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Update from the Teaching Program Director of Medical Biosciences
With mid-semester break just around the corner, academics can take a well-earned pause on teaching to catch up on marking and prepare for the busy weeks ahead.
In August we hosted our annual Road to Research student-recruitment event, where over 100 prospective placement, honours, masters and PhD students explored FHMRI’s exciting research projects. Interactive installations, conversations with potential supervisors, and support from the scholarships and admissions teams made it a lively success.
Looking ahead, join us on Tuesday 30 September for the HERGA Pre-Conference Workshops, featuring Preferred Futures for the University and Embedding Indigenous Knowledges. These sessions invite fresh thinking about the future of higher education. Don’t forget that you can still register for HERGA, which will be held at Flinders University on Wednesday 1 October.
And finally, congratulations to Helen Harrison, whose article Empowering Students to Learn How to Learn: A Student-Centred Approach to Self-Regulated Learning has just been published by the Higher Education Research Society of Australasia. Read it here: HERDSA Connect.
Senior Lecturer and Teaching Program Director, Medical Biosciences, College of Medicine and Public Health
Congratulations
Interim Head of Medical Biosciences: Harald Janovjak. We are pleased to announce that Harald Janovjak has been appointed as Interim Head of Medical Biosciences, effective 1 October. Harald brings strong leadership and a deep commitment to advancing education and research within the College.
This appointment is the greatest privilege of my career. My guiding principle in this role will be to place the interests of our people first, ensuring we are empowered to advance our research and teaching with ambition and to serve the communities of which we are a part with dedication. Together, we can generate new knowledge and educate the next generation of science leaders to shape our shared future.
In the weeks ahead, I will meet with many of you—including each of the Medical Biosciences Discipline Leads—to listen, learn, and help chart our next steps. My door and inbox are open to all, effective immediately, and I warmly invite your concerns, ideas and questions as we continue to build on the strengths that make Medical Biosciences at Flinders University exceptional.
FHMRI Students shine at the Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR) South Australian Scientific Meeting. The 2025 ASMR SA scientific meeting was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Wednesday 10 September, providing students and early career researchers across the state a platform to share their work. Luke Selth delivered the plenary lecture on “Understanding and overcoming therapy resistance in lethal prostate cancer”. Several FHMRI HDR students presented posters and talks, with special recognition for:
- Stellene Vitaro (PhD student of Jean Winter), awarded the Instats Skills Development Prize for Communication Excellence for her talk on novel blood biomarkers for early colorectal cancer detection.
Will Plewa (Honours student of Simon Conn), awarded Best Honours Oral Presentation for his talk on Cas12a2 and circular RNAs in glioblastoma.
Out and About
Alistair Standish represented the College of Medicine and Public Health alongside other Flinders academics during a roadshow across six cities in India over just one week. It was encouraging to see strong interest from students in Flinders’ programs in Public Health and Biotechnology, reflecting the global relevance of our teaching and research
Image: Clinicians in East Arnhem practised performing ultrasound-guided procedures during the two workshops
NT Regional Training Hub PoCUS workshops in Nhulunbuy. In August, the NT Regional Training Hub and Nadi Pandithage delivered Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) workshops in Nhulunbuy, supported by ACEM EMET. Medical students, doctors, and nurses gained practical skills in trauma, respiratory, vascular, and soft tissue ultrasound, with 100% reporting increased confidence. Workshops strengthened local professional networks and improved patient care. Training will expand to Tennant Creek in 2026. Read more
Get to know your College
Why Joshua returned home to study medicine. Darwin-born and Alice Springs-raised, Joshua Davies is studying medicine with the Northern Territory Medical Program to give back to the community that shaped him. With a diverse background spanning music, psychology, counselling and international travel, Joshua says Flinders has offered an outstanding learning journey, thanks to small class sizes, supportive staff and unique opportunities such as dissections and remote placements. Meet Josh
Expressions of Interest
Research Positions Available for New SURE Program
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) has secured funding to deliver the new Substance Use Research and Evaluation (SURE) Program, co-directed by Professors Jacqueline Bowden and Richard Edwards. The program will support SA Government initiatives on alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and other drugs. Three roles are available from January 2026:
- Lev B Research Fellow (3 years)
- Lev B Research Fellow and Analyst (2 years)
- Research Assistant (3 years)
All roles have the possibility of extension. See more information, including further instructions and PDs here. EOIs due by 5pm, Friday 26 September to nceta@flinders.edu.au.
EOI: Trial the Critical Reflection Companion. Our current Waterman Fellow, Larissa Taylor, is developing a Critical Reflection Companion to support teaching staff in reflecting on how Indigenous perspectives are embedded within their teaching practice and curriculum materials.
Larissa is seeking volunteers to trial the Companion and provide feedback on its effectiveness. Participation will involve a 3-month time frame with an introduction survey and two yarns, one an Individual catch-up and one a group session, then a final yarning circle (again Individual and group) and final survey. If you are interested in contributing to this important project, email Larissa by Friday, 26 September.
Events
- Tue 23 Sep: Scaling Research: Preparing for a large-scale grant (12:30–1:30pm, Online
- Wed 24 Sep: FHMRI Inspiring Leader Seminar: Joseph Trapani (12pm, Level 2 HMRB)
- Thu 25 Sep: Medical Grand Round (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- Wed 1 Oct: 2025 HERGA Conference, Bedford Park campus (register now)
- Wed 1 Oct: New staff Welcome event (Bedford Park) register via Staff Learning Portal
Upcoming professional staff workshops: September and October highlights
Grow your skills and connect with colleagues through upcoming workshops covering leadership, communication, teamwork, and personal development. Highlights include:
Leadership Fundamentals (18 Sept) – essential skills for new leaders.
My Career Journey (24 Sept) – hear insights from Flinders leaders.
Persuasive Personal Brand (25 Sept) – define and promote your brand.
High Performing & Resilient Teams (2 Oct) – build strong, adaptable teams.
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.
Join the CMPH HDR Community of Practice for the first journal club on Wednesday 24 September, 11am–12pm at the FHMRI RED-Hub (Room 501/502, HMRB) or online. Enjoy sushi while hearing HDR students present on aspects of colorectal cancer screening. (Online details - Meeting ID: 492 272 206 021 5 | Password: x4Fg9Wn7)
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series & ECR Coffee catch-up: 24 September
Inspiring Leader Joseph Trapani (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) will present “Small molecule inhibitors of lymphocyte perforin as focused immunosuppressants for auto-immune and post-infectious immunopathologies” from 12pm (lunch provided), at Level 2 Seminar Rooms, HMRB.
Afterwards, join the MPH ECR Coffee catch-up at 1:45pm at Urban Paddock Co (near the Flinders Railway Station), 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. Coffee courtesy of FHMRI RED. Register now
Adelaide Protein Group's 2025 Quiz Night
6pm Friday 26 September 2025, Napier Building, University of Adelaide. Put your knowledge to the test at the Adelaide Protein Group’s Annual Quiz Night!
Free entry for ASBMB members
Pizza and drinks provided
Door prize for ASBMB members
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 Michelle Picard, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching Innovation), this futures-focused session explores global trends and existential threats in higher education. 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. Session 1: 2 - 3pm, Session 2: 3 - 4pm, Yungkurrinthi. See details
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. Register on Eventbrite
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
2025 Triple 0 Charity Ball: Saturday 22 November
Support our Paramedic students and celebrate the people who risk their lives to protect the community at this year’s Triple 0 Charity Ball held at Adelaide Oval. Book now
Need to know
CMPH Travel Schemes – Apply now for 2026
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. Full details of the schemes and links to the online applications can be found on the CMPH Funding page. Closing deadline for Round 1 applications is 5pm, Friday 12 December 2025. Please forward any enquiries to cmph.operations@flinders.edu.au
Medical appointments for staff and students. Confidential health care for all students and staff, with bulk-billed consultations available. Services include emergency and routine care, health screens, vaccinations, minor procedures, referrals, and more. Some staff medicals may attract a private fee (e.g. implanon or mirena procedures, iron infusions, cryotherapy). Find out more and book via the Health services webpage. |
Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Flinders’ EAP offers staff free, confidential support with trained psychologists to help manage personal or work-related challenges. The service provides up to three sessions per year, offering strategies to improve mental health, resilience, and wellbeing. For more information, including how to book and the locations of EAP providers, please see here. |
Flinders University Active Challenge. The Active Challenge runs from 22 September to 17 October. Set up your team with a captain and name before the start date via the 10,000 Steps website. If you don’t have a team, the Challenge Coordinator can allocate you one. For details, contact healthandwellbeing@flinders.edu.au.
SA Discovery Tour 2026 – 21 to 24 February. Register before 24 November (new riders) or 16 December (return riders). Join the Tour de Cure SA Discovery Tour for a ride with purpose, exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula, Victor Harbor, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek. Together, we’re aiming to raise $382,000 in support of Flinders Foundation, cancer research, treatment and support services.
Funding Opportunities
Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grants – Applications close: 5pm, 24 September | Up to $750,000 available, capped at $25,000 per grant. Stream 1 (Partnership Projects) up to $500k for Flinders–SALHN collaborations; Stream 2 (Non-Partnership Projects) up to $250k, preference for early–mid career researchers | Internal Schemes & Form. research.grants@flinders.edu.au
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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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FHMRI Cancer Impact Program EMCR Seed Grants – The inaugural EMCR Seed Grant round is open to early‑mid career researchers to support short‑term cancer research projects. Applications are due COB 29 September. A realistic plan to expend funds before the end of 2025 is essential. Application form |
Visiting International Research Fellowships. 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.
NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies – Minimum data: 8 Oct 2025, 5pm AEDT | Applications close: 5 Nov 2025, 5pm AEDT | Learn more
NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) 2026 – Opens: 1 Oct 2025 | Minimum data: 29 Oct 2025 | Applications close: 19 Nov 2025 | GrantConnect
MRFF 2025 Research Data Infrastructure – Deadline: 11 Dec 2025, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $2.5m | GrantConnect GO7714
MRFF 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles – Minimum data: 19 Nov 2025, 4:30pm AEDT | Applications close: 3 Dec 2025, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $3m | GrantConnect GO7816
MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures – Minimum data: 21 Jan 2026, 4:30pm AEDT | Applications close: 4 Feb 2026, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $10m | GrantConnect GO7833