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Update from the Dean of Rural and Remote Health
Jayanthi Jayakaran started the ball rolling last week by acknowledging the enormous effort by Rural and Remote Health and the broad MD team that resulted in the inaugural cohorts of 30 Doctor of Medicine students starting in Renmark and Mt Gambier.
I have been privileged to spend the first two weeks of the Flinders University South Australia Rural Medical (SARM) program alongside students and staff in Mt Gambier. Claire Drummond, Deputy Dean of Rural and Remote Health has shared the first two weeks with students and staff in Renmark. The positive energy at both campuses was electric and reminiscent of the atmosphere in Darwin in 2011 when the NTMP commenced, and now over a decade later with the first international students joining the MD in the Northern Territory.
Enthusiastic students come from diverse regions, occupations and undergraduate degrees and were welcomed by current and new professional and academic staff. In South Australia, lunch was kindly sponsored by the SA Regional Training Hub and allowed staff and students to get to know each other in a relaxed environment. The NT student welcome event is scheduled for Tuesday 4 March.
The aims and objectives of the first week in all three rural/remote locations, just like in Bedford Park, was to ensure that commencing students are provided with a foundational level of knowledge focused on essential concepts and values of the Flinders MD program including, academic preparedness, student wellbeing, social accountability, course content and structure, context, key people, and online resources. If that doesn’t sound like enough, the week also provided a good opportunity for students to try a ‘normal’ week in MD1 without major content or assessment demands – which began in Week 2 with the first progress test!
Congratulations to all staff and students for staying enthusiastic through two busy weeks! As Friday afternoon arrives, I hope you get some well-deserved rest. For those new to the Riverland, Limestone Coast, and Top End, enjoy the weekend exploring your local communities and all they have to offer.
A formal launch of the SARM will occur in Mt Gambier on March 14, and Renmark on March 31.
Dean, Rural and Remote, College of Medicine and Public Health
Join the 2025 College Retreat: Tickets available
The College of Medicine and Public Health Retreat will take place on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 March 2025 at the Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB).
This two-day event offers an excellent opportunity for all MPH staff to connect, collaborate, and reflect on shared goals and achievements. The retreat will feature engaging activities, insightful presentations, and meaningful discussions. Further details about presenters, topics, and interactive sessions will be provided soon. In the meantime, staff are encouraged to register attendance to secure their seat. This is a valuable opportunity to participate in an inspiring and productive event.
Updated ticket types: Ticket options have been updated. If your two-day ticket was previously cancelled, please re-register to secure your place.
Welcome
From Renmark to Mt Gambier, 36 MD3 students have embarked on their rural placement year, their action-packed first week included suturing workshops, clinical simulations, and shadowing GPs in local clinics. Students also enjoyed treasure hunts to explore their new hometowns and welcome dinners with support teams. In the Barossa, the annual Kegel Cup brought friendly competition, with victory going to an Adelaide student this year. We wish them all the best as they settle in and grow their clinical skills throughout the year. Read more
Congratulations
Congratulations to MPH staff who have recently been appointed to key National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) committees for the 2024–2027 triennium:
Yee Lian Chew: Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Fellow in the College of Medicine and Public Health, appointed to the NHMRC Research Committee.
Paul Worley: Emeritus Professor in the College of Medicine and Public Health, appointed to the NHMRC-MRFF Public Health and Health Systems Committee.
Mark Slee: Member with expertise relevant to the functions of the committee, appointed to the NHMRC Australian Health Ethics Committee.
These appointments reflect the University's commitment to excellence in health and medical research, and we congratulate our colleagues on their significant contributions to advancing Australia's healthcare landscape. Read more
Congratulations to Savio (George) Barreto on his contribution to a recent TIME article discussing the rising incidence of cancer in young adults. George, a leading expert in pancreatic and young-onset cancers, continues to make significant contributions to cancer research through his work at Flinders University and Flinders Medical Centre.
Get to know your College
From student to educator, Lara Escane has called Flinders home for 17 years. Now leading first-year Medical Science and final-year Laboratory Medicine placements, she’s passionate about genetics, cultural safety in education, and inspiring the next generation. Discover her journey, teaching philosophy, and surprising hobbies in our latest Q&A!
Events
Myricx. A case history of a university spinout with Dr Roberto Solari
10am - 11:30am, Monday 24 February, SAHMRI Auditorium (North Terrace, Adelaide)
Roberto Solari will share a case study history on the creation of Myricx Bio, based on research from Imperial College London and the Francis Crick Institute, which recently completed one of the largest Series A financings for a UK university spin-out. In this seminar, Roberto will share his first-hand founder experience of combining scientific research and the process of company building. Places are limited and registration will close by February 17. Learn more or register
Attention EMCRs: Information Session (2025 Planning)
Monday 24 February (1:30-2:30pm) or Friday 28 February (9:30-10:30am), 577- 578 (FHMRI-RED area), Level 5, HMRB and Online
Join Amy Reynolds (FHMRI Researcher Education and Development Lead) for an informal information session on 2025 planning, building on the feedback from the September workshop with Hugh Kearns. The session will provide updates on EMCR representation at the college and university levels, and the Community of Practice. Please RSVP here
HMRB Seminar Sessions: Tuesday 25 February
9:30am - 10:30am, Level 2 Seminar Room 203, HMRB
Gabriela-Oana Bodea from the Queensland Brain Institute presents ‘The role of retrotransposons in brain health and contribution to neurological disease’. All Welcome - seminar sessions are hosted on the final Tuesday of each month in the HMRB.
Unlock the potential of your research with the Research to Value Workshop!
9am - 1:45pm, Tuesday 25 February, Flinders University HMRB, Level 2 Seminar room
Flinders University and Innovation Central Adelaide are hosting CSIRO’s Research to Value workshop on Tuesday, 25 February. This free workshop is perfect for researchers, professional staff, and research teams looking to enhance their innovation and engagement skills.
- Gain a macro perspective on research engagement and impact.
- Discover your motivations for industry engagement.
- Identify industry-relevant aspects of your research.
- Learn to connect effectively with stakeholders.
- Build confidence in communicating your work.
Delivered by CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program team, this workshop offers tools to transform your research into real-world impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your research!
February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - Let's Talk About Ovaries
12pm – 2pm, Thu 27 February, Happy Hour Conference Room (across from Market Café), Lvl 4 FMC or Online
Free information session. Join us at 12pm for light refreshments, followed by guest speakers from 12:30pm - 2pm. Drop in at a time that fits your schedule, or stay for the complete session. Register now
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: Join us on Friday 21 March
10:30am (morning tea provided), Level 2 Seminar Rooms, Health and Medical Research Building
- Fri 21 Mar: Nicole Rankin: Evaluation & Implementation Science (University of Melbourne). Nicole's work focuses on how evidence can be translated into clinical practice to improve patient and health service outcomes, especially relating to cancer and the psychosocial aspects of disease management.
- Tue 1 Jul: Lezanne Ooi - Neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration (University of Wollongong
- Mon 28 Jul: Peter van Wijngaarden - Ophthalmic neuroscience (Florey Institute)
- Wed 19 Nov: Fiona Blyth - Public health & pain epidemiology (University of Sydney)
Join FHMRI Inspiring Leader Seminars to hear international and national research leaders share their career journeys and research highlights. Open to all disciplines, these seminars offer valuable insights for everyone.
Need to know
Teaching staff are invited to share their insights on the use of generative AI in teaching and learning. This survey explores current AI use, staff attitudes, ethical concerns, and potential challenges to help inform future policies and professional development.
SA's 40 under 40 awards: Nominations are open now
The 40 Under 40 Awards are a globally recognised program that celebrate the impact of the finest young SA entrepreneurs and changemakers. The program seeks to acknowledge the movers and shakers of the young business world, the ground-breakers, the visionaries, the quiet achievers, the game changers, and the inspiring South Australians helping to shape the future of our state. Nominations close midnight Monday 17 March with the winners announced on Thursday 19 June. Nominate now
EMCAs - Do you have a burning question for senior academics?
Maybe one you’ve been too shy to ask? This could be anything in the research world that you’d like to know…Submit your anonymous questions to be presented to a panel of senior academics at the CMPH retreat. Sign up for the retreat to hear the answers to your questions and many more!
Help Shape CCI Support at FHMRI – Quick Survey + $350 Prize Draw!
The FHMRI Consumer and Community Involvement Steering Group (CCISG) wants to better support researchers engaging in CCI. Have your say by completing our short, anonymous survey – your input will help shape resources and training to strengthen CCI practices. Complete the survey and enter a prize draw for a $350 FHMRI Microgrant to support your consumer engagement.
Flinders’ 2025 Orientation kicks off next week, starting with O’Week on Monday 24 February. Exciting activation days will run across Bedford Park and City Campus, with Welcome Hubs at Tonsley and Flinders Medical Centre (25 Feb) and Sturt (26–27 Feb).
New additions this year include quiet tours for neurodiverse students, Fearless buggy tours, self-guided campus tours, and College colour-coded navigation. It’s a great chance for staff to connect with new students. For details, visit the Orientation webpage
PhD Scholarship Opportunity – ENGAGEMENT Project
Applications are now open for a PhD scholarship in the Enhancing Adherence and Self-Management in the Treatment of Respiratory Conditions (ENGAGEMENT) Project. This MRFF-funded study focuses on improving self-management of chronic respiratory diseases through technology-enabled interventions.
- Scholarship Value: $35,010 (2025 rate, indexed annually)
- Duration: Up to 3.5 years
- Eligibility: Must meet Flinders PhD entry requirements
Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter to billie.bonevski@flinders.edu.au by 31 March. For details on applying for PhD admission, visit: Flinders HDR Application.
Funding Opportunities – International Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)
Research Grants – Program
Deadline: 27 March 2025
Supports international research teams (2–4 members) investigating biological functions across all levels.
Funding: Up to $500,000 USD per year for three years.
More info: HFSP Research Grants
Research Grants – Early Career
Deadline: 27 March 2025
For early-career researchers leading independent research groups in life sciences.
Funding: Up to $500,000 USD per year for three years.
More info: HFSP Research Grants
Long-Term Fellowship
Deadline: 7 May 2025
For PhD holders in biological sciences pursuing novel life science research abroad.
Funding: $300,000 AUD over the fellowship period.
More info: HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships
Cross-Disciplinary Fellowship
Deadline: 7 May 2025
For researchers from other disciplines transitioning into life sciences.
Funding: $300,000 AUD over the fellowship period.
More info: HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships
Heart Foundation Funding rounds
- Future Leader Fellowship (Stage 1) – Opens 10 February, Closes 13 March More info
- Future Leader Fellowship (Stage 2) – Opens 21 May, Closes 23 June More info
- Postdoctoral Fellowship – Opens 3 March, Closes 17 April More info
- Vanguard Grant – Opens 17 March, Closes 2 May More info
- Postgraduate Scholarship – Opens 31 March, Closes 16 May More info
- Collaboration & Exchange Grant – Opens 7 April, Closes 23 May More info
- First Nations CVD Grant – Opens 15 April, Closes 30 May More info
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FHMRI Funding Schemes
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2025 Women in Leadership Scholarships – Apply Now If you're a FHMRI member, you may be eligible for a full scholarship in the 2025 Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Program through Brandon BioCatalyst. 17 scholarships available for high-performing women. Valued at $16,000, including AICD Company Directors Course, 12-month AICD membership, Three-day WILD Leadership Retreat, and STEM Board Observership. Applications are merit-based and managed by WILD. Apply now: WILD Program Information |