The MedChem Australia team recently came together for a dedicated team retreat, creating space to reflect on progress, strengthen connections and explore the broader people, career and scientific stories that shape the initiative.

Held on 23rd June 2026, the retreat brought together MedChem Australia team members for a focused day of discussion, planning and team connection. The program was designed to provide an opportunity to step back from day-to-day activities and consider both the progress made to date and the priorities ahead.

The day included sessions focused on MedChem Australia’s achievements, current project activity and opportunities to further strengthen internal ways of working. Team members reflected on lessons learned from recent project rounds, discussed operational priorities and considered how the team can continue to provide high-quality medicinal chemistry support to researchers across Australia.

A highlight of the retreat was a career panel discussion, which provided an opportunity for team members to hear different perspectives on career pathways, professional development and working across the drug discovery ecosystem. The panel encouraged open conversation about the varied routes people take into medicinal chemistry, research translation, project leadership and operational roles, highlighting the importance of adaptability, collaboration and curiosity throughout a career.

The discussion also gave team members the chance to reflect on the breadth of expertise within MedChem Australia and the different experiences that contribute to the team’s shared capability. By sharing career insights and lessons learned, the panel helped foster a deeper understanding of the people behind the work and the diverse skills needed to support successful drug discovery projects.

Another memorable moment came from Dr Chris Burns, who shared the story of his drug discovery journey His reflections offered a valuable insight into the early stages of translating scientific discovery, from recognising the potential of a research finding through to taking the first steps towards protecting and progressing an idea. The story brought to life the importance of disclosure as a key milestone in the drug discovery journey and highlighted the role that experience, judgement and collaboration play in moving promising science forward.

Together, these sessions reinforced the broader purpose of MedChem Australia: not only to provide medicinal chemistry expertise, but also to support the people, decisions and collaborative processes that help early-stage discoveries progress. The retreat provided a valuable opportunity for team members to connect their individual roles with the wider mission of strengthening Australia’s drug discovery capability.

The day also helped build team connection and alignment. With members contributing expertise across medicinal chemistry, project support, operations and strategic coordination, the retreat allowed the team to share perspectives, identify opportunities for improvement and align on priorities for the next phase of work.

The retreat concluded with a renewed sense of focus and shared purpose as MedChem Australia continues to support selected projects, refine its processes and contribute to the national drug discovery landscape.