Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting the, CRE RESPOND at University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) in Brisbane, Australia—a trip that proved both professionally enriching and personally memorable.
One of the highlights of my time there was attending the Population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) workshop. As I sat through the sessions, I couldn’t help but think how helpful it would have been to take this course during the first year of my PhD training (but it was not available then). The structured approach to PopPK concepts, combined with practical applications, provided clarity and confidence that I know will shape the way I approach my current and future projects.
I am deeply grateful to Professor Jason Roberts for his warm welcome and for opening the doors to his wonderful team. His leadership created an environment where learning felt collaborative and inspiring. I met his research leads – special shout out to Dr’s Hafiz Abdul-Aziz, Patty Mitre, Marta Ulldemolins, Steve Wallis and Xin Li, who made everything look simple and were very generous with their time and expertise, from experiments in the lab to PopPK.… there were many others! Their guidance helped me bring my own project data, allowing me to immediately apply the skills I was learning with using a new software, Monolix. This practical integration was invaluable.
Beyond the academic gains, the visit fostered new friendships and collaborations. I now have colleagues with whom I can continue to explore PopPK projects, building bridges that extend well beyond Brisbane. These relationships highlight that research is more than data and results—it thrives on people joining forces to tackle complex challenges.
Of course, no trip to Australia would be complete without experiencing its and sporting cultures. I was fortunate to attend a spirited rugby match between the British and Irish Lions (who won!) and the Wallabies - my son was very jealous! The rivalry was fierce but very good-natured, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. It was a perfect reminder of how sport, like science, brings people together in shared passion and energy.
Looking back, my time at UQCCR was more than a research visit, I left Brisbane not only with new skills and collaborations but also with a renewed sense of excitement for the projects ahead. I look forward to my next visit!
Dr Haifa Lyster, Consultant pharmacist – Transplantation & Mechanical Circulatory Support, visiting as part of UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award (NIHR SCPRA).
