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Update from the Dean of People and Resources
This semester has been progressing rapidly, with planning already underway for the end of the year. We’ve celebrated many staff and student successes through our newsletters and forums - congratulations to all. Progress on strengthening our College governance structures included the first extended leadership workshop this Tuesday, attended by more than 40 participants, alongside ongoing efforts to better support College GIDE (Gender Inclusion, Diversity & Equity) and RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) initiatives.
The College was delighted to host its first campus activation event, Stronger Together: Building Collective Resilience, on Thursday 14 August, with over 60 staff from across the Colleges and the wider university.
The interactive workshop, led by Kathryn McEwen, Global Lead of Working with Resilience, explored how care, connection and shared purpose can enhance wellbeing and team effectiveness. Through engaging discussions and activities, participants reflected on personal and collective approaches to resilience and identified practical steps to strengthen supportive workplace relationships.
The session concluded with a shared commitment to embed resilience in daily interactions. Thank you to Kathryn for leading such an energising session, and to all who contributed to its success. Its focus on individual actions aligns strongly with next week’s Women’s Health Week theme, 'Say yes to you'. Wishing everyone a fulfilling semester.
Dean (People and Resources), College of Medicine and Public Health
Welcome
Welcome Donna, Outreach and Engagement Officer
Donna Mahoney has joined CMPH as an Outreach and Engagement Officer, supporting community engagement across SA regions where Flinders have a presence. In her role, she helps deliver outreach activities including expos, field days, roadshows and the promotion of health-related education and career pathways. Get to know Donna
Welcome to Leanne Liddle as Deputy Chancellor of Flinders University
A proud Flinders alumna and 2021 Distinguished Alumni Awardee, Leanne brings a wealth of experience in justice, policy and health, and continues to make a strong impact across central and northern Australia. She hosted the 2023 Chalmers Oration and is widely recognised for her leadership, including being named Northern Territory Australian of the Year in 2022. We look forward to her contributions as Flinders strengthens its engagement and impact across the NT and beyond. Read more
Congratulations
Congratulations to Michael Michael, appointed interim Chair of Flinders Foundation from 1 October. He takes over from co-founder Alan Young AM, who retires on 30 September after 28 years of service. A hospital medical scientist and leader of the Gene Expression Laboratory at FCIC, Michael has advanced global microRNA profiling to uncover disease associations, including solid tumours. Read more
Out and About
FHMRI Researcher Education and Development (RED) recently hosted the Road to Research event, bringing together future honours, masters and PhD students with supervisors to explore a wide range of health and medical research opportunities. Attendees had the chance to discuss research interests, learn about pathways, scholarships, and entry requirements, while connecting with current FHMRI students and researchers over the always-popular pizza lunch. The event drew over 100 attendees and provided a valuable opportunity to spark new research journeys.
Supporting the next generation of sleep researchers at Flinders
Emeritus Professor Doug McEvoy, founder of the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health (now FHMRI Sleep Health), has long championed advances in sleep research and mentored many successful researchers. Through his support, Dayna Easton, Alicia Lander and Ashley Montero have received the inaugural $15,000 FHMRI Sleep Health ECR Seed Grant to launch their study, GLEAM: Guided Light and Exercise for Alertness Management.
Bush medicine program keeps knowledge and culture alive
An SBS News Podcast has highlighted how Yolngu Elder Mayalil Marika is sharing bush medicine knowledge with Flinders medical and health students during remote placements in Northeast Arnhem Land. The program, supported by Larrakia traditional owner and Flinders Elder on Campus Richard Fejo, combines traditional healing with modern practice, strengthening cultural awareness and keeping First Nations knowledge strong for future generations. Listen to the podcast
Get to know your College
Get to know College: Egi Vasil
Meet Egi Vasil, a PhD Candidate in the Microbiome and Host Health Lab, where her research explores the connection between the gut microbiome and bone health, with a particular focus on perimenopause and ageing. With a background in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary, Egi’s academic journey has combined her interests in musculoskeletal health and the gut-bone axis. Guided by her passion for improving quality of life across the lifespan, she is working to advance understanding in an area that has historically been under-researched.
Expressions of Interest
MPH Academic Integrity Officer (Apply before September 5)
Expressions of Interest are invited for the role of Academic Integrity Officer. This position works closely with the Dean of Education, fellow Academic Integrity Officers, and teaching staff to ensure a coordinated, consistent approach to academic integrity across the University. The role includes providing guidance to staff on academic integrity matters, representing the College in University working groups and committees, and helping embed academic integrity initiatives into College operations. Email cmph.deaned@flinders.edu.au.com with your EOI before COB Friday 5 September.
EMCRs – Apply Now to Attend the ASMR SA Gala Dinner
6:30–10:30pm, Monday 20 October, Adelaide Pavilion, Veale Gardens
Celebrate SA’s leading health and medical researchers at this formal dinner with researchers, students, industry and politicians. FHMRI has sponsored a table, EMCRs can apply to attend free by submitting up to 100 words to cmph.research@flinders.edu.au. Applications close 5pm Friday 5 September.
Events
- Thu 4 Sep: Medical Grand Round (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- Tue 9 Sep: MPH College Forum hosted by Lorraine Karunaratne (2:30pm - 3:40pm)
- Mon 15 - Fri 19 Sep: SALHN Research Week at FMC (register now)
- Wed 1 Oct: 2025 HERGA Conference, Bedford Park campus (register now)
Heart Health with Alicia Chan: 3 September
Join on Wednesday 3 September, 2pm –3:30 pm, for a special session on Heart Health and Menopause. Alicia Chan, clinical and academic cardiologist and Chair of the Cardiac Society ANZ (SA Branch), will discuss how hormones affect cardiovascular health and practical ways to support your heart. Register via the Staff Learning Portal
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations (from 12:30pm Fridays)
Join in the Level 2 Seminar Area, HMRB, or online via Teams. Join the next presentations on Friday 5 September: Anna McMillen: The role of dopamine in the process of forgetting in Carnorhabditis elegans
RePaDD Seminar: Pallative care for olders people in SA & NZ (September 15)
The Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying (RePaDD) invites you to a seminar in the HMRB on culturally responsive approaches to palliative care, facilitated by Aileen Collier as part of a NZ-led Catalyst grant (10am - 12:35pm followed by a light lunch). International guests include keynote speaker Rangimahora Reddy (CEO, Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust), Kaumātua and staff from Rauawaawa, Rosemary Frey, and Matthew Allsop, alongside presentations from Flinders researchers Jennifer Tieman, Stuart Ekberg and Karen Nobes. The program features keynote addresses, panel discussions, and opportunities for networking and cross-cultural knowledge exchange. Register your attendance via repadd@flinders.edu.au by Friday 5 September.
SALHN Research Week 2025 (September 15 - 19, Flinders Medical Centre)
Research Week at SALHN is an exciting week that provides an opportunity to showcase precinct excellence and in innovation and research, celebrate our achievements, and connect with key national and international experts through keynote sessions. You are encouraged to attend this year’s event in person, when possible, to hear the presentations from our researchers as well as the networking opportunities available during the week.
Prideaux Seminar: Engineering Your Research
Presented by Ivan Hofsajer, Engineer and Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, has over a decade of experience teaching research methodology. In this talk, he will present a simple, practice-oriented model of knowledge production that helps students develop academic research skills across multiple disciplines.
3.30pm-4.30pm, Tuesday 16 September, via Zoom.
SA Insights: Powering Innovation – South Australia’s Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) Leadership
5:30–7:30pm, Thursday 18 September, Flinders University HMRB. Hear from leaders of SA’s newly announced CRCs on their vision, opportunities for collaboration, and pathways to innovation and growth. Hosted by Judy Halliday with a welcome from David Lynn. Guest panellists: Leanna Read (SMART CRC), Carmela Sergi (Care Economy CRC) and Shruti Sardeshmukh (AMCRC). Networking drinks to follow.
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: Wednesday 24 September
From 12:30 (lunch provided), Level 2 Seminar Rooms, Health and Medical Research Building.
Joseph Trapani (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) presenting “Small molecule inhibitors of lymphocyte perforin as focused immunosuppressants for auto-immune and post-infectious immunopathologies”. Email CMPH Research to arrange a meeting with any of the presenters.
MPH ECR Coffee Catch-up: 1:45pm, Wednesday 24 September at Urban Paddock
Join fellow early career researchers for a coffee catch-up this September!
Meet at Urban Paddock Co (near the Flinders Railway Station), directly after the Inspiring Leaders Seminar. Organised by the CMPH ECR Community of Practice - it will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow ECRs, share ideas, and build your network. Let's grab a cup of coffee (or tea), swap stories, and dive into some stimulating conversations. Coffee courtesy of FHMRI RED. Register at CMPH ECR Coffee Catch-up - September
Festival of Food featuring Sri Lanka
From 11:30, Thursday 25 September, Sturt Courtyard and Oval. Join the College of Nursing & Health Sciences for a celebration of Sri Lankan culture with food, Dhol drumming (11:30 am–12:30 pm), music, dessert samples, and a plant-your-own Asian herb pot activity. Book your free Sri Lankan lunch (chicken, mutton, or vegan kothu) and reserve a herb potting session - spots are limited. Book your ticket
HERGA Pre-Conference Workshops – Register now! (Tuesday 30 September)
Join two HERGA (Higher Education Research Group Adelaide) pre-conference workshops:
Workshop 1: Preferred futures for the university. Led by Professor Michelle Picard, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching Innovation), this creative, futures-focused session explores global trends and existential threats in higher education. Participants map preferred futures, examine Australasian exemplars already in motion, and develop discipline-specific pedagogical and professional learning plans. 11:30 - 12:30pm, Alere South. See details
Workshop 2: Embedding indigenous knowledges. Led by Joanne Buckskin (HASS) and Leoni Connah (BGL), this reflective, action-oriented workshop invites participants on a journey toward decolonising the self. The session focuses on relationality, respect, and reciprocity, deep listening (dadirri), critical analysis of curriculum and assessment, and the curation of First Nations resources tailored to specific topics. Session 1: 2 - 3pm, Session 2: 3 - 4pm, Yungkurrinthi. See details
Need to know
Reminder: Please use the current Purchase Order Request Form
Please ensure you're using the current Purchase Order Request Form, available on the College page. We can no longer accept older versions that you may have downloaded and saved locally, as they may not meet the current Procurement Policy requirements. Please remember, it is the Requestors responsibility to obtain the required number of quotes or exemption from quotes. If the value of the Purchase Order is different from the quote because of a partial order, please provide an explanation of this as part of the request. If you have any questions or need assistance, email cmph.finance@flinders.edu.au.
Summer Research Scholarships for high achieving undergraduate students
High-achieving undergraduate students are invited to apply for Summer Research Scholarships with FHMRI, offering 4–6 weeks of hands-on research experience in a supportive environment. Scholarships are valued at $250 per week and can be undertaken between November 2025 and March 2026, at a time agreed between student and supervisor.
Applicants must secure written confirmation from a supervisor, including the proposed start date and scholarship duration, before submitting their application. Applications are now open and close Friday 17 October. Download full details, including guidelines and eligibility. For enquiries, contact CMPH Research.
Best HDR Student Publication (2 Awards available)
The ‘Best HDR Student Publication’ is an initiative of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research). Awards will be made to students selected by each College. There are two awards available to CMPH, with each award valued at $1,000. CMPH internal closing date: 5pm Friday 31 October. Submit your application to CMPH Research.
Late applications will not be accepted
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Equipment Test & Tag – HMRB: The testing and tagging program has been extended to September (6 am–4 pm). Technicians will check laptops, monitors, and lab equipment. Please arrange testing for items in secure cupboards or rooms, and ensure devices are powered down and work saved before leaving. |
DVCR Research Investment Fund schemes: Seed Grants & 5-for-35 Initiative
Applications are now open for internal schemes supporting major external research bids. Funding is available through Transdisciplinary and Partnership Seed Grants (up to $50k, closing 1 December) and the 5-for-35 Initiative (EOIs close 1 December, pitch sessions in December). More information.
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Challenger Pitch for Health 2026 – Applications Open Researchers and founders working on translational biomedical innovation are invited to apply for the Challenger Prize and Open Prize, part of Australia’s largest life sciences pitch event. The Challenger Pitch for Health will be held in Sydney in March 2026, offering $500,000 in grants, national exposure, and the opportunity to pitch to investors, clinicians, and industry leaders. Applications are open from 26 August – 10 November. Apply now |
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Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Australia Awards Fellowships The Australia Awards Fellowships support Australian Host Organisations to strengthen links with leaders and professionals in developing countries by hosting Fellows from overseas partner organisations. Flinders can submit up to six applications, so an internal EOI process is in place. If more than six are received, proposals will be shortlisted. Teaching specialists are eligible to apply. Submit your EOI via ResearchLink to IGII@flinders.edu.au by 3 September |
Support for Flinders Foundation Health Seed grant applications
FHMRI-RED is offering support for EMCRs applying for the Flinders Foundation Health Seed grant scheme through ‘Page One’ review panels. Applicants submit a one-page summary (rationale, aims, significance, and future funding plans) by 5pm on 4 September to cmph.research@flinders.edu.au, then present a three-minute pitch to receive feedback from the panel. Panels will be held from 1:30–3pm on 10 and 11 September. For more information, contact cmph.research@flinders.edu.au.