A message from the Dean
Professor Arthur Christopoulos, FAA FAHMS
Welcome to Issue 36 of Alchemy, our Faculty’s annual alumni magazine.
Universities have long been seen as bastions of academic freedom and innovation, performing vital tasks focusing on education and research for the betterment of our society. However, whether warranted or not, there has also been a traditional (or perceived) view amongst many stakeholders in our community of a ‘gap’ between what occurs in the classroom or in academic research laboratories and how this is translated and applied to real-world solutions/outcomes.
That’s why the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has been actively engaged in ensuring that our discoveries and educational approaches are constantly viewed through a lens that has tangible benefits for both individuals and communities as the ultimate outcome; in essence, ‘we start at the finish line and work backwards’.
One of the most significant ways that we do this in the biomedical research sphere is through the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS). In this issue of Alchemy Magazine, we look at MIPS’ impressive track record of translating its research to bring discoveries to market, whether through clinical trials, company spinouts, commercial licensing arrangements or other partnerships. We also highlight some of the key discoveries we have recently made and the genuine success stories that are making - or will make - a difference to people’s lives.
MIPS’ success has also resulted in significant growth such that it has exceeded its current physical footprint within our Faculty’s existing Parkville Campus and will soon be expanding to a newly acquired facility nearby, formerly owned by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. This new facility will further cement MIPS’ reputation as a key player in Melbourne’s world-renowned biomedical research precinct, facilitating greater opportunities for collaboration across the whole of Monash, different research precincts and partners, as well as with industry.
A key aspect in ensuring our commitment to bridging the gap between fundamental discovery research and practical, real-world application has been the hard work, by so many, over the past decade to break down traditional academic silos and engender a multi-disciplinary culture. As part of this, we don’t only share information across the Faculty but also nationally, within Monash and local precinct partners, and globally, through our network of like-minded partner Universities, best exemplified by our flagship ‘PharmAlliance’ collective. That’s because we know that global challenges require global partnerships.
Some recent examples of collaborative successes include the discovery and development of Australia’s first mRNA-based COVID vaccine, currently being trialled in partnership with the Doherty Institute, and the launch of the Neuromedicines Discovery Centre. This latter venture brings together researchers from across Monash, The University of Melbourne and The Florey to collaborate towards a holistic approach to new medicines, therapies and accessibility of treatments for those dealing with the burden of mental illness.
Furthermore, our commitment to tangible outcomes from our academic efforts doesn’t just exist within the context of our biomedical and pharmaceutical research. We’re also committed to developing better educators and better students. To this end, we have been increasingly researching how students learn and acquire knowledge, specifically in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences, through the work of our Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Education (PPSEd) Theme, which sits alongside and complements the research performed in MIPS.
This PPSEd Theme is the first of its kind in Australia, leading to new, more innovative and more engaging ways of teaching. It is also driving a renewed emphasis on practical learning. The result is that students acquire a deeper understanding of both their discipline and their roles as pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. Upon graduation, they hit the ground running as both valuable leaders and team members, passionate about making a difference to local and global communities.
The reality is that none of our achievements would have occurred without our people. The many successes of our Faculty will always boil down to its culture. This issue of Alchemy features many stories and profiles of our diverse community, as well as an outline of Monash’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Notably, it includes the inspiring stories of two of our outstanding Faculty members Senior Lecturer Dr Betty Exintaris has been recently appointed to two critical education and leadership roles; Dr Erica Tong is an esteemed alum currently serving as the Chief Pharmacy Information Officer and Deputy Director of Pharmacy at Alfred Health.
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your sustained contribution to our community as alumni, graduates and Faculty friends. Your feedback, input, advice and experiences keep informing what we do and influence our direction. I encourage you to retain your involvement with us, to always share what you notice, and to help us in our efforts to constantly improve the student experience and the human condition.
We want you to continue to be proud of your Faculty, and to remain a part of our future. I hope you enjoy this issue of Alchemy, and send my best wishes to you and your loved ones this festive season.
Arthur Christopoulos, BPharm, PhD, FAA, FAHMS
