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Update from the Teaching Program Director (Medical Biosciences)
As we wrap up Semester 1, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our teaching and casual staff for your incredible work this semester. Your dedication and support have been invaluable in fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. We truly appreciate the vital role you play in the success of our students and programs.
Last week, we welcomed over 200 high school students from across the state to our Bedford Park campus for Enrichment Days (pictured below). A big thank you to Helen Harrison, Christine Barry, Robyn Meech, Binoy Appukuttan, and Yoichiro Otsuka (and all other staff) for running hands-on activities to inspire the next generation of medical scientists.
A reminder that abstract submissions are now open for the upcoming HERGA (Higher Education Research Group Adelaide) Conference, which will be held at Flinders on October 1st. I encourage you to submit an abstract and take part in this valuable opportunity to share your contributions to student learning and curriculum development.
Teaching Program Director, Medical Bioscience, College of Medicine and Public Health
Reminder: CMPH College Forum - Thursday 3 July (Online)
Join the upcoming College Forum, hosted by the Dean of Rural and Remote Health (RRH), Robyn Aitken and featuring presentations from RRH researchers. The forum will take place online via Teams on Thursday 3 July 2025, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. All MPH staff are welcome.
Celebrating the Contributions of Bill Heddle and Kaye Sutton
The College of Medicine and Public Health acknowledges the significant contributions of Bill Heddle and Kaye Sutton, whose leadership and service have shaped cardiology care, education and clinical practice across the region.
Bill has been a longstanding leader in cardiology, clinical education, and academic governance across both the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network and the College. His impact spans decades, with key roles as Chair of the MD Examinations Committee, Chair of the Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee, and former Head of the Flinders Southern Adelaide Clinical School. In recognition of his outstanding service to medicine and education, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2022.
Kaye Sutton is also warmly acknowledged for her dedicated clinical leadership in cardiac rhythm services at SALHN, which has made a lasting difference to patient care and the broader cardiology team. We extend our warmest thanks to both Bill and Kaye for their dedication and service, and wish them the very best in retirement.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Amal Osman, who has been named one of this year’s inspiring researchers selected for the prestigious ABC Top 5 media residencies. Amal is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with FHMRI Sleep Health, where she is using advanced physiology techniques to develop tailored treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea. Her research is helping to transform sleep medicine and improve the lives of people affected by sleep disorders.
Out and About
‘Clinical Supervision Matters’ an NT Clinical Academy Event
As part of the NT Clinical Academy calendar, Katherine and Big Rivers hosted a two-day ‘Clinical Supervision Matters’ workshop, led by expert facilitators Natasha Pavlin, Gerard Ingham, Emma Kennedy, and Siobhan Hensey.
The interactive event covered practical supervision strategies and meaningful, relationship-based feedback. Participants from across disciplines reflected on their practice, shared tools, and strengthened connections in NT’s clinical education community. The event highlighted the importance of skilled supervisors in building a stronger workforce and improving care across the NT.
Expressions of Interest
Expressions of Interest: Interim Head of Medical Biosciences (12month appointment)
Expressions of interest are invited for the role of Interim Head of Medical Biosciences for a period of 12 months. This Academic Level E leadership role will provide strategic direction and academic leadership across the discipline of Medical Biosciences, supporting excellence in research, teaching and community engagement. The successful applicant will work closely with discipline leads, Deans of Education and Research, FHMRI, and other key stakeholders to strengthen the discipline’s national and international profile. The position workload and workplan will be negotiated with the successful applicant, taking into consideration current priorities and responsibilities.
To express your interest, please submit a brief statement (max. 2 pages) outlining your interest in the role, relevant experience, and initial vision for the discipline. EOIs close 9am Monday, 21 July. For further information, please contact Jayanthi Jayakaran.
ECR and HDR representatives for FHMRI-RED committee: Apply before Friday 11 July
The FHMRI-RED committee is seeking one HDR and one ECR representative to join the committee for a 12-month term. Ideal candidates will be active or engaged in the HDR/ECR community and interested in contributing to researcher development. The Committee meets every 6 weeks to support researcher development, HDR governance, and College research strategy. To apply, email a short statement to CMPH Research by 5pm Friday 11 July, outlining:
Why you’re interested
Your connection to the HDR/ECR community
Your commitment to the one-year term
Get to know your College
Meet Amelia: StudyAdelaide Ambassador and Future Doctor
Originally from Malaysia, Amelia is currently studying the Bachelor of Clinical Science/Doctor of Medicine at Flinders University. Drawn to Flinders for its stunning Bedford Park campus and direct-entry medical pathway, she’s quickly fallen in love with Adelaide’s vibrant communities, beautiful scenery and incredible food scene. Now in her second year, Amelia is one of StudyAdelaide’s 2025 Ambassadors and is passionate about helping international students feel welcome and supported.
Events
- Monday 30 June: 2025 Improving Flinders Staff Services Survey closes
- Thursday 3 July: Medical Grand Round, 12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC
- Tuesday 8 July: Sustainability Master Class (City campus) (9am to 1pm)
- Friday 11 July: 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) Competition 2025 - registrations close
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: Next seminar - Tuesday 1 July
12:30 (lunch provided), Level 2 Seminar Rooms, Health and Medical Research Building. No need to register – livestream link is in the calendar invitation
- Tue 1 Jul: Lezanne Ooi - Neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration (University of Wollongong)
- Mon 28 Jul: Peter van Wijngaarden - Ophthalmic neuroscience (Florey Institute)
- Mon 1 Sep: Dr Grace Lidgerwood – Stem cell disease modelling (University of Melbourne)
- Wed 24 Sep: Joseph Trapani – “Small molecule inhibitors of lymphocyte perforin as focused immunosuppressants for auto-immune and post-infectious immunopathologies” (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre)
- Wed 29 Oct: Laura Downie – Optometry & vision science (University of Melbourne)
- Wed 19 Nov: Fiona Blyth - Public health & pain epidemiology (University of Sydney)
- Mon 8 Dec: Thomas Cox – Matrix and metastasis (Garvin Institute of Medical Research)
Open to all disciplines, these seminars offer valuable insights for everyone. Nominate a speaker
Flinders Bioinformatics Coffee Catch-up
11am, Wednesday 2 July, HMRB Level 8 communal area. Join a casual coffee catch-up for staff and students working in bioinformatics. Join us for a chat, some biscuits (possibly homemade!), and an opportunity to connect with others in the field. This informal gathering is a great way to start building a network, share ideas, and help shape future activities in the bioinformatics space. If you don’t have access to HMRB or the time doesn’t suit, please email Feargal Ryan or Michael
Roach.
CSIRO Research to Value Workshop (Thursday 3 July). Flinders will host the upcoming CSIRO Research to Value Workshop at the City Campus on July 3. This event offers a valuable opportunity for researchers and innovators interested in translating science into real-world impact. The workshop will explore pathways to commercialisation, with a focus on applied research and innovation translation.
Plenary Speaker: Luke Selth
Australian Society for Medical Research: SA Annual Scientific Meeting
Hosted from 8am to 5pm, Wednesday 10 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Join to present your research, connect with leading multidisciplinary researchers, and drive the future of medical innovation together. Submit your abstracts before Friday 4 July. Learn more
CMPH Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations (12:30pm, Friday's)
Level 2 Seminar Area, Health and Medical Research Building, or online via Teams.
4 July: Ali Habib - ‘Development of Ferroptosis-Inducing Liposomes to Target Multiple Myeloma’
11 July:
- Zegeye Abitew - ‘The Effect of Diet on Colorectal Cancer Risk and Mortality’
- Emma Thomas - ‘Development of new pharmacotherapy approaches for obstructive sleep apnoea’
- Robert Bear (online presentation) - 'Paramedic Mental Health Education'
Celebrate NAIDOC Week. On Tuesday 8 July (10:30am–12:30pm) head to The Hub in Bedford Park for free NAIDOC Week activities hosted by the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement and the Research Office. Enjoy hands-on jewellery making, weaving, art, and free donuts and refreshments, while celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and community. All welcome—drop by and take part! Learn more
Join a GIDE Seminar on Peri/Menopause: “Menopause and midlife”
Hosted by the MPH Gender, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity (GIDE) Committee. Presented by Jessica Floreani, SA/NT Director or the Australasian Menopause Society. Friday 1 August (12.30-1.30 pm), Alere Function Centre (South) or Teams. Register now. For more information, contact kim.hemsley@flinders.edu.au
Need to know
Reminder: 2025 Promotions Closing Dates. A reminder that applications for Promotions must be submitted via Service One and with your supervisors by 12pm on the following dates:
- Promotion to Level B or Level C - Thursday 17 July
- Promotion to Level D or Level E - Thursday 7 August
HMRB – High Voltage Electrical Maintenance in July Essential electrical maintenance will take place at HMRB over the weekends of 5–6 and 12–13 July, potentially affecting power, building access, and lift availability. If you have research or sensitive equipment running during this time and haven’t been contacted, please reach out to Natalie Kibble (kibble@flinders.edu.au) as soon as possible. Remember to save your work and consider alternative work arrangements if needed.
Have your say about how consumers and community are involved in health and medical research. Calling all consumers and researchers to attend a community Roundtable to review the draft NHMRC Statement. Wednesday, 6 August, 10am-12pm at HMRB (Adelaide) or Wednesday, 13 August, 10am-12pm at Congress Room, Yellow Building 4 (Darwin).
2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Research Awards will open Tuesday 1 July
The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Research open on July 1, celebrating excellence in research, impact and engagement across six categories:
Early Career Researcher
Mid-Career Researcher
Research Leadership
Impact & Engagement – Early Career
Impact & Engagement – Mid-Career
Impact & Engagement – Team
Applications close 5pm, Friday 30 August. Details and guidelines will be available on the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Awards page.
Help deliver an outstanding Open Days experience. Open Days are coming up on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 July at Bedford Park, and Sunday 27 July at City Campus. The University seeks staff to support key event roles, including Information Sessions, Venue Coordinators, Information Desk, Welcome Area, and Wayfinding Guides. Shifts are available for half or full days. Roles are general and not study area-specific. Speak with your supervisor for approval, then register your availability.
Drought Resilience Lab – Applications closing 9pm (AEST) Sunday 27 July
Cohort 4 of the Drought Resilience Lab is now accepting applications for its 12-week venture-building program, running from 8 September to 28 November 2025. Designed to turn validated prototypes into impactful ventures, the program supports entrepreneurial researchers, early-stage founders and industry disruptors working to strengthen drought resilience in agriculture. Participants will receive tailored one-on-one coaching, expert-led masterclasses on commercialisation and market fit, curated industry connections, pitch preparation support, and the chance to present at a showcase event attended by key industry players. To learn more, you can watch the recent information webinar or book a time to speak with the venture building team.