More than 100 CIPPS members gathered recently from across the country in the scenic Blue Mountains, 2-hours drive west of Sydney to share their science and connect under the theme of “Building our future leaders". The retreat was by all accounts a great success with a professional development sessions from Dr Shari Walsh on building resilience and wellness for the long haul, alternative careers, engaging with industry etc., and provide time for networking and building collaborations.  The retreat also included an overview of our new grand challenge of making peptides (bio)available, and related science talks.

The relaxed setting provided time and space for members to build and enhance their personal bonds with each other over informal activities, as well as over dinner and post-dinner networking.