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Update from the Dean of Research and FHMRI Director
This week’s message is one of celebration. Firstly, congratulations to all academic staff who have recently received promotions. Your success reflects your excellence, dedication to your profession, and commitment to making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.
Secondly, I am delighted to acknowledge our recent research funding awardees. Congratulations to Damien Keating, Janni Petersen, Anna Ziersch, and Luke Grundy for their success in the Australian Research Council Discovery Project grants announced this week. With a 67% success rate which is well above the national average, our College continues to demonstrate research strength and leadership.
Congratulations also to Marita Hefler and Bryce Brickley in the NT for their Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship and First Nations CVD grants; Luke Grundy for a Cancer Council NSW grant; Kim Helmsley and Karissa Bathelson for Bloom Childhood Dementia funding; Claire Jessop for success with the Channel 7 Research Foundation; Luke Selth for funding from The Hospital Research Foundation and Sean Cain from Lifetime Support Authority. We have also received two National Industry PhD scholarships and one NHMRC Postgraduate scholarship in the last week. What excites me most is the diversity of researchers represented, across disciplines and at every career stage, sharing in this success. Well done to all.
Finally, thank you to all staff who have provided contact details of colleagues and employers to support our QS reputational survey. Your efforts make a real difference. For those yet to contribute, a reminder email with instructions will be sent today. I’m pleased to report that we have already gathered details for 74 international colleagues. That is worth celebrating!
Dean Research, and Flinders Health, Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Director, College of Medicine and Public Health
Join the 2025 College End of Year Celebration and Staff Awards. 3pm to 5pm on Friday 12 December in the Level 2 Seminar rooms (HMRB). Whether you’ve contributed to groundbreaking research, supported our students, or worked behind the scenes, this is our chance to celebrate all we’ve accomplished and look forward to an exciting 2026. Enjoy food, drinks, music, and awards as we toast another productive year.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our newly promoted CMPH academic staff
Congratulations to the following College of Medicine and Public Health staff on their recent academic promotions. Well done to all on this outstanding recognition of your academic leadership and contributions.
Promoted to Level D:
Congratulations to Jaqui Hughes,
Congratulations to Jaqui Hughes, who has been awarded an honorary fellowship to the Australasian College of Health Service Management. A respected advocate for equity, cultural humility and systems reform, Jaqui’s leadership and mentorship continue to inspire emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and drive positive change across Australia.
Congratulations to Vrsabhanu Nandini Ramson
Congratulations to Vrsabhanu Nandini Ramson, a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, Doctor of Medicine student, for achieving first place in the Human Genetics Society of Australia Writing Competition. Vrsabhanu’s passion for genetics shines through her work, and this national recognition is a testament to her dedication and the strong foundation provided through Flinders’ Clinical Sciences program.
Out and About
The College was delighted to host Kathryn North AC for this year’s John Chalmers Oration, “Genomics in Australia: A Decade of Change”, yesterday (Thursday 30 October). Kathryn reflected on the transformative impact of genomic sequencing over the past decade and highlighted the achievements of Australian Genomics in improving diagnostic accuracy, influencing policy, and driving national and international collaboration. She also discussed the organisation’s evolution into a national agency earlier this year. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, allowing attendees to explore the future of genomic medicine and its role in the Australian healthcare system. Thank you to everyone who joined us, both in person and online, for an inspiring look at how genomics is shaping the future of medicine. Read more
Research Australia University Roundtable at Flinders
Flinders University recently co-hosted Research Australia’s University Roundtable, bringing together research leaders from 22 universities for a day of policy discussion and tours of HMRB facilities. Attendees heard key updates from Research Australia’s Talia Avrahamzon on the draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy, Strategic Examination of R&D, and the call to release full MRFF funds to drive medical research and translation.
Defence Australia outlined future workforce planning initiatives, while Research Australia CEO Nadia Levin and Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner Barney Glover AO discussed national workforce priorities. Special thanks to FHMRI Director Billie Bonevski, who chaired the session, for hosting an engaging and insightful event.
FHMRI Director Billie Bonevski with Research Australia CEO Nadia Levin
Jing Bu (Student), Anqi Di (Student), Rylee Thorpe (Custodian), Talia Scriven (Flinders RRH Staff), Nicola Parkin (Flinders RRH Staff), Jemma Harvey (Student), Samantha Allen (Student), Charlise Callery (Student), and Jazmin Roberts (Student)
Allied Health students on rural placement recently enjoyed a cultural immersion at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, guided by Nganguraku Elder Ivy and young custodian Rylee. The visit offered a rare insight into one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites, with students exploring ancient rock carvings, learning about the 8,000-year-old excavation site, and connecting with Aboriginal stories and traditions. Students also experienced traditional life on Country, sampling kangaroo stew, handling possum skins, and examining artefacts, deepening their appreciation of First Nations culture, resilience, and the enduring connection between land, culture, and community. Read more
UTAS Rural Clinical School visit Riverland and Renmark Campus
Lizzi Shires and Ben Dodds from the University of Tasmania Rural Clinical School visited Flinders’ Renmark campus this week. They met with SARM Program staff, students, and toured facilities, including the newly accredited anatomy lab.
They spoke with students about rural medical learning, observed clinical skills, and visited Riverland General Hospital to meet local doctors and RACE Program leaders. The visit highlights ongoing collaboration to strengthen rural medical education and training pathways. Read more
Get to know your College
In touch with… Dr Bryce Brickley
Working out of Darwin, Bryce Brickley is a prominent Research Fellow focused on Men’s Health. Amongst the many initiatives and research focuses he pursues, Bryce has seen time and again that when social sport is used as an entry point, it can open doors to broader conversations about health, family, and community. Get to know Bryce
Expressions of Interest
Social media savvy? Become FHMRI’s Communications (social media) Lead
FHMRI is seeking a Communications (Social Media) Lead to create engaging LinkedIn posts highlighting our events and research. This voluntary, low-time commitment role (1–2 posts per week, more if preferred) is ideal for a tech-savvy ECR, HDR student, or professional staff member looking to build experience. Submit an EOI outlining your interest and experience to cmph.research@flinders.edu.au by 5pm, Friday 7 November. For more details, contact the same email.
Volunteers Needed: Sleep & Pulse Oximeter Study
Flinders University is seeking Black and White volunteers (18–90 years) with or without sleep apnoea for overnight sleep studies. The research investigates how pulse oximeters detect oxygen levels during sleep. Participants receive $200 per night plus travel reimbursement. Contact Amal Osman: amal.osman@flinders.edu.au | 0434 801
948. Approved by Flinders University HREC (Project ID 8862).
Events
- Thu 6 Nov: Medical Grand Round - (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)Mon 10 Nov: Science Trade Display Morning Tea (10 - 11:30am, HMRB Level 2 Seminar Space). All Flinders researchers welcome.
- Sat 22 Nov: 2025 Triple 0 Charity Ball (Adelaide Oval)
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: Next session Wednesday 19 November
12:30 (lunch provided), Lvl 2 Seminar Rooms, HMRB. No need to register – livestream link is in the calendar invitation. 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.
- Wed 19 Nov: Fiona Blyth - Public health & pain epidemiology (University of Sydney)
- Mon 8 Dec: Thomas Cox – Matrix and metastasis (Garvin Institute of Medical Research)
Email cmph.research@flinders.edu.au to meet with any of the presenters, or nominate a speaker.
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations (from 12:30pm Fridays)
Horseshoe Seminar Room, 5E 132, FMC or online via Teams. See the full November schedule
Getasew Mersha: Epidemiological and Clinical Risk Factors of Diabetic Eye Disease and Vision Loss
Bronwyn Beelders: Identification of high-risk carotid artery plaque through the exploration of senescence, autophagy and radiomics in patients with atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease
Health and Wellbeing Course: Alcohol and other drugs
11:30am–12:30pm, Mon 3 Nov, Webinar (Online). The holiday season can bring increased risks around alcohol and drug use. Join the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) for a practical session exploring current statistics, recognising signs of harmful use, and how to have supportive conversations with colleagues, students, friends, and family. The session will also discuss addressing stigma and highlight available support options. Enrol
2025 SA Prostate Cancer Research Symposium: Friday 7 November
Join South Australia’s prostate cancer research community for the 2025 SA Prostate Cancer Research Symposium at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
The event will feature a keynote address from Jeff Dunn, Chair of Cancer Survivorship at the University of Southern Queensland and Chief of Mission and Head of Research at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The program includes sessions highlighting emerging research leaders and a panel discussion on Australia’s new PSA testing guidelines. Free to attend, with lunch and parking provided.
FHMRI Cancer Impact Seminar Series: November 10 2pm - 3pm (Free lunch and networking from 1:30pm - 2pm) Lvl 2 Seminar space, HMRB. Margaret Fitch (Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto) presents "Reflections on Supportive Care". |
CMPH Biosciences Seminar: November 25 9:30am - 10:30am, Lvl 2 Seminar space, HMRB (in-person only). "‘Decoding Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Diseases’" Presented by Professor Tom Gordon and Dr Jing Jing Wang (Autoimmune Research Group). |
Meet the Funder: National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation
12:30 - 1:30pm, Tuesday 11 November, Seminar 1 Room, HMRB (rural and remote colleagues or those who are unable to attend in person, please contact researcher.development@flinders.edu.au).
The National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation supports innovative areas of biomedical research to help benefit mankind through the prevention or eradication of diseases. Join NFMRI CEO Noel Chambers for an interactive session on philanthropic giving and research translation. Learn about NFMRI’s strategy, grants and processes, and how its approach supports early-stage research to progress from lab to community. The session will also explore ways to bridge the research-to-translation gap and tips for strengthening NFMRI grant applications. Please register or find more information here
Visiting Schol Seminar: Cancer in Primary Care – Challenges and Opportunities
11:30am - 12:30pm, Monday 17 November, Level 2 Seminar space, HMRB. Join Larissa Nekhlyudov (Harvard Medical School) and Carolyn Ee (Flinders University) for an engaging seminar exploring the evolving role of primary care in cancer management. Register here
Open to all professional and academic staff, this event is a great chance to relax and connect with colleagues from across campuses. Register by Monday, 17 November to receive your free snack pack and vouchers. A cash bar will be available, and extra food can be purchased from Hub vendors. For staff at our Northern Territory or Rural and Remote Campuses, stay tuned for an opportunity to celebrate with your local colleagues. Learn more
9am - 5pm, Thursday 4 December, Level 14, Flinders City Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide. This symposium will showcase the breadth and impact of cancer research being conducted by FHMRI. Join a day of networking and engaging presentations from keynote speakers, emerging early- and mid-career research scientists and students presenting the latest insights into cancer research, driving real-world impact for patients and communities.
International Symposium: Human Nervous System Models to Accelerate Clinical Translation (3 - 5 March, Adelaide)
This international meeting features some of the world's most accomplished neuroscientists discussing how we can study and model the human brain in its most intrinsic details, with the goal of accelerating clinical translation in neurology and psychiatry.
The event will include two days of curated talks and a one-day workshop to learn hands-on tricks for generating and analysing human brain tissue in vitro, including advanced electrophysiology and drug screens of neural organoid and 2D/3D bioprinted tissue. Learn more or register
Need to know
Benefits of Attending an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential, self-referring support to help staff manage personal and work-related challenges.
All providers are trained psychologists who offer guidance, strategies, and a safe space to improve mental, emotional, and behavioural wellbeing. Using the EAP can be proactive or as needed, helping staff achieve a healthier, more balanced life. The University provides up to three free sessions per year for staff. For booking and provider locations, visit the Employee assistance program webpage.
Update from MPH Finance: End of Financial Year Reminder – Key Dates for 2025
As we approach the end of the financial year, staff are reminded to action key finance tasks before year-end. Some College deadlines differ slightly from Central Finance to allow for early processing and high volumes.
Key Deadlines
- Invoices sent to invoices@flinders.edu.au cc cmph.finance@flinders.edu.au: 28 November 2025
- Reimbursements submitted via Service One: 28 November 2025
- Non-research invoice requests via Service One: 8 December 2025
- Purchase card transactions coded and approved: 19 December 2025
- Journal transfers submitted via Service One: 28 November 2025
- Salary costing changes submitted via Service One: 10 November 2025.
Other important reminders include:
- URB and USF project funds must be used in 2025, there is no carry-forward of unspent funds.
- Goods must be on campus in December, Purchase Orders receipted (where required) by December 12. Open Purchase Orders or goods in transit are not an expense in 2025.
- Check early that vendors exist by emailing accounts@flinders.edu.au (prior to receiving the invoice) if they do not, commence the Vendor Creation process.
- Essential documentation to facilitate payment includes approvals, account details, ledger code and supporting documentation (eg contracts, receipts, travel and gift card approvals)
For full details and guidance, download the End of Financial Year 2025 Information for CMPH Staff pdf, attend the FMHRI roundtable on November 13, or email cmph.finance@flinders.edu.au.
Update from P&C: End of Year Leave - Delegated Authority
As staff prepare for end-of-year leave, please remember to set up delegated approvals if needed. This applies to budget and credit card approvals in Service One, and leave or timesheet approvals in Workday. To avoid delays, advise the Service One team of your delegate’s details as soon as possible. This can be done by:
- Raise a service One Support Request
- Select "I need to create or modify access" from the drop-down box.
- In the free text field identify the delegate who will replace you, and the duration.
Delegation can also be updated in Workday using the following instructions to ensure any activities requiring your approval can progress Delegations in Workday. This is particularly important if an employee has any casuals reporting to them that will need timesheets approved. Contact CMPH P&C if you have any questions.
Update from P&C: Recruitment End of Year Processing Timelines
As we approach the end of the year, People & Culture kindly ask that you adhere to the target submission dates outlined in the link below. Doing so will help ensure the college’s workforce requirements are met efficiently and without delay.
Please note that recruitment activities will pause during the University’s closure period. The timeframes provided are designed to support recruitment processes that must be completed prior to the break, and to ensure a smooth commencement of activity once the University reopens. View 2025 EOY Processing Calendar
Funding Opportunities
NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies - Applications close: 5 Nov| Learn more
NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) 2026 - Applications close: 19 Nov | GrantConnect
ARC LE27 – Flinders Internal EOI – If you are intending to apply for the ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment & Facilities 2027, complete and return your internal EOI by 28 Nov | More information
The NHMRC Targeted Call for Research: Homelessness and Health 2025 grant opportunity is now open for applications in Sapphire. Applications are due for submission to the Research Grants office by Dec 3. GrantConnect – GO7994
The Targeted Call for Research: Homelessness and Health 2025 grant opportunity is now open for applications in Sapphire. Applications are due to the Research Grants office by 3 Dec. GrantConnect – GO7994
MRFF 2025 Research Data Infrastructure – Deadline: 11 Dec | Up to $2.5m | GrantConnect GO7714
ARC Discovery Projects 2027 EOI – Applications close 12 December. Further information
MRFF 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles Applications close: 3 Dec | Up to $3m | GrantConnect GO7816
MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures Applications close: 4 Feb | Up to $10m | GrantConnect GO7833
NFMRI General Grant Round (Portfolios 2 & 3) – EOI open 27 Jan. EOI close 27 Mar 2026. Further information
MRFF – CTA Initiative – 2025 Clinical Trials Activity Grant Opportunity. Minimum Data: 4 March | Applications Close: 1 April. GrantConnect: GO7923