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Highlights from the 2025 College Retreat
The 2025 College of Medicine and Public Health Retreat brought together staff for two days of insightful discussions, collaboration, and planning for the year ahead. Held in the new Health and Medical Research Building, this was our first retreat in the space, offering a valuable opportunity to reflect on past achievements and shape our shared vision.
'The retreat was an excellent showcase for the impact that can be achieved through collaboration of educators, researchers, practitioners, and professional staff. I enjoyed the in-person conversations with my colleagues from our Rural & Remote campuses. These strengthened connections will have a positive impact on the regular Teams interactions I have with them.’ - Lorraine Karunaratne, Director of College Services
Key sessions explored our progress and priorities in education, research, and community engagement. Discussions on multi-campus teaching, early career academia, and consumer involvement in research highlighted our commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Focus on workplace culture, cultural protocols, and high-impact teaching strategies reinforced our dedication to fostering a strong and supportive academic environment.
'It was wonderful to see so many people from all parts of the college attending and working together. Having combined research and education sessions helped these two critical parts of our college connect.’ - Karen Lower, Dean of Education
The retreat concluded with a networking session, celebrating the connections and ideas generated over the two days.
'The group activity - spaghetti and marshmallow tower - was a lot of fun and demonstrated key group working skills; communication, clarity of roles, flexibility to adapt to changing environment.’ - Voula Gaganis, Clinical Teaching Program Director
A special thanks to all staff who contributed to making this event a success, particularly the CMPH Operations team for their outstanding efforts in organising and delivering such a well-run retreat. I look forward to building on these discussions and continuing our momentum throughout 2025.
Vice President and Executive Dean, College of Medicine and Public Health
Reminder: CMPH Forum (1pm - 2pm, Monday 8 April in the HMRB and online)
Join us for the upcoming CMPH Forum on Monday, 8 April, in the HMRB Seminar Space. The Flinders Sustainability Team will present the 2030 Flinders University Sustainability Strategy and Waste Management Plan, followed by reflections on the recent College Retreat and the Quiet Achiever Awards. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and contribute to Flinders' sustainable future!
Congratulations
Congratulations to Flinders Researchers on New Funding
Flinders University researchers have secured funding through the Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grant Round, with $750,000 awarded to support 31 innovative health and medical research projects. These grants, partly funded by Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health, will drive new discoveries in areas such as cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, and mental health, helping to improve health outcomes locally and globally. This funding provides researchers with crucial support to develop their ideas and secure larger grants in the future. The successful partnership between the Flinders Foundation and Flinders University is made possible through donations from generous individuals and funds raised by supporters and organisations. Congratulations to all successful MPH recipients:
Luke Grundy
Sina Vatandoust
Andrew Hayles
Lauren Newman
Anand Ganesan
Janni Petersen
Anand Rose
Shailesh Bihari
Richard Woodman
Michael Roach
Joanne Eng-Frost
Jean Winter
Nicole Lovato
Katia Ferrar
Ashley Hopkins
Lauren Thurgood
Simon Conn
Raj Shrestha
Savio Barreto
Christine Barry
William Blessing
Wenshao Li
Kim Hemsley
Anna Konopka
Congratulations to the 2025 FHMRI Kickstart Grant Recipients
Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) is proud to support early career researchers with Kickstart Grants, providing up to $20,000 to advance innovative health and medical research. A huge congratulations to this year’s recipients: Hannah Scott, Long Yu, Siti Mukarokah, Amal Osman, and Ashlea Bartram.
Congratulations to Stephen Gregory on Fellowship in Advance HE
We are pleased to congratulate Stephen Gregory, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Medical Science, on being awarded Fellowship in the latest Advance HE round. This prestigious recognition reflects Stephen's exceptional commitment to teaching excellence.
HDR Student Research Impact Prize: Congratulations Lauren Newman
Congratulations Lauren on being awarded the prestigious HDR Student Research Impact Prize. Lauren’s outstanding research impact has been recognised at the highest level, reflecting her dedication and excellence throughout her candidature. With only two Flinders students receiving this honour, this is a remarkable achievement. We celebrate Lauren’s success and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her research.
Out and About
Reflect, Connect, Share: Staff gather in the HMRB for the 2025 College Retreat
Staff from the College of Medicine and Public Health gathered at the Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) for the 2025 Retreat, engaging in two days of dynamic discussions, collaboration, and strategic planning. The event fostered reflection on past milestones, strengthened professional networks, and set the course for the year ahead.
NT Regional Training Hub Workshops in Katherine
The NT Regional Training Hub, in collaboration with ACEM EMET, recently hosted successful Point of Care Ultrasound workshops in Katherine, NT. Doctors focused on eFAST assessments and ultrasound-guided procedures, while acute care nurses trained in vascular access and bladder assessment. Participants found the sessions highly valuable, with all reporting improved understanding and confidence in ultrasound techniques. The workshops reached full capacity, highlighting the demand for regional training. NT RTH looks forward to delivering future sessions, with the next workshop planned for Nhulunbuy. Read more
Get to Know Your College
Embracing the Challenges of Remote Healthcare – Erica’s Story
Finding purpose in remote nursing, Erica Stone is dedicated to improving healthcare in rural and Indigenous communities. Studying a Graduate Diploma of Remote Health Practice at Flinders, she’s already applying her learning in the field. As the 2024 Gayle Woodford Memorial Scholarship recipient, Erica hopes to continue Gayle’s legacy of community care. Read more about her journey and passion for remote health.
Events
Medical Grand Round: Thursday 3 April
12:30 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Level 5, FMC (A light lunch will be available from 12.15pm)
'Management of delayed gastric emptying due to GLP-1 receptor agonists in the perioperative setting’. Presented by: Edward Mignone (Endocrine Advanced Trainee, Diabetes & Endocrine Unit, SALHN). Literature to be presented by
Mahesh Umapathysivam (Consultant, Diabetes & Endocrine Unit, SALHN).
Menopause Awareness for Managers: Monday 31 March
Menopause Friendly Australia is hosting a 90-minute interactive session on Monday 31 March to help managers better understand menopause in the workplace and how to support their teams. This session is a great opportunity to break down barriers, normalise conversations, and foster an inclusive workplace culture. Register now via the Staff Learning Portal (search ‘menopause’). Staff awareness sessions will follow in June and September, with a Champions session in August—more details to come.
Tackling Racism Workshop - Let's Do Better: Tackling Racism for Workplaces
9.30am to 1pm, Thursday 3 April, Alere Function Centre, Bedford Park (morning tea included)
The GIDE Committee are pleased to bring you the ActNow theatre workshop on Tackling Racism for Workplaces. ActNow's Tackling Racism Workshop will address the need for cultural change in the workplace. This interactive session is an opportunity to educate staff on anti-racism strategies and explore interpersonal and institutional racism. Equip yourself with the tools and terminology to understand the ripple effects of seemingly harmless behaviours. Using forum theatre techniques, participants will actively support characters in dealing with racism and find relevant workplace solutions.
Distinguished Lecture in Geriatrics and Oncology: Thursday 3 April
11:30am - 1pm, Seminar Rooms 01/02, Level 2, Health and Medical Research Building
Hosted by Catherine Paterson, this event features a lecture by William Dale (City of Hope), a leading expert in geriatric oncology, followed by a panel discussion. Panel members:
Timothy To – Southern Adelaide Palliative Service
Anna Mislang – Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer
Alex Fauer – University of California, Davis
Join for insights into the future of cancer care for older adults.
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: next seminar Wednesday 16 April
10:30am (morning tea provided), Level 2 Seminar Rooms, Health and Medical Research Building. No need to register – please refer to the calendar invitation for the livestream link
- Wed 16 Apr: Lachlan Smith - Orthopaedic research (University of Pennsylvania)
- 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
Supporting Your Career and Professional Development - New horizons in 2025
New professional development workshops are available in 2025, covering topics such as influence for positive outcomes, facilitation skills, process improvement, complexity and systems thinking, and advanced negotiation. Explore opportunities via the Staff Learning Portal. The Professional Staff Development Fund is now fully committed, though applications can still be submitted and placed on a waitlist should funds become available. Additional opportunities include:
Professional Staff Conference Scheme – Up to $700 for conference registration.
Study Assistance Scheme – Up to six hours of paid leave for study, plus reimbursement of the SSAF.
Study Tour Scheme – Up to $5,000 for eligible staff (HEO Level 8+) to undertake an interstate study tour. Applications close 30 June.
Flinders is committed to building the capability of our staff, and we encourage you to explore the available options. To browse the full range of schemes available please click here or contact Professional Development for more information.
GIDE mentoring for CMPH staff seeking academic promotion
The CMPH Gender Inclusion Diversity and Equity (GIDE) committee is offering a targeted Academic Promotion support scheme for people who identify as women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, staff with disability, staff from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ staff. GIDE are also particularly keen to support people with these backgrounds who work in Rural and Remote parts of the College. Academic Promotions applications for 2025 will be invited from Monday 31 March.
Please contact jingjing.wang@flinders.edu.au and janni.petersen@flinders.edu.au by Monday 21 April if you are interested in receiving support and advice on your application.
Free flu vaccinations for Flinders staff
Flinders staff can receive a free 2025 quadrivalent influenza vaccination, thanks to Bupa. If you wish to register for an onsite appointment or pharmacy voucher, click on one of the below links to book:
Staff may book one option only, and places are limited. Book now to stay healthy this winter!
People and Culture are offering training on 2 April to help staff navigate the PRD system in Workday. Open to academic and professional staff, the session covers both guided and ‘upload your own’ functions. Supervisors can also join the Conversations about Performance workshop on 8 April to explore effective performance discussions. Contact organisational.development@flinders.edu.au with any questions. Read more on the FiT Blog
Performance Review and Development (PRD): Training for staff and supervisors
Keeping you safe: cyber security tips
Staff impersonation remains a major cyber threat, with phishing emails targeting Flinders staff, including senior leadership. Always verify unusual requests by checking email addresses or confirming via another channel. Report suspicious emails via the Phriendly Phishing button in Outlook or call IDS at ext. 12345. Read more
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John Chalmers Travel Fellowship for Early Career Academics – 2025 applications are now being accepted The John Chalmers Travel Fellowships support early career academics to attend a national or international conference to advance their professional standing in their chosen health and medical research or education field. Two grants of $1500 for international travel and two grants of $500 for domestic travel are available for staff this year. Applications can be submitted online and close 5pm Friday 25 April. |
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David and Margaret Wattchow Research Travel Fund – 2025 applications are now being accepted The David and Margaret Wattchow Research Travel Fund supports Higher Degree or Early-Mid Career Researchers to obtain skills and knowledge that will directly benefit neuroscience research in the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI). This year $2000 is on offer to bring back new knowledge or techniques to FHMRI. Applications can be submitted online and close 5pm Friday 25 April |
Release of the 2025-26 National Competitive Grants Program Scheme Calendar
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has released the 2025-26 National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) Scheme Calendar, providing indicative timings to support planning for participants and research administrators. The 2025-26 Scheme calendar has been optimised to distribute application and assessment periods better, reducing peak workload pressures. In the event of a change to the scheme calendar, the ARC will provide as much notice as is possible. The ARC will work to ensure that any changes in scheme timing do not disadvantage participants, including in relation to eligibility.
The ARC is also undertaking a Policy Review of NCGP which will inform the future of ARC schemes. Further information on other schemes, including the transition to a revised NCGP will be shared following finalisation of the Policy Review.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Postgraduate Scholarship scheme provides funding for successful applicants to attain a research-based postgraduate degree (Doctor of Philosophy or Research Masters degree). The objective of this scholarship scheme is to support outstanding graduates early in their careers so they can be trained to conduct health and medical research that is internationally competitive and develop a capacity for original independent research within Australia. Applicants will need significant support from their current or prospective primary supervisor. Minimum Data due May 14. Applications close June 4.
Grants will be available to ophthalmologists, trainee ophthalmologists, or work being done in university departments (or equivalent) of ophthalmology or ophthalmic research institutes. At least one member of the investigator team must be a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology and a member of AVR. Applications close April 30. Contact IGII@flinders.edu.au if you intend to apply
