No images? Click here
Update from the Dean of People and Resources
As we begin another exciting semester, the newsletters have already highlighted the successes of our people, students, college educational research activities, and events from our vibrant campus community albeit only February. This now extends to our first cohort of students in the Doctor of Medicine commencing in the Riverland and Mt Gambier, acknowledging the tremendous work that has been undertaken by all staff especially our rural and remote colleagues, involved in realising this.
I wish also to highlight several upcoming events:
- ActNow Let’s Do Better: Tackling Racism - For Workplaces workshop led by CMPH GIDE committee (9:30am - 1pm, Thursday 3 April, Alere Function Centre, Bedford Park)
- The 2025 MPH College Retreat (Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 Mach, HMRB)
Please continue to stay connected, share your experiences, and engage with the opportunities our college has to offer, I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming retreat.
Best wishes for yet another great year ahead.
Dean (People and Resources), College of Medicine and Public Health
Help shape teaching support at MPH: A team of educators are exploring ways to improve teaching support at CMPH, and they need your input! Please take a few minutes (3–5 mins) to complete this anonymous survey and share what support you need. Complete survey
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
Welcome to the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) Cohort
A warm welcome to the 42 medical students commencing the NTMP this week—a record intake for the program. We wish them every success in their journey to becoming doctors over the next four years. Flinders University has been delivering medical education in the Northern Territory for 27 years, with NTMP playing a key role in strengthening the local medical workforce for the past 15 years. Thank you to our dedicated educators, staff, and the NT community for your ongoing support in training the next generation of doctors.
Congratulations
We’re pleased to announce that Joshua Trigg was successful in his Expression of Interest and has been appointed as the Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Public Health (Honours). Liz Buckley will take on the role of Course Coordinator for the Master of Clinical Epidemiology. Additionally, Alistair Standish has been appointed as the International Engagement Lead for CMPH. All three will officially commence their new roles in March. Congratulations to Joshua, Liz, and Alistair.
Congratulations Beck O’Hara, from the Digital Health Research Lab, who has been awarded a National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials (NECST) Fellowship, supporting emerging researchers in endometriosis and adenomyosis. This recognition highlights her important contributions to women’s health research. Congratulations, Beck!
MD Student Kayla Vitale receives funds to boost cancer care
Flinders University student Kayla Vitale has been awarded a prestigious First Nations Cancer Scholarship, funded by Cancer Australia and administered by the Aurora Education Foundation. A Ngarkat woman from the Mallee region, Kayla is entering her second year of medicine after beginning her career as a registered nurse. Inspired by her father’s cancer diagnosis, she aims to support health practitioners in delivering cancer education programs informed by local community priorities, with a focus on early detection, prevention, and culturally embedded care.
Get to know your College
Get to know: Matika Marchant
“When I received the offer for the Northern Territory Medical Program, it was a huge relief.” Growing up in the Top End and inspired by a family of nurses, Matika’s path to medicine was shaped by a passion for science and a desire to help others. Throughout her studies with Flinders University, she gained hands-on experience across the NT, from Royal Darwin Hospital to remote communities like Santa Teresa and Muṯitjulu. Earlier this year she commenced her internship at Royal Darwin Hospital.
Events
FHMRI Research Roundtables return: 11am, Thursday 20 February
The first roundtable of the year is a presentation by Melina Georgousakis, founder and director of Franklin Women. She will talk about the organization and the benefits of membership. Please join online from 11am - 11:45am on Thursday 20 February.
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 28th 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!
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: Join us on Wednesday 26 February
12:30pm – 1:45pm, Level 2 Seminar Rooms, Health and Medical Research Building
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 – plus, lunch is provided. Nominate a speaker
- Wed, Feb 26: David MacIntyre: Reproductive Systems Medicine (University of Adelaide). David’s work focuses on understanding how the microbiome influences reproductive health outcomes. He also works on developing diagnostic and predictive tools that can be translated to clinical settings to improve maternal and neonatal health.
- Fri, Mar 21: Nicole Rankin: Evaluation & Implementation Science (University of Melbourne)
- Tues, Jul 1: Lezanne Ooi: Neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration (University of Wollongong
- Wed, Nov 19: Fiona Blyth: Public health & pain epidemiology (University of Sydney)
SA Insights: Unleashed: SA's health investment champions share inside scoop
12pm - 1pm, Thursday 27 February, G030 Lecture Theatre, The University of Adelaide
Join leading venture capitalists as they explore investment opportunities in life sciences, medtech, pharma, and biotech. Speakers include Stephanie Morris (Artesian), Josh Garratt (Eastend Ventures), Melissa McBurnie (Brandon Capital), Jo Chaturvedi-Durant (VU Venture Partners), Amelie Slattery (State Development), and Grant Steinberg (AusIndustry).
Expressions of Interest
Role of Course Coordinator (Remote and Indigenous Health) - Alice Springs
MPH is seeking to fill the Course Coordinator, Remote and Indigenous Health role in Alice Springs. We are seeking current staff who meet the necessary qualifications and are committed to delivering excellent education. For further details, please refer to the Role Statement. The EOI application process is below.
- To apply: Please submit your application to cmph.deanED@flinders.edu.au. All applications should be addressed to the Dean of Education, Professor Karen Lower. The subject line should read; Expression of Interest – Course Coordinator Remote and Indigenous Health
- Required documentation: A copy of a current resume. A two-page cover letter, addressing the Key Position Capabilities that outlines your suitability for the role. The name of one verbal referee.
Submit your EOI via email no later than 5pm Friday 21 February. If you require any further assistance contact MPH People & Culture at cmph.pc@flinders.edu.au
Training opportunity for Early and Mid-Career Researchers
FHMRI is offering two early and mid-career researchers the chance to attend the Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Course (March 31–April 4, 2025), funded by FHMRI. The $1500 course fee will be covered. This week-long workshop focuses on drug discovery and development, covering the translation and commercialisation process, from idea generation to pitching to investors. Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams to build new ideas and solutions with real-world potential.
To apply, submit a 1-page EOI by 5pm, 21 February to cmph.research@flinders.edu.au, outlining how the course will benefit your research and career.
Need to know
FMC Power outage
On Tuesday 18 February, SA Health has planned non-essential power outages with timings that vary across buildings. If you’re located in FMC and have any queries about how it impacts your location, please lodge a General Property/Facilities query with ServiceOne.
Enhancement works - FMC reupholstering works
The reupholstering of all sofas in the FMC Level 5 foyer has now been completed as part of the Teaching and Informal Study Spaces 2024 project by PFD. This upgrade enhances the space for students and staff.
Campus Activation: Applications open
Applications are now open for Colleges, Portfolios, and other groups to apply for funding that will bring their staff events and initiatives to life. This is your opportunity to contribute to a vibrant campus, promoting wellbeing, connection, and belonging. Access the Guidelines and Application Form here. Applications must be submitted by Thursday 20 February 2025.
Wellbeing shortcuts for the fast lane (Wed 19 February)
Learn some wellbeing shortcuts for living life in the fast lane at a new webinar from the Staff Health and Wellbeing program. This webinar will give you tips on micro-breaks, power downs and superfood shortcuts. Please register to attend and/or view the recording which will be available for a limited time after the session. Register via iEnrol
The Pint of Science Festival returns, offering researchers a chance to share their work with the local community in a relaxed pub setting. A great opportunity to connect and showcase your research! If you’d like to participate, fill out an Expression of Interest form here.
|
FHMRI Funding Schemes
|
|
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 |
Are you a CMPH researcher? The Library is here to help.
A Research Librarian is available every Tuesday for support with bibliometrics, publishing, ResearchNow, and more. Staff outside Bedford Park can request a 1:1 session via ServiceOne.
- Health Sciences Building (Pay Week) – Room 3.26, Level 3, 9:30am – 11am
- HMRB (Non-Pay Week) – FHMRI-RED/HDR Area, Level 5, 9:30am – 11am