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Update from the Dean of Rural and Remote Health
The last month has again been busy with College activities, and not just in Bedford Park. The College Retreat is always a key event that brings together staff across the disciplines within CMPH. Karen Lower, Dean of Education, provided a summary in the introduction to e-News a couple of weeks ago. I'd like to add to Karen’s summary by highlighting the perspective of rural and remote health (RRH) staff attendees who voiced their appreciation of the opportunity to catch up with people who share a passion for research, education, equity and creating the scientists, researchers and practitioners of the future. RRH staff also acknowledged the commitment of the College to a culturally safe environment where our staff and students can thrive.
During and after the retreat, several attendees noted a smaller-than-usual presence of RRH staff. This was due to the timing of the retreat coinciding with the launch of the South Australian Rural Medical (SARM) Program, along with other planned regional activities aimed at regrouping, refreshing, and planning within the context of significant expansion across the rural and remote footprint.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday, more than 50 South Australian RRH staff gathered in the Barossa. Vice-President and Executive Dean Jonathan Craig opened the session with an update on the College’s achievements and vision for the future. Staff also participated in cultural sensitivity and respect training delivered by Bookabee Cultural Training and Tours—an important and timely reminder of our collective role in supporting the College’s RAP commitments. Day 2, led by Dan from Daring Humans, explored what makes a strong team, tackled common challenges, and built skills in resilience, adaptability, and even juggling.
At the end of the month, NT staff will gather in Darwin for a similar RRH retreat. Thank you to all RRH staff who organised, attended, and participated. Wishing everyone a restful break and for those who observe a religious holiday, a blessed Easter period.
Dean, Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health
Reminder: Share your feedback on the College Executive Groups refresh
A reminder to review the recent update from the Vice President and Executive Dean regarding proposed changes to the function and structure of College executive groups. The aim of this refresh is to improve staff engagement, enhance communication, and increase transparency in decision-making. A short discussion paper outlining the proposed changes is available here. Please send your feedback to cmph.vped@flinders.edu.au by COB Wednesday, 23 April. An update will be shared in the week commencing 28 April following the review of all feedback received.
Congratulations
The team (L to R): Keryn Williams Keryn, Miriam Keane, Vicky Jones and Cecily Lawson
Celebrating world-leading impact in corneal transplantation
Corneal transplantation is the most common transplant surgery globally, restoring sight to thousands each year. Researchers at Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University have led international improvements through the Australian Corneal Graft Registry (ACGR) – the largest of its kind in the world. Established in 1985 and backed by long-term NHMRC funding, the ACGR has transformed clinical and eye bank practices, expanded donor access, and shaped surgical standards worldwide. Congratulations to all involved, especially Emeritus Professor Keryn Williams AC and Emeritus Professor Doug Coster AO FRANZCO, for this lasting contribution to global eye health. Read more
Rosie Coleman awarded prestigious Playford Trust PhD Scholarship
Congratulations to PhD student Rosie Coleman, who has been awarded a Playford Trust PhD Scholarship, supported by the Lang Family Foundation. Rosie is based in the Worm Neuroscience Lab, where her research focuses on discovering protective mechanisms for healthy brain ageing. She was also one of four recipients selected to present their work at the Playford Trust Awards Night last week. Get to know Rosie
Out and About
Biotech Students brew up Industry insights at Pirate Life Brewery visit
Last week, Master of Biotechnology students visited Pirate Life Brewery in Port Adelaide as part of their "Industry and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology" Topic. They have been learning about the brewing process, including from industry professional Simon Odell, and even brewing some beer in the lab to gain a complete understanding of the chemistry. This visit provided an invaluable opportunity to see brewing on a much larger scale than Schott Bottles, and hear about quality control and manufacturing essentials. Although Liu-Fei Tan couldn't attend due to teaching commitments, Alistair Standish was more than happy to step in and learn alongside the students!
NT Medical Students dive into Surgery at Suture Night
The 2025 Suture Night, hosted by the Northern Territory Student Surgical Group, brought 40 medical students together for hands-on training in suturing, hand-tying, and wound care. With support from ENT and General Surgery registrars, students from all year levels gained valuable skills and career insights. The evening also featured a keynote by Dayna Duncan and created space for students to connect with clinicians. Read more
Get to Know Your College
Trading Spreadsheets for Sirens: Suranya’s Journey to a Paramedicine Career
After a gap year behind a desk, Suranya Siriwardana realised she wanted a career that was fast-paced, practical, and truly meaningful—so she chose paramedicine at Flinders. Drawn by early placement opportunities, experienced teaching staff, and immersive sim labs, Suranya quickly found her stride. Now nearing graduation, she’s aiming for an ambulance internship and eyeing an Honours pathway to explore paramedicine research.
Events
Medical Grand Round: Thursday 24 April (Cancelled)
The Grand Round is cancelled due to Easter and Anzac Day proximity. Grand Rounds recommence in May with a presentation from Neurology ‘The use and abuse of EEG’.
Seminar: Uncovering, and targeting, novel pathways in embryonic development
3pm - 4pm Thursday 24 April, Level 2 HMRB seminar space and Online via Teams
Join Seb Dworkin (La Trobe University) as he explores how Grainyhead-like transcription factors influence embryonic development, focusing on craniofacial formation and genetic pleiotropy in zebrafish and mouse models. His team’s research is uncovering potential targets like Noggin and tmem54a, with the aim of identifying bioactive compounds to support high-risk pregnancies. To request a meeting or Teams link email karissa.barthelson@flinders.edu.au.
QIAGEN Lunch & Learn: Ask Us Anything – Sample to Insight
1pm – 3pm, Wednesday 30 April, HMRB Redhub Seminar Room 577
Do you have questions about extraction, PCR, library prep, or bioinformatics? Bring them along and get expert advice to optimise your workflow. Learn best practices, troubleshoot issues, and explore solutions tailored to your needs. Please RSVP for catering to Helle Christophersen via helle.christophersen@qiagen.com or 0432 425 917.
Franklin Women: In Conversation with Annette Schmiede
5:30pm – 8pm (Sydney), 6:15–7:30pm (Livestream) Wednesday 7 May
Join the Franklin Women community for a fabulous evening of networking and candid career conversation as founder Melina Georgousakis sits down with Annette Schmiede, CEO of the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre. Annette will reflect on her career journey, the value of connecting academia and industry, and the future of data and digital tech in health research and healthcare and why women need to be part of it. Register via the Franklin Women website (Use code FWxFLINDERS2024 for 25% off membership!)
Managing Probation for Professional Employees – Training Session
10am – 11am, Thursday 8 May, Online (Teams Meeting)
On behalf of the P&C Portfolio team, you are invited to an informative training session focused on the essential topic of managing probation for Professional staff. Designed for people leaders, this session will provide valuable guidance on effective probation management. Email cmph.pc@flinders.edu.au for further details.
Managing Student Incidents Training
There are 3 sessions (only need to do one) for staff to choose from:
- Wednesday 14 May (In-person)
- Thursday 15 May (In-person)
- Friday 16 May (Online)
This training is facilitated by Health, Counselling & Disability Services and University Security, designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to effectively manage challenging student incidents, including acute mental health crises, concerning behaviours, and incidents involving aggression, while ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Join the 2025 NCETA Symposium (Thursday 15 May)
10am to 4pm, Seminar Room 1, Level 2, HMRB or via zoom (details provided after registration)
Join The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction for a full-day symposium on Thursday, 15 May 2025, at Flinders University (or online). The morning session will focus on workforce development, while the afternoon will highlight key research in alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other drugs, featuring keynote speakers. Register your attendance
Workshop series: Early Career Researcher Targeted Grant Support Program
FHMRI-RED is offering a workshop series to help ECRs (within five years of PhD completion) and final-year HDR candidates craft grant applications. The program covers:
Workshop 1: Crafting an effective scientific narrative
Workshop 2: The principles of visual design in science
Workshop 3: Graphs – The good, the gad and the ugly
Participants will have the opportunity to submit a one-page grant proposal for feedback from a senior CMPH research mentor. Limited places available—supervisor approval required. Online participation is welcome for those outside of Adelaide. Find more information and register here.
Need to know
Do you know a Flinders graduate who is making a difference in their field, to their community or to the University? Help them get the recognition they deserve by nominating them in one of four Alumni Award categories! Find out more
Research travel funds - 2025 Applications close 5pm Friday April 25
John Chalmers Travel Fellowship for Early Career Academics—Fellowships support early career academics in attending 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.
David and Margaret Wattchow Research Travel Fund—This fund supports higher-degree or Early-mid-Career Researchers who wish to obtain skills and knowledge that will directly benefit neuroscience research at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI). This year, $2000 is on offer to bring new knowledge or techniques to FHMRI. Applications can be submitted online.
CMPH Travel Schemes - Round 2 applications now being accepted
The College is now accepting travel applications for academic and professional staff travelling between August 2025 – January 2026.
Support is available for domestic and international travel for conferences and professional development opportunities. Full details of the schemes and links to the online applications can be found on the CMPH Funding page. Closing deadline for Round 2 applications is 5pm, Friday 27 June. Please forward any enquiries to cmph.operations@flinders.edu.au
The Ramaciotti Health Investment Grant supports health or medical research with potential clinical application within five years. Institutions may submit up to two applications (from different colleges). To apply, complete the Internal Expression-of-Interest and submit it by 28 April to research.grants@flinders.edu.au.
Funding requires matching funds from the host institution, which must be cash for cash (including personnel salaries, excluding the Chief Investigator). For co-investment discussions, contact cmph.research@flinders.edu.au. Key dates:
Internal EOI deadline: 28 April | Internal full application deadline (if selected): 19 May
External full application deadline (if selected): 30 May