No images? Click here
Update from the Dean of Rural and Remote Health
Welcome to e-News. The SARM Program continues to thrive, with strong engagement with our stakeholders in Mount Gambier and Riverland. A recent Limestone Coast event brought together executives, clinicians, staff, and students, strengthening community connections. Plans are underway to replicate this success in the Riverland, where interest has already been highlighted in local media, such as the Murray Pioneer.
The success of SARM reflects collaboration across MD teams in Bedford Park, Rural SA and the NT, alongside allied health and nursing staff in regional locations. Academics will further promote the rural workforce at the upcoming Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship meeting in Broken Hill and the RHIPER conference in Murray Bridge.
The FHMRI Health Equity Impact Program (HEIP) is strengthening connections across Flinders and will host a Research Uplift Bootcamp in Adelaide (15–17 September). This hands-on event will bring together HEIP members from across the central corridor to connect, collaborate, and elevate their research skills. Designed for researchers at all career stages, it will focus on developing practical skills in writing for publication and grant applications. Participants will engage with journal editors, consultants, and senior researchers to gain feedback and guidance. By fostering collaboration and professional growth, the Bootcamp aims to strengthen research outputs and accelerate efforts to advance health and social equity across communities.
And if that isn’t enough – our work in the Torres Strait led by Jaqui Hughes will join traditional owners and islanders to celebrate the Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival (16 -19 September), proudly supported as a major sponsor by Flinders University.
I would also like to congratulate Karla Canuto on her appointment to JCU and thank her for the contribution that she has made to this work in the Torres Strait, RRH, CMPH, and the University more broadly. We wish you well in this new chapter of your career.
Dean, Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health
Join the September MPH College Forum: 2:30 - 3:30pm, Tuesday 9 September
Please join the upcoming College Forum hosted by Lorraine Karunaratne, Director of College Services, featuring presentations from some of our Professional teams. Dean (Research) Billie Bonevski will also be doing a presentation on University Rankings. We welcome your attendance in person in HSLTC 1.01 or online.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our new Matthew Flinders Professors and Fellows
We are delighted to announce that several CMPH researchers have been recognised with the prestigious titles of Matthew Flinders Professor and Fellow.
Jacqueline Bowden and Cedric Bardy have been awarded the title of Matthew Flinders Professor.
Erin Symonds and Arne Ittner have been named Matthew Flinders Fellows.
Each award includes $20,000 in research funding to support their work at Flinders. Congratulations to our colleagues on this outstanding achievement.
Left to right: Gary Andrews (industry judge), Scott Grist (industry judge), Cassandra Quarisa (University Runner-Up), Cate Sexton (University Winner), Dr Ellen Schuller (industry judge), Stefano Zaccagnini (People’s Choice Winner).
Congratulations to Stefano Zaccagnini – People’s Choice Winner at 3MT 2025
The University’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final was held on Friday 29 August, with six finalists presenting their research to an audience of over 100 attendees. We’re proud to share MPH's Stefano Zaccagnini was voted the People’s Choice Award winner, recognised by audience members for the clarity and impact of his presentation. Congratulations also to overall winner Cate Sexton (College of Science and Engineering) and runner-up Cassandra Quarisa (College of Education, Psychology and Social Work). A big thank you to all finalists for showcasing the strength and diversity of Flinders HDR research. Read more
Congratulations to Miia Rahja on being awarded the Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship (AARF), an international fellowship supporting early career researchers in dementia. This prestigious funding recognises her outstanding work and will help advance her research in the field
Out and About
Building the future of rural medicine. Flinders University’s Mount Gambier and the Regional Training Hub recently hosted an evening with local GPs, health professionals, students and community partners to showcase the new SA Rural Medical Program. Guests heard from program lead Dr James Padley, academics, students and local health leaders about the importance of training doctors in the region. Thanks to everyone who joined us in supporting the next generation of rural doctors.
On the Road with the Library: Supporting Our Regional Communities
Over the past month, Library staff visited Renmark, Mount Gambier, and Darwin to connect with students, researchers, and academics. Activities included workshops, one-on-one support, and raising awareness of Library resources. The team was joined by Student Learning Support Service (SLSS) staff to deliver a well-integrated experience. Meetings included CMPH students and staff from the Northern Territory Medical Program, Paramedicine (Darwin), and South Australia Medical Program (Mount Gambier and Renmark).
Get to know your College
After completing a Bachelor of Paramedicine, Anushrii Nair entered the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program with a strong foundation in clinical skills and patient care. Driven by a fascination with the human body and a passion for supporting patients throughout their healthcare journey, Anushrii is now working towards a career in paediatrics with hopes of practising globally. Read Anushrii’s full story to learn how her undergraduate degree shaped her pathway to medicine. Get to know Anushrii
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 and Billie Bonevski (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)
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 12 September: Tan Phuoc Ton (Phuoc): Novel antimicrobial nanomaterials
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
HERGA Pre-Conference Workshops (Tuesday 30 September) – Register now!
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
Reminder: Complete your required training by 30 September!
As we head into the final stretch of 2025, it’s time to check in on your required training. Ensure your mandatory courses, including Workplace Safety, the Code of Conduct, and Equal Opportunity, are complete. Stay on track:
Log in to the Staff Learning Portal to view your courses
Block time in your calendar to finish them
Aim to complete early to avoid a last-minute rush
You can get started via the Staff Learning Portal, with User guides found here. For guidance or questions, contact your manager or the Professional Development Team at professional.development@flinders.edu.au
CFI Visiting Scholar Seminar: Maximising success in MRFF and NHMRC grants
12pm - 1pm, Wednesay 1 October, Seminar room 1, Level 2, HMRB
Join the Caring Futures Institute and Ray Chan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), for a seminar with Visiting Scholar Sandie McCarthy (Dean Research at Griffith University’s Faculty of Health), who will share insights on building research capability, strengthening grant applications, and supporting EMCRs. Open to all staff. The session will be livestreamed and available for catch-up. Register on Eventbrite or email caringfutures@flinders.edu.au for a calendar invitation.
Need to know
New Open Textbook: Mental and Physical Health Dimensions. Flinders University Library, in collaboration with UniSA Library, has launched a new Open Educational Resource: Mental and Physical Health Dimensions. Published under the CAUL OER Collective, this flexible, interdisciplinary textbook supports students in health-related disciplines with a strong Australian context. Covering mental health care, Indigenous wellbeing, and holistic wellness, it’s ideal for teaching and independent learning. Explore it now via CAUL’s catalogue or Pressbooks Directory.
Flinders staff are invited to a free 30-minute hearing screening as part of the 2025 health and wellbeing program, conducted by Master of Audiology students at Health2GO. The appointment includes hearing questions, sound checks under headphones, and a discussion of your results. Available at Health2GO on Thursday 11, Friday 12 and Thursday 18 September, with sessions between 9:30–11:30am and 1–4pm. To book, email karen.hayden@flinders.edu.au.
Book your free hearing screening
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.
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.
The national Racism@Uni survey is closing soon. Don’t miss your chance to have your voice heard. Responses from staff and students are vital to shape practical recommendations for change. The survey is anonymous and confidential, and you can choose to enter a draw to win one of fifty $50 gift vouchers. Please use the unique link emailed to you to complete the survey.
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
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.