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Update from the Dean of People & Resources
As we head into the final quarter of the year, the College calendar is full, and I strongly encourage staff to participate in the many events and opportunities on offer. We look forward to the upcoming Chalmers Oration (30 October), which promises to be a highlight on our academic calendar. Nominations are also open for the College Awards, (closing Friday 31 October). With five categories, including the new "Consumer and Community Involvement" Research Award, I encourage colleagues and supervisors to consider putting forward deserving staff.
This week, we were proud to host the Higher Education Research Group Adelaide (HERGA) 2025 Conference at Flinders. With the largest attendance in the conference’s history, it was an excellent event featuring strong engagement, wonderful presentations, and fantastic representation from CMPH staff. My thanks to executive convenors Liu-Fei Tan and Voula Gaganis for their commitment and leadership, along with our many session chairs and student volunteers who contributed to its success.
I also want to thank those who participated in the campus activation evaluation of the Resilience Workshop hosted in August. Feedback was very positive, particularly regarding facilitation and topic, which reflects the value of these initiatives.
This week, we also formally welcomed Harald Janovjak into his new role leading our Medical Biosciences disciplines. I look forward to working closely with Harald and supporting this important area.
Thank you again for your continued contributions as we round out the year. As we move through a busy period, I encourage everyone to plan for some well-earned leave and downtime to support your wellbeing.
Dean (People and Resources) & Interim Dean of Medicine, College of Medicine and Public Health
2025 CMPH Staff Awards: Nominate before 5pm, Friday 31 October
Opportunities to recognise achievement, celebrate our staff, reward service and showcase excellence remain a highlight of our College end-of-year celebrations. Nominations are now open for the 2025 College Awards. In each category, all nominations will be considered relative to opportunity. A sub-committee of the College Executive and representatives from across the College will assess nominations. (Please note: self-nominations will not be accepted):
Five categories of awards are open
VPED and Service Awards
Research Awards (including a new award for Consumer and Community Involvement)
Teaching Excellence Awards
Professional Staff Awards
Student Awards
How to nominate:
Familiarise yourself with the 2025 Award Categories
Complete the 2025 Awards Nomination Survey to make your nomination(s)
Submit your nomination before 5pm, Friday 31 October 2025
Welcome
Welcome Annarita Puthoor. Annarita is the latest addition to Flinders University’s Rural and Remote Health team. She has joined as a Facilities Officer and will be based at the Royal Darwin Hospital Campus. She previously worked as a practice manager for several dental clinics in Darwin. Outside of work, Annarita enjoys spending time with her toddler, cooking, practising Pilates, and reading murder mysteries. She is excited to learn new skills and expand her knowledge at Flinders.
Out and About
FHMRI hosts September SA Insights, with more MTPConnect events ahead
FHMRI hosted MTPConnect’s September SA Insights event, with Damien Keating leading a tour of HMRB and David Lynn presenting an overview of FHMRI. A fireside chat highlighted new Cooperative Research Centres and featured discussion on collaboration, leadership, and workforce development, followed by networking.
Upcoming: MTPConnect SA team members will be available for 1:1 meetings at the SALHN research hub on 22 October and 26 November (email adelaide@mtpconnect.org.au). The October SA Insights event, hosted by Karen Reynolds, will focus on accelerating medical device innovation (16 October, Tonsley Innovation District). Register now
Flinders at the Riverland Field Days
The Flinders Rural and Remote Health stand was a popular stop at this year’s Riverland Field Days, attracting a steady flow of visitors. Rural staff, student ambassadors, and Yunkurrinthi Outreach Officers showcased study opportunities at Flinders, with more than 80 local high school students visiting as part of the careers trail. Students heard first-hand about pathways into medicine, nursing, allied health, and other courses available locally, online, and in Adelaide.
Belated R U OK? Day Celebration in Darwin
In the spirit of the saying “Any day is OK to ask R U OK?”, staff and students on the Darwin campus recently came together for a belated R U OK? Day BBQ lunch. Thank you to everyone who made the event possible, including: Karen Kurnoth for organising, Nicole Browne for providing the BBQ trailer, Jason Bonson, Aaron Gordon, Kath Martin and Jason McCormick for prepping and cooking in the heat, and all who helped with setting up and packing down. The team also acknowledge the support of Oasis – Student Wellbeing Centre, StARRH (Students Association for Rural and Remote Health), and the Health, Counselling and Disability Service (Adelaide).
Expressions of Interest
Flinders University Researcher Mentoring Program 2026 – Call for Applications
The Flinders University Researcher Mentoring Program for Early Career Researchers will run again in 2026. The Program pairs ECRs with senior academics to support career development, goal setting, and strategies for future success. Participants will also join a University-wide ECR community, offering peer support and networking opportunities. To apply, review the Program Guidelines and submit your Expression of Interest by COB Friday 31 October. For enquiries, contact Program Coordinator Jen Beaudry, Manager (Researcher Training, Development and Communication), Research Development and Support.
Events
- Thu 9 Oct: Medical Grand Round - Renal (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- 23 - 24 Oct: Australasian Society of Autonomic Neuroscience (ASAN) 2025 meeting
- Wed 29 Oct: FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar series w. Laura Downie (University of Melbourne) 12:30pm, Lvl 2 Seminar rooms, HMRB
- Thu 30 Oct: 2025 Chalmers Oration (2pm - 3:30pm, HMRB)
- Sat 22 Nov: 2025 Triple 0 Charity Ball (Adelaide Oval)
Complete the short form and submit a 150 word abstract of your collaborative research. Projects can be of any study design, and at any stage – development, in progress, complete. Early and mid-career researchers and Higher Degree by Research students are particularly encouraged to present their work. Submit an abstract before October 20.
RePaDD Seminar: Bridging Paramedicine and Palliative Care
12:30 - 1:30pm, Tuesday 14 October, Online. Join the next Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying (RePaDD) seminar: “Bridging Paramedicine and Palliative/End of Life Care: A Collaborative Approach”
Speakers will explore how paramedicine supports palliative and end-of-life care, and the benefits of cross-professional collaboration:
Andrew Makkink & Caleb Gage (South Africa): The role of paramedics in end-of-life care across settings.
Madeleine Juhrmann: Insights from the European Association for Palliative Care Task Force.
Shyla Mills, CEO Palliative Care SA: Local impact and the Ambulance Wish program.
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations (from 12:30pm Fridays)
Next week's presentation (Friday, 10 October) will be hosted online via Teams: Loraine House (final thesis review) "What are the experiences of peer support for veterans within a military-style motorcycle club?".
Upcoming professional staff workshops: October highlights
Grow your skills and connect with colleagues through upcoming workshops covering leadership, communication, teamwork, and personal development. Highlights include:
Conversations About Performance (16 Oct) – practical tools for supervisors.
Process Mapping & Improvement (21 Oct) – streamline business practices.
Getting Things Done – For Leaders (22 Oct) – prioritise and lead effectively.
Building Collaborative Partnerships (23 Oct) – foster trust and influence.
Developing Inner Resilience (30 Oct) – wellbeing and self-leadership.
Explore what’s on offer and register today via the Staff Learning Portal.
Quiz Night Fundraiser: Raise funds for cancer research
5pm arrival, Sunday 12 October, Grill’d Marion. Join us for a fun night supporting Nadine in raising vital funds for cancer research and care. $25 per ticket – includes a burger and snack chips. $10 from every ticket will be donated directly to Flinders Foundation. Email Nadine Smith for more information or to book
10 - 11:30am, Thursday 23 October, Alere North, The Hub Level 2, Bedford Park (or online). Flinders University Library invites all CMPH academics and staff to a thought-provoking event exploring the intersection of Open Access and artificial intelligence. As part of Open Access Week 2025, we’ll unpack this year’s theme — Who Owns Our Knowledge? — and examine how AI is reshaping the way research is created, shared, and controlled. Guided by Library Director Prashant Pandey and MC’d by Associate Library Director Liz Hall, our panel features:
- Matthew Stephenson (College of Science & Engineering)
- Vera Weisbecker (College of Science & Engineering)
- Tom Upitis (Digital Innovation and AI)
Expect engaging discussion, themed morning tea, 3D printed door prizes, and time to connect. Register now to save your spot
CMPH Biosciences Seminar: Tuesday 28 October
9:30 - 10:30am, Level 2 Seminar Room 02, HMRB. All welcome
Lachlan Jolly (Neurobiology Research Group, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide) presents ‘RNA Processing in Rare Disease’. In this talk, Lachlan will describe the development and application of RNA-based gene diagnostic approaches and mechanisms of brain development involving mRNA decay pathways.
Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series – Nominate a speaker for 2026
The FHMRI Inspiring Leader Seminar Series brings external research leaders to FHMRI to share their career journey and research highlights. Is there a speaker that you think the FHMRI community may like to hear from? We can assist in scheduling meetings for speakers with FHMRI researchers to discuss shared research interests and potential collaborations. Funding is available to support interstate speakers.
Attend the 3rd Australasian Society of Autonomic Neuroscience (ASAN) 2025 meeting
23–24 October, Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute
The program features oral presentations from leading neuroscientists worldwide, exploring how the nervous system controls organs such as the heart, gut, bladder, and brain. A conference dinner will be held at Luciano’s on the Marina, Glenelg. Register now or contact Nick Spencer (Nicholas.spencer@flinders.edu.au) for further details.
Need to know
Reminder from P&C: Bulk leave booking for Academic staff (not casuals)
Annual Leave of 20 days (pro rata for part-time) will be automatically booked for Academic staff to take effect from Tuesday, 30 December 2025, as per clause 30.3 of the Enterprise Agreement.
Requests to cancel this leave must be made due to extenuating circumstances and in accordance with operational needs. Staff should discuss such requests with their supervisors in the first instance and if supported, action agreed leave cancellation via Workday. Once the supervisor approves leave cancellation, staff are required to book a new period of annual leave via Workday to ensure this leave is taken before the end of December 2026.
Reversal of block booked annual leave will not be considered for any staff member who has an annual leave balance exceeding 294 hours. Visit the End of Year Closure webpage.
Nominate now for the Pride Committee. Help shape Flinders’ Pride Network and promote sexual and gender diversity on campus. As a committee member, you’ll contribute to policies, events, and initiatives that support our LGBTQIA+ community, foster inclusion, and bring fresh ideas to the table. Nominations close Friday 31 October.
Reminder: Summer Research Scholarships for high achieving undergraduates
FHMRI Summer Scholarships offer students 4–6 weeks of hands-on research experience between November 2025 and early March 2026, at $250 per week. Students must confirm a willing supervisor with start date and duration before applying. Full guidelines and eligibility details are available here. Staff are encouraged to share this opportunity with students. Applications close Friday 24 October. For details email cmph.research@flinders.edu.au
The College is now accepting travel applications for academic and professional staff travelling between February – July 2026. Support is available for domestic and international travel for conferences and professional development opportunities. Visit the CMPH Funding page for application forms and details. Closing deadline for Round 1 applications is 5pm, Friday 12 December. Please forward any enquiries to cmph.operations@flinders.edu.au
CMPH Travel Schemes – Apply now for 2026
Funding Opportunities
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2025 FHMRI Kickstart Grant Program – The FHMRI Kickstart Grant Program is now open to support early‑career researchers across the Flinders footprint (SA and NT) to build their research and track records. Applications should be submitted to CMPH Research by 5pm, 30 October. Guidelines + application |
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Flinders University Visiting International Research Fellowships are now open. Applications should be forwarded to CMPH Research by COB Friday 17 October. The application form can be accessed here. Fellowships will be offered on a co-investment basis with the host College. |
Ignacio H. de Larramendi Research Grants: Health Promotion – Applications close: 20 Oct | More information
NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies - Applications close: 5 Nov, 5pm AEDT | Learn more
NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) 2026 - Applications close: 19 Nov | GrantConnect
Improving Medicines Safety: Research Seed Grant – Applications close: 30 Oct | More information
MRFF 2025 Research Data Infrastructure – Deadline: 11 Dec , 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $2.5m | GrantConnect GO7714
MRFF 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles Applications close: 3 Dec, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $3m | GrantConnect GO7816
MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures Applications close: 4 Feb, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $10m | GrantConnect GO7833