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Update from the Director of College Services
The year has just begun and CMPH is in full swing. Key events in early 2025 include launch events for the South Australian Rural Medical Program on March 12 in Mount Gambier, and March 31 in Renmark, our College Retreat on March 25 & 26 in the HMRB, planning days for the Executive and extended leadership teams in March and April, and an Appreciation event for our partners and stakeholders during May. We are so pleased to have Julie Rayner onboard as our Senior Executive Officer to work with our capable Ops Team members who coordinate College-wide events and provide invaluable support for our Executive.
Many staff have been busy with orientation this week, with coordinated activities highlighting strong collaboration across our academic and professional teams. I thank our student-facing teams for their dedication, as well as the hard-working teams providing support to teaching and research academics, and in the provision of high-quality corporate services. I look forward to working closely this year with all professional staff teams across the College to promote our services, improve key processes, and enjoy some social events to strengthen team connections.
None who work within CMPH will be surprised by the complexity of our College, but you may be surprised by the considerable challenge of managing space across our metropolitan buildings including the FMC, and within our rural and remote campuses across SA and the NT. While a single request for space may seem simple, the daily coordination of space requests from staff and our SALHN colleagues requires planning and rigour. To support this endeavour, the Executive Team has approved a CMPH Space Governance Framework. This was initially promoted in the eNews on Friday 24 January, and I provide it here again to support staff in their requests for space:
CMPH Space Governance Framework
Managing space allocation across the College’s multiple sites is a complex process that requires consistent and equitable decision-making. The College Executive Team has endorsed a new governance framework aligned with University Space Guidelines to support this. All CMPH space requests must now be submitted via Service One. Requests will be assessed as follows:
- Bedford Park campus (FMC and FCIC): CMPH Metropolitan Space Sub-committee
- Rural & Remote sites: CMPH Rural & Remote Space Sub-committee (embedded within the Rural & Remote Health Resources/Finance Committee)
- SALHN staff: Directed to Wayne Gadd, Executive Director, Infrastructure and Digital, SALHN
Director of College Services , 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.
Congratulations
Flinders educators recognised for excellence in university teaching
Voula Gaganis has been honoured with the Award for Teaching Excellence (Health) in the 2024 Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT), hosted by Universities Australia. This prestigious national honour recognises her transformative leadership in medical science education at Flinders University. Voula has pioneered active learning approaches, redesigned physiology laboratories with advanced digital technologies, and strengthened industry collaborations to ensure graduates are equipped for the evolving workforce.
Additionally, Flinders’ Anatomy Assessment Design Team (Dusan Matusica, Christine Barry, Rainer Haberberger, and Helen Anscomb) has also been recognised with a 2024 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning. Their innovative assessment strategies in the cadaveric dissection program support medical students in developing critical anatomical, clinical, and professional skills.
CMPH Dean of Education, Karen Lower, commended the recipients, "The AAUT awards represent national recognition of the high calibre of teaching and learning our talented and dedicated colleagues carry out every day. I am honoured to work with Voula, Dusan, Helen, Rainer, and Christine, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved acknowledgement of their leadership and excellence in education."
Seven FHMRI Researchers Awarded NHMRC Investigator Grants
The Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) has achieved its best-ever result in the 2025 for 2026 NHMRC Investigator Grant round, securing seven grants and a record-breaking $15.6 million in funding. Announced by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler, these prestigious grants provide flexible support to leading researchers, enabling them to drive innovation, adapt their focus, and strengthen collaborations in critical health areas.
Congratulations to our outstanding recipients:
Hannah Scott – Using sleep technologies to better define and manage insomnia (EL1)
Kalinda Griffiths – Strengthening transparent reporting for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health (EL2)
Ashley Hopkins – Data and artificial intelligence for advancing cancer care (EL2)
Claire Roberts – Pregnancy: Window to Health Futures (L3)
Karla Canuto – Community-led health promotion in the Torres Strait (L1)
Simon Conn – Targeting alternative RNA splicing in brain cancer (L2)
Jaquelyne Hughes – Advancing First Nations kidney health (L2)
This marks Flinders University’s strongest performance in the scheme to date and a milestone achievement for South Australia. A huge congratulations to all the recipients.
Please note: Associate Professors Kalinda Griffiths and Karla Canuto were incorrectly titled in the February edition of FHMRI Connect. We apologise for the error.
Susan Matthews from Flinders’ International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing (IPOCT) has been appointed to the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) Point-of-Care Committee for 2025–2027. This prestigious role recognises her global expertise in point-of-care testing. The competitive nomination process involves election by regional national professional bodies for a two-year term.
The IFCC is a global, non-political organisation dedicated to advancing laboratory medicine to improve healthcare. The Point-of-Care Committee meets annually at the EuroMedlab Congress to promote quality in POCT and provide leadership in developing best practices in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. Read more on the MPH Blog
Congratulations to Bryce Brickley, a Finalist for the Northern Territory (NT) Government Excellence in Youth Leadership Award in the 2025 NT Young Achiever Awards. Based in Darwin, Bryce's research at Flinders has led to improved men's health, boosting physical activity, heart health, and wellbeing.
Congratulations to Arduino Mangoni. Arduino has been awarded $273,171 from Marinova Pty Ltd and Marine Bioproducts CRC to study the effects of seaweed-derived natural products on cardiovascular health. Working with Corinna Dwan and Barbara Wimmer from Marinova, he will explore how these products protect the glycocalyx—a key structure in artery health and a potential target for preventing heart disease.
Out and About
Emmanuel Bunei (second right) at the Summer School. Photo by Marc Grimwalde
Emmanuel Bunei, Research and Evaluation Fellow in Justice Reinvestment, attended the HASS and Indigenous Research Data Commons Summer School 2025 at the University of Queensland in February. The event focused on digital skills, data management, and research in humanities, arts, social sciences, and Indigenous studies. Emmanuel, based in Katherine, NT, thanked the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) and Flinders University for their support. The workshops covered Indigenous research methodologies, community engagement, Indigenous Data Governance, and digital tools. These insights will aid Dr. Bunei’s work on the Katherine Justice Reinvestment Project, aimed at reducing Aboriginal people’s involvement in the justice system. Read more on the MPH Blog
Get to know your College
Meet Paul Huddleston, a Mayali/Ngandi man from Katherine, who has joined the Rural and Remote Health Team as an Indigenous Engagement and Project Officer, focusing on The Youth Engagement in Allied Health Project. With a Cert IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care Practice, Paul previously worked with Flinders on the eGFR research study. Passionate about Aboriginal health and closing the gap, he hopes to inspire others in his community to pursue careers in health.
Events
Prideaux Seminar: "Teaching the art and science of systems to medical students: why, what and how?" presented by David Rubin
9.30am-10.30am, Tuesday 4 March, Online via Teams
Join David Rubin, Colin Caro Director of Research in Biomedical Engineering, as he discusses the integration of systems modelling into medical education. Using system dynamics, a visual and intuitive approach, students gain a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of medicine and public health. Rather than becoming systems experts, they develop mental models essential for medical practice. For more information contact PrideauxHPE@flinders.edu.au.
Join International Women’s Day on Thursday 6 March to celebrate the achievements of women and to March Forward towards a gender-equal future. Can’t attend in person? Join via livestream! On-campus gatherings at other locations are also available. Event highlights:
- 11:30am – March Forward Lake Walk and quiz (major prize on offer!)
- 12pm – Guest speakers, including Emily Korir, CEO & author of Against All Odds
- Learn how UniSuper supports gender equity
- Support the Jessie Cooper Scholarship for Women
- Donate to Treasure Boxes to help families in need
Medical Grand Round: Thursday 6 March
12:30 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Level 5, FMC
"‘Pleural Effusions – a guide for physicians and BPT’s’
a case will be presented by an RMO" Presented by Paul Kaesler-Smith (Respiratory Consultant). A light lunch will be available from 12.15pm
Join Flinders' Neurodiversity Celebration Week Forum: Tuesday 18 March
3pm - 4pm, Tuesday 18 March, Lecture Theatre 1.09, Health Sciences, Bedford Park or online
Flinders University is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, and we invite staff—especially those in leadership—to join a discussion on building a neurodiverse workforce. This forum will increase organisational understanding and inform future initiatives to reduce inequities. Panellists:
- Colin Raston (Science & Engineering)
- Amy Kosandiak (Library, Patron Engagement)
- Ali Enright (Education, Psychology & Social Work)
- Amy Wyatt (Medicine & Public Health)
Chair: Paula Redpath (Medicine & Public Health)
HMRB Trade display morning tea: Wednesday 19 March
10am - 11:30am, HMRB Level 2 Seminar Space. Flinders researchers are welcome to join the HMRB Trade Display morning tea. Come along and visit suppliers as they showcase products, services and great deals. Pick up your ‘Trade Display Passport’ on arrival for the chance to win prizes! For more info contact Carlie Delaine or Elise Tucker.
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: Next seminar 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
New Staff - Local Area WHS Inductions - New to ServiceOne
Inductions and training are essential for workplace health and safety at the University. All staff must complete both the general online induction and a Local Area Work Health & Safety Induction, which supervisors must provide on the first day and before working in new areas. To improve record management, the Local Area WHS Induction checklist is now stored in ServiceOne, streamlining the process. The sign-off section has been integrated into ServiceOne, allowing supervisors to review and approve inductions more efficiently while also tracking staff completion.
Get a quick, personalised health check with the SiSU Health Station—a medically certified device providing key health metrics in just five minutes. Drop in anytime to check blood pressure, body fat %, heart age, diabetes risk, stress levels, and more. Available 8:30am to 4pm, Room 105 (Registry Building, Bedford Park) Tuesday 4 March until Friday 28 March. Read more on the Fit blog
Applications Open: Research Investment Fund Schemes
Applications are now open for the following Research Investment Fund schemes:
- Research Support for Early and Mid-Career Researchers – Closes March 24 (College deadline)
- Research Infrastructure Funding – Closes 7 April (College deadline). Please note funding is capped at $50K per project, with co-investment required from the College.
- Large Scale Transdisciplinary & Partnership Seed Grants – Closes 14 April
For further application support contact CMPH.Research@flinders.edu.au
FHMRI Small Equipment and Infrastructure Grant 2025: These will fund equipment and infrastructure up to $60,000. Apply before Friday, March 7. Learn more or apply
EMCR Publication Grants: Applications will be considered at any time until the funding is expended. Learn more or apply
Small Equipment and Infrastructure Grant: Applications will be considered at any time until the funding is expended. Learn more or apply
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!
SA's 40 under 40 awards The 40 Under 40 Awards are a globally recognised program that celebrates the impact of the finest young SA entrepreneurs and changemakers. Nominations close midnight Monday 17 March with the winners announced on Thursday 19 June. Nominate now |
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. Complete survey |