Asia Pacific

The Proud Science Alliance Asia Pacific (PSA APAC) chapter is now live.  The expansion of the PSA network will amplify the connection and broader representation of LGBTQ+ people and our allies in the healthcare and life sciences sector outside the UK and Europe.  Although currently based in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, PSA APAC aims to include all like-minded network organisations and industry partners from across the Asia Pacific region.  Our goal is the same as the broader PSA aim to raise the bar on LGBTQ+ inclusion within PSA network organisations and the sector as a whole.

Co-Chairs

Andrew Corbett Ian Lunt

Steering Team Members

Brian Parkinson Katrina Harrison Samantha Flynn

Contact the team: apac@proudsciencealliance.org

 

PSA APAC Events

ARCS Conference (June 2024)

On the 11 Jun 2024, Katrina Harrison (Proud Science Alliance APAC Steering Team, MSD Global Clinical Supply Continuous Improvement) chaired the session on Diversity in Clinical Research.

The Proud Science Alliance APAC, presenter Ian Lunt, (Local Study Associate Director, AstraZeneca Pty Ltd and Proud Science Alliance APAC Co-Lead) shared the journey of the Proud Science Alliance in APAC from pre COVID to restarted in 2013 with 3 initiatives:

  1. Alliances with key industry bodies such as TGA, ARCS, PAIG, NZACRES etc

  2. Mentorship program

  3. Using volunteer days for PSA activities

The second presenter was Dr Rayan Saleh Moussa, National Manager PaCCSC/CST and discussed the Embracing Intersectionality for Inclusive Clinical Research.

  • Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative (PaCCSC)

  • Cancer Symptom Trials (CST)

  • IMPACCT Trials Coordination Centre (ITCC)

  • IMPACCT- Improving Palliative, Aged and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation

  • Faculty of Health | University of Technology Sydney

“Access and inclusion in clinical research should not be a privilege reserved for a few, but a fundamental right guaranteed to all.”

Photos (left to right): Ian Lunt presenting at the conference; Katrina Harrison and Ian Lunt

PSA Event with AbbVie (March 2024)

AbbVie held their annual Mardi Gras Celebration on the 7 March 2024, and they invited the Proud Science Alliance APAC network to dress up and attend.

The event included stories from members of the LGBTQ+ community and AbbVie employees, entertainment, and a great opportunity to network and celebrate with AbbVie. The Theme was “Our Future”.

Photos (left to right): Ian Lunt, Andrew Corbett, Katrina Harrison; group photo from the event

PSA Event with Roche (November 2023)

In November 2023 the Proud Science Alliance APAC chapter met at the Roche facility to discuss the 2023-year end review and actions for 2024. This wonderful event facilitated by Roche ended with networking and drinks overlooking the city with a terrific cross section of the members of the network.

Photos (left to right): Ian Lunt and Katrina Harrison; Group photo from the event