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A monthly newsletter keeping our HDR community informed and connected.
Farewell to our
Dean of Graduate Research
Professor Tim Cavagnaro
As I conclude my time as Dean of Graduate Research, I would like to thank our HDR candidates, supervisors and the wider research community for the opportunity to serve in this role. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented and committed research community, and I am proud of what has been achieved. I would also like to offer a special thank you to the team in the Office of Graduate Research for their outstanding support, commitment and hard work throughout my time as Dean.
I am delighted to hand over the role to Professor Lucy Lewis, who I know will bring great leadership and energy to supporting our HDR community. While I am stepping down as Dean, I look forward to continuing to work closely with you in my role as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Training and Capabilities). I look forward to helping continue to strengthen research training, capability development and research excellence at Flinders.
Welcome to our new
Dean of Graduate Research
Professor Lucy Lewis
I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Dean of Graduate Research. As I begin in this role, I would like to acknowledge and thank Professor Tim Cavagnaro for his outstanding leadership and students-first approach as Dean.
My background
is in physiotherapy, where my research, teaching and clinical practice have focused on the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviours across the lifespan and enhancing the quality of care through evidence-based practice. Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the power of research and education to improve lives, create opportunities, and address complex challenges.
What I have always enjoyed most about working in higher education is supporting the next generation of researchers. I know that a research degree is both rewarding and demanding. Beyond producing a thesis, it is a journey of growth, resilience, discovery, and connection. Each of you brings unique perspectives to our research community, and together you contribute to advancing knowledge and making a meaningful impact.
As Dean, I am committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. I look forward to meeting many of you, learning about your research, and celebrating your achievements throughout the year. I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter and find it a valuable way to stay connected with the opportunities, events, and successes across our HDR community.
W H A T ' S N E W
2026 Best HDR Student Publication Award
The Best HDR Student Publication Award is an initiative of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) that celebrates the best student publications for each College. Students are invited to submit one first authored publication that makes significant original contribution to your field of study. Please look out for correspondence form your college regarding the call for applications. Read more to view the eligibility requirements and guidelines.
National success for Flinders research leadership and programs
Flinders University has achieved outstanding national success in the 2026 Australian Council of Graduate Research (ACGR) Awards for Excellence – receiving two of the five national award categories. The ACGR awards recognise the graduate research supervision of Professor Udoy Saikia, and the Graduate Research Programs and Support team of Dr Dani Milos and Rhiannon Vince
New Additions to the HDR Thesis Template
Two new pages have been added to the HDR Thesis Template to help candidates articulate the broader significance of their research and reflect on the value of their research experiences. These pages are located immediately after the Table of Contents in the thesis template document. Read the blog to find out what's new.
2026 December Graduations - updated deadlines.
For HDR students aiming to attend December Graduation, please view the blog post and take note of critical deadline dates, information on registering, thesis amendments and submission to the library. For any queries please reach out to the HDR Exams Team.
HDR Central Availability
The HDR Central rooms in the Central Library will be unavailable from 10 October to approximately 30 October 2026 due to construction works. If you need a study or meeting space, you can find and book alternative rooms here.
Look out for an ORCID invitation
If you have an ORCID profile that is not yet linked to your ResearchNow profile, you may soon receive an email from ORCID Researcher Connect inviting you to link them. In the coming weeks, look out for this invitation. Linking your profiles can help keep your Flinders affiliation accurate and reduce the need to update information manually. You will need to sign in to ORCID and authorise the connection yourself. Learn what to expect and how to connect securely on the official Flinders ORCID page.
Mindfulness for Academic Success starts next week
Want to approach the final stretch of semester with more focus? Counsellor Chris O’Grady’s final two online programs for 2026 begin on Wednesday 7 October. Explore practical ways to work with stress, attention and the everyday challenges of studying. Choose 11am–12pm or 12.30–1.30pm, with both groups open to all students. No previous mindfulness experience is needed.
BetterU connects you with ideas, resources, programs, and support to enhance your physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.
U P C O M I N G W O R K S H O P S
Preparing for an HDR Industry Internship
Friday 9 October, 10am-12pm
Starting an industry internship or considering one in the future? This practical workshop will help you hit the ground running. Learn what to expect in a professional environment, how your PhD skills translate beyond academia, and how to make the most of your experience for future job opportunities. Whether it’s your first step outside academia or you bring prior work experience, gain the strategies you need to set yourself up for success.
HDR Completions Workshop
Friday 23 October, 10am-2pm
In your final six months of candidature? It’s time to get set for submission. The HDR Completions workshop will walk you through exactly what’s required to finish, submit and navigate the thesis examination process with confidence.
You’ll get a clear overview of submission and examination, plus practical guidance on the challenges that often arise in the final stretch - formatting, copyright, editing, and staying on track with your supervisors. It’s a focused, hands on session designed to help you cross the finish line smoothly.
Join us in person (with an online option for those off campus). Lunch provided.
HDR Connect: Join our regular HDR sessions
Stay connected and supported throughout your candidature with HDR Connect - our collaborative Microsoft Teams space for all Flinders HDR students. Alongside peer discussion channels and news updates, HDR Connect hosts several regular sessions designed to help you build community, strengthen your writing habits and stay engaged.
Regular sessions available to all HDR students:
- HDR Drop‑in Session — meets weekly, in‑person and online
- HDR Writing Group — meets twice a week to write together (in‑person and online)
- HDR Thesis Writing Discussion Group — meets every four weeks, in‑person and online
C O N T A C T U S
Dean of Graduate Research - Leadership, Policy, Strategy
HDR Admissions - Admissions, and Enrolments
HDR Progression - Milestones and Variations to Candidature
HDR Exams - Thesis Submission, Examinations and iThenticate for final thesis
Researcher Development - HDR student and supervisor development, REST and Induction
HDR Engagement - All Engagement, Industry and Cotutelle related inquiries
HDR Scholarships - Scholarship inquiries
HDR Student Representatives - For peer support.
Do you have any suggestions, feedback or concerns about your HDR services? Let us know via the Student Experience Idea Gateway Form