Interest Group. The winner will be determined by an ASCEPT Board-appointed judging panel and be presented with a certificate recognising their Prize.
How to apply
No additional application form is required. BSc Honours, BmedSc Honours, or equivalent fourth year students presenting a poster at the Annual Scientific Meeting are automatically considered for this Prize.
ASCEPT Special Interest Group Prizes (student poster prize)
ASCEPT’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Prizes are awarded to the student who gives the best overall presentation in their specific research field at the Annual Scientific Meeting. These are awarded annually. Students whose research falls under an area of interest of one of ASCEPT’s SIGs will automatically be considered for the relevant SIG Prize:
- Cardiovascular
- Clinical
- Drug Disposition and Response
- Drug Discovery
- Education
- Innovation and Industry
- Neuropharmacology
- Pharmacoepidemiology
- Pharmacogenomics
- Respiratory and Inflammation
- Toxicology
- Urogenital and Gastrointestinal
Eligibility
- Current Higher Degree student includes anyone undertaking a Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant biomedical discipline; or
- Clinicians in an accredited training program and who have worked for less than seven years full-time since completing their undergraduate degree; or
- Current BSc Honours, BMedSc Honours, or equivalent fourth year (e.g. Grad Dip Sci) student.
- All nominees must be ASCEPT members at the time of the Annual Scientific Meeting.
Award
The winners from each SIG will be determined by an ASCEPT Board-appointed judging panel and be presented with a certificate recognising their Prize.
How to apply
No additional application form is required. All students presenting at the Annual Scientific Meeting are automatically considered for this Prize.