Prof Martina Schmidt’s research focuses on clustered signaling pathways of molecular partners within defined subcellular compartments (signalosomes), which enable cells to perform highly specialised functions. Her group’s future goal is to elucidate the organisation of recently discovered signaling components within functional units using biochemical, molecular and cell biological methods, as well as genetic and omics approaches. Her research is embedded within integrative pharmacology and translational medicine, with a particular focus on chronic inflammatory disorders. Evidence indicates a role for key signaling components (Epac, PLD, AKAP, cofilin) in smooth muscle cells, neuronal cells, immune cells, and cardiomyocytes. Many serious diseases, including cancer, type-II diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular and airway diseases (such as heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, developmental defects, asthma and COPD), as well as infectious diseases, are associated with defective or dysregulated signaling processes. Research into the control of these processes is therefore of significant public and social importance. Her research group integrates in vivo and ex vivo translational pharmacology with molecular (cell) biology, and applies novel techniques such as microfluidics and precision-cut tissue slices, among others.

Dr Anh Nguyen is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow and Head of GPCR EcoPharmacology Lab at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her research focuses on decoding drug-receptor interactions at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to drive the discovery of next-generation therapeutics, particularly allosteric and biased ligands, for cardiovascular and neuronal diseases. She leads an innovation-driven program that integrates molecular pharmacology, computational modelling, high-throughput screening, and artificial intelligence to develop a cutting-edge GPCR-targeted drug discovery platform. Dr Nguyen also pioneers research into how environmental pollutants, especially micro- and nanoplastics, disrupt GPCR signalling, contributing to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. As head of a multidisciplinary team, she drives transformative approaches in pharmacology and invites workshop participants to explore the future of AI in drug development.

Dr Jake Martin is an ecologist and ecotoxicologist whose research explores how human-driven environmental change affects wildlife. He uses a combination of laboratory experiments, fieldwork, and meta-analysis to investigate the impacts of emerging chemical pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, with a particular focus on how pharmaceuticals influence animal behaviour. After completing his PhD and first postdoctoral role at Monash University, Jake moved to Sweden as a Formas Mobility Fellow, holding a joint position at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Stockholm University. He is now an Alfred Deakin Research Fellow at Deakin University, where his research focuses on animal–microbe symbioses and the spatial and temporal dynamics of contaminant exposure.

Dr Suzanne Caliph is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Australia. She is the academic lead for the Graduate-Entry Pharmacy pathway and co-leads the Education Research theme focussing on Skills and assessment. Suzanne serves on the Executive Committee of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) - Western Pacific Pharmaceutical Forum as Secretary for Pharmaceutical Education and Workforce Development. She is a member of the FIP-UNESCO UNITWIN Centre for Excellence in the Western Pacific Region, promoting interregional collaboration on sustainability, equity, and technology in education. A registered pharmacist with experience serving diverse communities, she also mentors early-career pharmacists, interns, and students. Recognised with several educational awards, including Australian Awards for University Teaching, her research focuses on advancing the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of graduates and the workforce through technology-enhanced, pedagogy-driven education.

Joost Piët is a medical doctor, a trainee in clinical pharmacology, and is currently working as a pharmacotherapy teacher at Amsterdam UMC. In addition, he is pursuing a PhD in environmentally sustainable prescribing at Amsterdam UMC, for which he is conducting research at the University of Sydney this year (2026). He also coordinates the Erasmus+ project "Planetary Health Education in Prescribing" (PlanED Prescribing), which aims to integrate environmental sustainability into prescribing practices and medical education across Europe and beyond.