Welcome from Dean Professor Arthur Christopoulos, FAA, FAHMS, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Hello, and congratulations on securing a place to study with us at Monash Parkville.
On behalf of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, I'm delighted to welcome you to our learning and research community. Creating a welcoming and inclusive culture is at the heart of our Parkville community, as we know that when people support each other, success will follow.
With that in mind, I strongly encourage you to embrace the university experience—attend events and functions, join a club or a study group, or engage with student leadership opportunities. Even if it feels outside your comfort zone, we are here to support and empower you to immerse yourself in all the faculty has to offer. Not only will you make friends, but you'll also build professional networks that will serve you throughout your career. In fact, there is significant and compelling evidence that students who form strong connections are more likely to succeed both academically and in the workforce.
We're also committed to excellence in everything we do. You may be aware that Monash is ranked among the top universities in the world for pharmacy, pharmacology, and the pharmaceutical sciences for several years. We didn't achieve this by focusing on a select few high performers, but by striving for excellence across the board. When you join us, expect to work hard and be challenged, but know that you will also be encouraged, nurtured, and given all the tools you need to succeed.
Our researchers, many of whom will be teaching you throughout your degree, are at the forefront of discoveries with real-world impact. From our role as leaders in mRNA technology and developing new medicines for the treatment of mental ill health conditions to tackling major global health threats such as malaria and antimicrobial resistance, we are committed to making a positive difference in society.
As we work to address these immediate and urgent needs, we also have our sights set on the future. For example, we are harnessing artificial intelligence and data science to enhance drug discovery programs while also focusing on developing greener, cleaner drugs to reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals.
Our faculty has a long and proud history of providing quality education. Established in 1881 and originally known as the Victorian College of Pharmacy, Monash's Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is now renowned around the world. Our research-informed approach to improving learning and teaching is also internationally recognized, with a strong focus on continuously evolving and delivering a world-class curriculum, better understanding our student cohort, and responding to the needs of the global healthcare workforce.
At our faculty, your education will go well beyond the classroom. Real-world experience through our intern training program and/or actual industry placements plays an integral role in providing you with relevant, hands-on training to prepare you for becoming the pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists of tomorrow.
Your university journey with us is about to begin. Who knows which of the many career opportunities available to you will eventuate? I encourage you to make the most of this precious period in your life—make friends, study hard, and above all, immerse yourself in the experience.
Congratulations again on gaining a place at one of the world's most esteemed schools of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. I look forward to seeing you around the campus soon.
