NDRI hosts highly successful international conference
NDRI Director Paul Griffiths, third from right, with ISSDP 2026 Opening speakers, from left to right, ISSDP President Caitlin Hughes, NDRI's Simon Lenton, Curtin A/DVC Research Gretchen Benedix, the Hon. Lisa Munday MLA and Ben Mudaliar, Assistant Secretary - Alcohol, Other Drugs and Food Branch
The National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) hosted a highly successful international conference attracting more than 250 delegates from more than 20 countries to Curtin University’s main campus in early July.
It was the first time the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy (ISSDP) conference had been held in Perth and the first time it had been held in Australia for a decade, providing a valuable opportunity to highlight on policy issues in the southern hemisphere.
Feedback from delegates reflected a positive experience for delegates, highlighting the strength and relevance of the program to a meaningful discussion of drug policy, exploring the theme of connecting affected communities, drug policy and public health, as well as how well organised the three-day event was. Conference highlights included:
- More than 150 oral, poster and keynote presentations
- 15 in-program workshops
- An inspiring Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country from Robyn Collard and her family
- Recognition for the most outstanding papers delivered by early career researchers at the conference
- An Aboriginal cultural dance and showing of the Birdiya Maya homelessness photovoice exhibition as part of the Welcome Reception at the John Curtin Gallery.
"As a national research institute focusing on evidence-informed policy and practice to prevent drug-related harm, NDRI informs and contributes to progressing effective drug policy in Australia, across the region and across the world,” NDRI Director Paul Griffiths said.
“In that context, it was particularly pleasing NDRI was awarded the right the host the 2026 conference and that we had so many delegates from across Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and internationally presenting highly relevant work while making new connections.
“I’d like to acknowledge the Scientific Committee, session chairs, Steering and organising committees, NDRI staff and volunteers and of course ISSDP itself for their contribution to making ISSDP 2026 such a successful event.
“Thanks also to conference co-convenors, NDRI’s Paul Dietze and Simon Lenton, Peer Based Harm Reduction WA CEO Paul Dessauer and Curtin’s enAble Institute Director Bronwyn Myers; conference sponsors the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Office of Alcohol and Other Drugs at the Mental Health Commission and Business Events Perth, and Curtin University for use of the venues. Their support made it possible for NDRI to host the conference.
“And of course thank you to delegates for joining us and contributing to the program and insightful discussions, particularly given the uncertainty around travel in recent times.”
ISSDP President Caitlin Hughes echoed the success of the conference and thanked the conference convenors and National Drug Research Institute.
“ISSDP has long been committed to advancing drug policy scholarship across the globe and bringing together diverse countries, disciplines and perspectives, to discuss emerging issues, build networks and inform policy and practice,” Associate Professor Hughes added.
“We were delighted that NDRI brought together scholars, students, practitioners and NGO representatives from more than 20 countries in Perth, Australia – including leading Australian scholars alongside researchers from the Asia Pacific and community sectors.
“A huge thanks to Professor Simon Lenton and the entire organising team for delivering an outstanding ISSDP 2026 conference. We invite delegates to join us for next year’s conference in Medellin, Colombia – a country with a complex drug policy history – as we continue these important global conversations”.
Click here to find out more about ISSDP 2026 and here to find out more about NDRI’s research
Posted on: 7 Jul 2026
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