From Nature to Medicine

About the Conference

Academic and industry leaders will explore how natural bioactive compounds can be translated into safe, effective, and scalable therapeutics. The meeting will highlight three key themes: novel target discovery, technological innovation, and translational development.

Discussions will focus on identifying new therapeutic targets through genomics, proteomics, and systems biology; applying emerging technologies such as AI-driven screening, synthetic biology, and advanced delivery systems; and advancing the clinical and commercial translation of natural products in disease treatment, functional nutrition, and personalised medicine.

The program will feature keynote lectures, expert presentations, and interactive discussions designed to encourage collaboration between academia and industry. By bringing together scientists and innovators from around the world, the symposium aims to foster new partnerships and accelerate the development of next-generation natural product-based therapeutics.

Conference dates: 11-12 July 2026
Location: Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville Campus

Key deadlines

Abstract submission close: 24 April 2026

Please submit your abstract for consideration in the conference program by emailing it to NTM.conference@monash.edu by 5:00pm (AEDT) on 24 April 2026. Abstracts must be prepared using the attached Microsoft Word A5 template.
Abstract format
Please ensure your abstract meets the following formatting requirements:
Template and layout
- Abstracts must be prepared using the A5 Microsoft Word template provided.
- Do not change any page margins, spacing, or preset formatting.
- The entire abstract must fit within the template’s single page, including the title, authors, figure or table (optional), and references.
- There is no strict word limit, but the abstract must remain within the one‑page template.
Text requirements
- The abstract title must not exceed 12 words.
- All text must be in 10‑point Calibri.
- Do not use bold text.
- All text—including the heading—must be written in sentence case (no ALL CAPS).
Abstract themes
Authors should submit under one of the following three transformative themes:
1. Novel target discovery
2. Technological breakthroughs
3. Translational applications

Registration close: 30 May 2026

Please contact the team via NTM.conference@monash.edu for any other queries regarding participation, venue, accessibility needs, payments and related logistics.

Meeting Speakers & Programme Highlights

Three Transformative Themes

Novel Target Discovery Leveraging omics and systems biology to identify new therapeutic targets. Technological Innovation Integrating AI, synthetic biology, and advanced delivery systems. Translational Applications Advancing clinical and commercial development of natural products.

Novel Target Discovery – Leveraging genomics, proteomics, and systems biology to uncover new therapeutic targets and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of natural compounds.
Technological Breakthroughs – Integrating AI-driven screening, synthetic biology, and advanced delivery systems to improve the precision, scalability, and efficiency of natural product development.
Translational Applications – Advancing the clinical and commercial translation of natural products in disease treatment, functional nutrition, and personalized medicine, with insights into regulatory and commercialisation pathways.

Committees: Professor Guanhua Du, Professor Lida Du, Associate Professor Maggie Hoi, Professor SimonMing-Yuen Lee, Dr Chengxue Helena Qin, Professor Hongjun Yang, Dr Xiaojun Zhou, Dr Xinhao Zhao, et al.

View the list of our speakers

Confirmed speakers (to date)	Affiliation
Professor Dennis Chang	Western Sydney University, NICM Health Research Institute
Professor Guanhua Du	Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; Academician, International Eurasian Academy of Sciences
Professor Lida Du	Shandong Key Laboratory of Crystalline Drug Development
Professor Zhongping Feng	University of Toronto
Professor Maggie Hoi	University of Macau
Professor Jian Li	Monash University; Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science (AAHMS), and the American Academy of Microbiology
Professor Jinpeng Sun	Shandong University
Professor Simon Ming‑Yuen Lee	The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Professor Hongshuo Sun	University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Professor Natalie Trevaskis	Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University
Professor Yongjun Wang	Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Venue and how to get here View

Policies

Photography and media policy
Audio, photo, or video recording during scientific sessions is strictly prohibited unless prior permission is obtained from the Committee. Photographs of posters or presentation slides may be taken only with the presenter's permission. Participants are also requested not to share details of unpublished research presented at the meeting on social media.

Harassment policy
We are committed to providing a friendly, safe, and respectful conference environment for all participants. Harassment or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Harassment includes unwelcome or offensive comments or behaviour related to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected status. All participants are expected to act professionally, show respect for others, and contribute to a positive, inclusive meeting environment.

As the conference is run on a cost-recovery basis, we are unfortunately unable to provide financial support for speakers. We kindly ask speakers to make their own arrangements for registration, travel, and related expenses.
Please note that accommodation is not included in the conference fee. Participants are encouraged to arrange their own accommodation directly with their preferred provider. At this stage, the organising committee has not partnered with any agencies for accommodation bookings.
All visitors to Australia must hold a valid visa prior to departure, regardless of the length of stay. We recommend checking the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information and guidance on visa requirements.

Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

From Nature to Medicine