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Update from the Director of Poche SA+NT
The Poche SA+NT team has had a busy few months:
Genomics: In May, we hosted the Advancing Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Genomics workshop, a 2-day event which brought together the experiences, priorities, and expertise of researchers, governance committee members, and community stakeholders from across Australia. These discussions provided important feedback on a draft Indigenous Data Stewardship Model, as well as vital insights into potential mechanisms for implementation.
More recently, I presented at the Summer Internship for Indigenous Genomics (SING) Australia Program, to discuss developments in the field of Indigenous Data Sovereignty. This provided an important opportunity to build partnerships with key researchers and teams in this space.
Cultural Safety: We are currently working across two key Cultural Safety projects. The first is a joint project with the Lowitja Institute, aimed at developing a national Cultural Safety Research Framework to guide research practices, management, funding, and education in Australia. The second project aims to develop a Cultural Safety short course, which will support tertiary educators in their efforts to embed Cultural Safety within curricula and teaching practices.
Garma Festival 2025: Earlier this month, Dr Uncle Richard Fejo represented Flinders University at the Garma Festival in Gulkula, NT, providing an important opportunity to reconnect with kin and colleagues.
Conferences: Several team members recently attended the Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference on Kaurna Country (Adelaide), presenting a plenary session as well as 2 posters.
We also had representation at the ANZAHPE Horizons Conference on Boorloo Country (Perth), with one oral presentation included.
Director, Poche SA+NT, College of Medicine and Public Health
Welcome
Welcome to Raechel Damarell, who has recently joined the Prideaux Discipline team as Senior Lecturer in Clinical Education. With over 25 years’ experience in health evidence and research, Raechel focuses on translating evidence into meaningful impact for healthcare, particularly in complex areas such as palliative care. Read her full Q&A to find out more.
Welcome to Taseef Farook, a Research Associate supporting Andrew Vakulin’s NHMRC-funded project. His career journey has taken him from developing life-changing facial prosthetics to investigating what happens to our jaws during sleep. With expertise in dentistry, maxillofacial prosthetics, and digital healthcare innovation, Taseef now brings together dental research and sleep medicine to better understand (and treat) the nighttime behaviours that impact our health. Meet Taseef
Congratulations
CMPH students through to University 3MT Final
Two presenters from MPH have secured their place in the University Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final. Stefano Zaccagnini took out the semi-final win with Alcohol: Midlife Crisis or Crisis in a Bottle? while Ruth Canty was also selected for the final with Tobacco in the Top End. They’ll now compete against four other finalists on 29 August, 3–4pm at the Alere Function Room, vying for $2,000 and the chance to represent Flinders at the Asia-Pacific Final.
Flinders MD Students reach Grand Final at Simulation Australasia Congress
Flinders University was proudly represented at the Simulation Australasia Congress in Adelaide, with two of our medical student teams among four national finalists. ponsored by iRIS and Mediquip, the students showcased their simulation projects on the main stage, impressing a large audience. While they didn’t take first prize, all were recognised with Grand Finalist certificates. Supervised by Cyle Sprick and Belinda Olsen, the teams included first-year students from Mt Gambier and a mix of year levels from Bedford Park (Team 1: Liam O’Dea, Sandra Popovich, Nicole Banders, Tachelle Ting; Team 2: Yazan Almasri, Aminah Dzulkipli, Jiyon John, Chang Ge).
Out and About
Flinders' SA Rural Medical Program students brought the Teddy Bear Hospital to Riverland schools, giving children’s teddies a full “check-up” while sharing that doctors and hospitals can be friendly places. The day was filled with laughter and imaginative play as teddies received health checks, vaccinations and certificates. Students said it was “so engaging they didn’t stop talking about it all day.” It was just as rewarding for our medical students, who built confidence in their communication skills while connecting with the community. More Teddy Bear Hospitals are planned in the Riverland and Mt Gambier soon. Read more
Recently, seven young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men visted the Flinders NT Casuarina campus for a hands-on taste of health and medicine. From CPR and a medical escape room to paramedicine kits and Indigenous Men’s Health programs, the activities were a hit. Students called it “super fun” and are keen to return for more. Read more
Expressions of Interest
Help select our future Doctors: Join the 2025 MD Interview Panels
Join the Doctor of Medicine (MD) applicant interview panels for 2026 entry, running from 22 September to 3 October at Bedford Park. Each panel assesses applicants’ non-academic qualities, such as communication skills and motivation for a career in medicine, and includes an academic, a clinician, and a community member. If you are available, there will also be an Interview Training session (approx. 1 hour) to attend in early September. Please complete the online availability form
MPH Academic Integrity Officer (Apply before September 5)
Expressions of Interest are invited for the role of Academic Integrity Officer. This position works closely with the Dean of Education, fellow Academic Integrity Officers, and teaching staff to ensure a coordinated, consistent approach to academic integrity across the University. The role includes providing guidance to staff on academic integrity matters, representing the College in University working groups and committees, and helping embed academic integrity initiatives into College operations. Email cmph.deaned@flinders.edu.au.com with your EOI before COB Friday 5 September.
EMCRs – Apply Now to Attend the ASMR SA Gala Dinner
6:30–10:30pm, Monday 20 October, Adelaide Pavilion, Veale Gardens
Celebrate SA’s leading health and medical researchers at this formal dinner with researchers, students, industry and politicians. FHMRI has sponsored a table, EMCRs can apply to attend free by submitting up to 100 words to cmph.research@flinders.edu.au. Applications close 5pm Friday 5 September.
Events
- Thu 28 Aug: Medical Grand Round (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- Thu 28 Aug: HDR CoP Online Coffee Catch up (Join online via Teams, 12pm - 1pm)
- Thu 28 Aug: FHMRI's Road to Research event in HMRB
- Tue 9 Sep: MPH College Forum hosted by Lorraine Karunaratne (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)
Join the MPH Research Funding Roadshow
3pm - 4:30pm, Monday 25 August in HMRB Lvl 2 Seminar Room 1–2 (or join online). Come along to hear about research performance in the College and opportunities for future funding. Stay for afternoon tea and a chat with leaders from the DVCR Portfolio and CMPH.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Consultation: Help Shape Our Stretch RAP
With our Innovate RAP now complete, Flinders is moving into the consultation phase for our Stretch RAP, to be launched in May 2026. This next stage, focused on ‘Embedding and Extending’, will guide our reconciliation efforts over the next three years. Staff are invited to contribute by attending the upcoming consultation sessions on Tuesday 26 August (In Person), 1pm – 3pm. Your voice matters: help shape a more inclusive future.
CMPH Biosciences Seminar (Tueday 26 August)
9:30–10:30 am, Lvl 2 Seminar Room 2, HMRB. Dr Qi Zhang, CSL Centenary & NHMRC Investigator Fellow (Uni of Adelaide), will discuss molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. In person only; recording available on request (cmph.research@flinders.edu.au). Part of the monthly wet-lab seminar series. All welcome.
"STEM at the Tav" hosted by Flinders Academic Science Club
Join one of three engaging STEM sessions at the Tav this semester. Staff are invited to the first session on Tuesday 26 August, from 4–6 pm at Flinders Tavern. Session topics include:
- Conserving reptiles in fire-prone landscapes
Decoding the gut–brain axis
Uncovering the neural mechanisms behind motor neurone disease
Food provided. Learn more on Facebook
FHMRI Road to Research: Help your students discover their research future
11:30am - 1pm, Thu 28 August, Lvl 2 Seminar room, HMRB. Please share this opportunity with students who may be interested in health and medical research pathways at Flinders. Attendees can learn about pathways into research, entry requirements, scholarships, and hear first-hand experiences from current FHMRI students, all in a relaxed setting with a free pizza lunch.
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations (from 12:30pm Fridays)
Join from 12:30pm in the Level 2 Seminar Area, Health and Medical Research Building, or online via Teams. Join the next presentations on Friday 29 August:
- Jess Chao - ‘Understanding gut microbiome-enteroendocrine cell interactions in obesity and type 2 diabetes’
- Mulugeta Melku Gobezie - ‘Why do some people get more than one type of cancer?’
- Gemma Robertson - ‘Individual differences in response to sleep loss and treatment in young adults with sleep disorders’
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Unlocking the Power of Proteomics! 12–1pm, Tuesday 9 September, Level 2 Seminar Room 1, HMRB. Accelerate your biomarker research with Olink Reveal and discover how Proximity Extension Assay Technology is transforming multiomics and clinical research. Learn about the new Olink Reveal Kit, designed to simplify proteomics integration into genomics workflows. Presented by Brenton Short. Register |
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HMRB Thermo Supply Centre launch 10:30am, Tuesday 2 September, Level 2 Seminar Room 1, HMRB. Come and hear from ThermoFisher Scientific about the new Supply Centre vending machine in HMRB. Find out about the benefits of using the supply centre to purchase your reagents (media, kits, consumables etc.), how to link your Thermo account and how to order items. Open to all Flinders Uni researchers. |
R U OK? Day: Mentally Healthy Workplaces: Thursday 11 September
1:45–4:15pm, Thursday 11 September, Alere Function Centre (Level 2, The Hub) or via livestream. Hear from Taimi Allen, Mental Health Commissioner of South Australia, John Mannion, Chief Executive Officer, Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, and Dr Annabelle Neale, Senior Lecturer, Mental Health and Wellbeing (Workplace and Communities) and Director, Flinders Workplace Wellbeing Lab, Simone Dudij, Regional Manager, Employer Partnerships, UniSuper, then recharge with an optional art therapy session. Spots are limited – register now
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.
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: next Seminar 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.
Need to know
First Aid Coordinator
MPH is looking for a First Aid Coordinator to manage first aiders, kits, and defibrillators across our buildings (Flinders Medical Centre; Health Science Building; Mark Oliphant Building; Margaret Tobin; HMRB). Current First Aid certification is required. An annual allowance applies. Email karen.hayden@flinders.edu.au by August 29 to apply.
Sustainability Week: Just a sustainable craft session, shop at the Community Swap Market, learn how to turn food scraps into meals, view a screening and more. Events run from 2 to 4 September at Bedford Park and the swap market is at City Campus. See all the activities here |
Active Challenge: Form a team and track your steps in the 10,000 Steps tournament from 22 September to 17 October. Sign up and create your team at 10,000 Steps before the challenge begins, or contact the coordinator to be assigned to a team. Learn more |
Flinders has appointed 14 Menopause Champions, representing diverse roles and experiences, as we work towards official Menopause Friendly accreditation. They’re here to share resources, answer questions, and encourage open conversations. Join the awareness session on 3 September with Alicia Chan, exploring the link between menopause and heart health.
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MNDSA Research Award 2025/26 – Applications Open MNDSA is offering Research Awards to support attendance at conferences or seminars related to motor neurone disease research and clinical practice. Awards can cover travel, registration, and accommodation, up to $2,000 for international events and $500 for national events. Open to researchers and health professionals working with people living with MND, with priority given to those with accepted abstracts, final-year PhD students, and early post-doctoral researchers. Learn more |
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Flinders Visiting International Research Fellowships - Apply now The Flinders University Visiting International Research Fellowship provides funding to colleges to attract visiting international researchers (typically $5,000 to $15,000 (3-12 weeks)). Applications should be forwarded to cmph.research@flinders.edu.au by COB Friday 17 October. Download application and guidelines (as in previous years, Fellowships will be offered on a co-investment basis with the host College). |
Vice-Chancellor’s Research Awards are now open: The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Research celebrate excellence in research, impact and engagement across six categories. Applications close 5pm, Friday 29 August. Details and guidelines will be available on the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Awards page. |
2025 Reconciliation Awards:The Reconciliation Awards recognise individuals or teams contributing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation, retention and success in higher education. Nominate by Friday 29 August: Nomination form. Rules and eligibility. |