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Update from the Dean of Rural and Remote
Welcome to the eNews. This week I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 ANZ Prevocational Forum in Sydney. It is the 29th time that this forum has brought together medical educators, interns, and junior doctors from Australia and New Zealand. Last year, Flinders University and NT Health jointly hosted the forum. This year was hosted by NSW Health Education and Training (HETI), with significant input from the Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand (MDANZ).
Although the focus of the conference was on medical doctors in their early years of training (DiTs), the content was very much more broadly applicable to our work with students in the College. There was an emphasis on supporting wellbeing of learners, supporting learners as developing professionals, developing cultural safety, and providing good supervision and feedback on skills, behaviours and knowledge. The keynote presenters were widely published, and the work of Christopher Watling, and Sam Bendall are well worth the attention of all student supervisors.
Flinders University affiliates had a significant presence with good representation from SAMET, and SA and NT Medical Education Unit staff who we work closely with for the SARM and the NT. A slightly modified version of the GP band (notably minus Emma Kennedy) entertained conference participants at Luna Park for the conference dinner – also a wonderful networking opportunity.
Flinders University stood proud in this forum, our staff, clinical partners, supervisors and graduates are widely respected, reinforcing the message that the CMPH executive team presented at APAC last week. I encourage all CMPH staff to attend the upcoming CMPH Forum on Tuesday 25 November, to hear more about College achievements that were celebrated at APAC.
Dean, Rural and Remote Health, 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 NT Medical Program alumnus Felix Ho ASM, named 2026 Australian of the Year for the Northern Territory. Felix has dedicated his career to remote community healthcare and volunteered thousands of hours with St John, including leading its national youth program and supporting first responders across Australia. His commitment continues to inspire and equip the next generation of lifesavers.
Congratulations to PhD student Thi Giang Tuyet Pham (Snow), a member of the Biomedical Nanoengineering Lab, who has been awarded the 2025 Marine Bioproducts CRC CureCell Award for her innovative research on developing a multifunctional hydrogel to enhance chronic wound care. Snow’s work uses plasma-assisted microalgae extracts, including Spirulina, to create sustainable, infection-fighting materials that could transform treatment outcomes. “This recognition gives me confidence that my research ideas are valuable and that my PhD is on the right track.” Congratulations to Snow and her supervisors, Krasimir Vasilev, Vi Khanh Truong and Andrew Hayles.
Out and About
RHIPER Conference Highlights Place-Based Rural Health Innovation
Flinders Rural and Remote Health staff joined national and international delegates in Murray Bridge for the inaugural Rural Health International Place-based Education and Research (RHIPER) Conference, hosted by the Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE) from 29–31 October. Centred on the theme “Place Matters: Transforming education and research to strengthen rural and remote healthcare,” the event explored how locally driven education and research can improve health outcomes for rural communities. Across three days, attendees participated in regional immersions, research presentations, and policy workshops led by experts, including Sonia Kumar (St Mary’s University London), Romy Lawson (Flinders University), Jenny May AM (National Rural Health Commissioner), and the Hon. Fiona Nash (Regional Education Commissioner).
Flinders representatives, including James Padley, Emma Kennedy, Patrick Burgon, Nicola Parkin, Nadi Pandithage, Sandra Crockett, Ben Ellul, and David Lam, presented and contributed to discussions. The conference was a resounding success, strengthening networks and highlighting the vital role of place-based education in building a sustainable rural health workforce.
This week, the majority of the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) team headed to Sydney for the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs’ annual conference (APSAD2025), Australia’s premier conference on alcohol, drugs, and addiction. The team hosted a booth and shared their latest research through engaging presentations and posters, connecting with colleagues and stakeholders from across the sector.
Get to know your College
Learning for life: What sparked Cameron’s unexpected journey to Paramedicine
When Northern Territorian Cameron Proctor swapped electrical work for paramedicine, he discovered a new passion for learning and healthcare. Starting university later in life, he found confidence through Flinders University’s Bachelor of Paramedicine in Darwin. Now using his skills to support his family, Cameron encourages others to explore how the course can be life-changing. Read more on the MPH Blog
Expressions of Interest
Are you social media savvy?
FHMRI is looking for an ECR, HDR candidate or professional staff member to create engaging posts on our LinkedIn channel to promote the events and exciting work being done at FHMRI. This is a voluntary role with a low time commitment that would look great on your CV. Contact cmph.research@flinders.edu.au by 5pm Friday 28 November telling us why you are interested in the role and any experience that you have. For further information, contact cmph.research@flinders.edu.au
Events
- Thu 20 Nov: Medical Grand Round - (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- Sat 22 Nov: 2025 Triple 0 Charity Ball (Adelaide Oval)
- Mon 24 Nov: Discover the Future of Synthetic Biology – Public Talk at Flinders University (7 - 8pm, Alere Function Room, Bedford Park)
- Tue 25 Nov: CMPH Forum - State of the College (1pm - 2pm, Lvl 2 HMRB or online)
- Wed 3 Dec: CMPH ECR Community of Practice "Science in the Pub" (4pm, Flinders Tav)
- 3 - 5 Mar: International Symposium: Human Nervous System Models to Accelerate Clinical Translation (Learn more or register)
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
Visiting Scholar 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 - let's discuss the challenges and opportunities together! Register here |
Adelaide Protein Group: Proteins in the Pub (Wednesday 19 November) 6pm, Seven Stars Hotel. Celebrate the end of the year with networking, lightning talks and great company. Free entry (registration required), snacks, and drinks available for purchase. Students and early-career researchers are invited to give a three-minute lightning talk for a chance to win a $100 prize. Stay on afterwards for an informal group meal and more networking. Learn more |
FUMA End of Year Exhibition Tours
Nici Cumpston, Barkandji people, Old Mutawintji Gorge I
Join FUMA staff for a short guided tour of ngaratya (together, us group, all in it together), featuring new works by six Barkandji/Barkindji artists. The exhibition reflects their shared journey across ancestral Country in New South Wales, engaging with Elders, community and landscapes to create works that express love, empowerment, respect and connection. Tours begin at 12:30pm on the following dates:
• Tuesday 18 November
• Wednesday 19 November
• Tuesday 25 November
• Wednesday 26 November
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar: Fiona Blyth (Wednesday 19 November)
No need to register – livestream link is in the calendar invitation. Join FHMRI Inspiring Leader Seminars to hear research leaders share their career journeys and research highlights. Open to all disciplines, these seminars offer valuable insights for everyone
On Wednesday 19 November, Inspiring Leader Fiona Blyth AM (University of Sydney) will present “A path through pain – Building a career in an emerging field” from 12pm (lunch provided), at Level 2 Seminar Rooms, HMRB. Email cmph.research@flinders.edu.au to meet with any of the presenters, or nominate a speaker.
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations (Friday 21 November)
Join from 12:30pm in the Level 2 Seminar Area, HMRB or online via Teams. See the full November schedule
Lucy Franzon: Personalising Metastatic Cancer Treatment: Development of A High-Throughput Organoid Platform to Predict Therapy Response
Charne Rossouw: Identifying novel probiotic strains in the gut microbiota to enhance vaccine responses
CMPH Biosciences Seminar: November 25
9:30am - 10:30am, Lvl 2 Seminar space, HMRB (in-person only). "‘Decoding Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Diseases’" Presented by Tom Gordon and Jing Jing Wang (Autoimmune Research Group).
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.
Need to know
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
Staff Website Updates Underway. Minor updates to the college website will roll out over the next few weeks to improve staff information and support. A larger redesign is planned for 2026, with further consultation early next year. Feedback can be sent anytime to julie.rayner@flinders.edu.au
New 24/7 learning support tools
Flinders has introduced three new learning technologies in FLO to enhance student support. Students can now access two AI-powered tools directly from their course menu:
Study Buddy – 24/7 help with writing, referencing, statistics, and study planning.
Feedback Buddy – instant feedback on draft assignments (PDFs only for now).
Both tools are aligned with Flinders’ academic standards and will soon replace selected Studiosity services. Staff can also use Cadmus to design assessments, guide students through the writing process, and monitor academic integrity. Workshops on Cadmus will be held Tuesday 18 November (in person and online). Learn more or register
Working safely with hazardous chemicals. Everyone shares responsibility for maintaining a safe environment. Flinders provides clear procedures and resources to support safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. Staff and students must keep their Chemwatch registers updated, complete risk assessments and Safe Work Procedures, and follow authorisation requirements for prohibited or restricted carcinogens. Visit the Hazardous Chemicals Safety manual to learn more and access essential WHS training and resources. |
Flinders accredited under the Australian DATA Scheme. Flinders University is now accredited under the Australian Government’s DATA Scheme, enabling researchers to securely access a wider range of Commonwealth datasets for research and innovation. Access requires an application process, with approvals depending on data sensitivity and conditions. The Library will run DATA Scheme workshops three times a year to support researchers. Learn more via iEnrol, the Statistical Tools and Services webpage, or the DATA Scheme website. Read more on the FiT Blog |
Reminder from MPH Finance: End of Financial Year – 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:
- Raising 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.
Funding Opportunities
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 Expressions of Interest: NOW OPEN – This is the final round of the current DP scheme and we encourage anyone interested in applying to notify CMPH.research@flinders.edu.au. Please reach out if you have questions or would like to discuss eligibility. Find out more on ResearchLink and Grant Connect.
ARC DP EOIs close Friday 12 December.MRFF 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles Applications close: 3 Dec | Up to $3m | GrantConnect GO7816
HCF Translational Research Grants. EOI close 3 Dec | More info here
Ian Potter Foundation – Medical Research Grant. Applications open 2 February - 26 March (more information).
MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures Applications close: 4 Feb | Up to $10m | GrantConnect GO7833
MRFF Childhood Mental Health - Applications open November 5 and close 25 March 2026. More information
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