A monthly newsletter keeping our HDR community informed and connected.

H D R   I N   F O C U S 

W E L C O M E 

Introducing our new higher degree by research students who started this semester. We welcome you into the Flinders HDR community and look forward to following your journey.

R E C E N T L Y   C O M P L E T E D   S T U D E N T S  

Congratulations to the students who completed in the last month. The University recognises that a higher degree by research represents a considerable achievement, reflecting hard work and a high level of commitment and dedication. Congratulations on your outstanding accomplishment! 

W H A T ' S   N E W 

Key dates for HDR thesis examinations before campus closure

Flinders University will be closed from 1:00pm Wednesday 24 December 2025 and re-opens on Friday 2 January 2026.  The HDR Exams team will continue to send theses to examiners until 1 week before the closure. Thesis submissions received by the OGR by 28 November will be prioritised. Students who complete after 5 December will have their award conferred in January 2026. For more information, please see the below blog post below or email the HDR Exams team at hdr.exams@flinders.edu.au.              

Tell us what you think - new Student System interface

The new Student System interface was launched just over 2 weeks ago, and we want to hear about your first impressions.Have you found the new interface easier to use than the previous version? Have you accessed the support materials such as the ‘how to’ videos?

Tell us about your experience and provide your suggestions by completing this 5-minute, anonymous survey. Don’t miss the chance to have your say. The survey will be open from Wednesday 5 November, until Wednesday 19 November 2025. View the system upgrade launch video here on YouTube  

Opportunity for research students with disability

The National Disability Research Partnership has launched the Disability Research Leadership Program, a new initiative supporting Master’s by Research and PhD students with disability whose work aligns with the NDRP’s Research Agenda. The one-year program offers access to a national community of practice, $15,000 in financial support, and up to $15,000 in flexible funding for research and professional development activities such as conference travel, collaboration with disability organisations, and accessible research methods. Applications are now open, with Q&A sessions available on 11 and 12 November.

HDR Student Survey: AI Capability and Training Needs

This initiative, sponsored by Professor Raymond Chan (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research), aims to learn more about how Flinders HDR students are using Generative AI and other AI or machine learning technologies in their research and studies.

Your input will help inform Flinders University’s future AI and Research Strategy, ensuring we develop the right support, infrastructure, and training opportunities for HDR students and academic staff. Participation is voluntary and anonymous and takes around 5 minutes to complete. 

M I N D   Y O U R S E L F

Self-care guide for PhD Students - recently updated

U P C O M I N G    D E V E L O P M E N T   W O R K S H O P S

Library Induction for HDR Students and Researchers - Mon 17 Nov

New to Flinders? Join this information session to discover key library resources and tools to support your research journey. Learn how to enhance your ORCID and ResearchNow profile, and access expert help with publishing, data management, bibliometrics, and more. Ideal for new HDR students and researchers

How to Create a Data Management Plan (DMP) for your research project - Tue 25 Nov

As a HDR student, did you know that you need a Data Management Plan (DMP)? Data management planning from the beginning of a research project is key to responsible and effective research. In this 30-minute session, learn how to create a DMP, understand your responsibilities, and access support and tools to manage your research data confidently.

HDR Supervision: Core part 2 Workshop - Final for 2025 - Thu 27 Nov

Are you new to HDR supervision or looking to refresh your understanding of the essentials? Join the Dean of Graduate Research and fellow HDR supervisors for a collaborative seminar exploring supervision practice. This session builds on the Core Part 1 module and dives into Flinders-specific resources and guidelines. 

More Opportunities 

• Tue 04 Nov -  HDR Development Drop-in - Assessing Risk

• Wed 05 Nov - IBM SPSS - Introduction

• Tue 11 Nov -  HDR Development Drop-in - Management & Leadership

• Wed 12 Nov - Introduction to Statistical Analysis

• Mon 17 Nov - Library Induction for HDR Students and Researchers

• Tue 18 Nov -  HDR Development Drop-in - Personal Awareness & Growth

• Tue 18 Nov -  Human Research Ethics Information Session

• Wed 19 Nov - IBM SPSS - Intermediate: Exploring Your Data

• Thu 20 Nov -  HDR Thesis Writing Discussion Group

• Tue 25 Nov -  How to create a Data Management Plan (DMP) for your research project

• Tue 25 Nov -  HDR Development Drop-in - Advanced Project Management

• Wed 26 Nov - IBM SPSS - Intermediate: Categorical Data Analysis

• Thu 27 Nov -  HDR Supervisor Core 2 Workshop 

N E E D   H E L P ?

Any questions about your HDR studies? Please reach out!

Dean of Graduate Research - Leadership, Policy, Strategy
HDR Admissions - Admissions, Enrolments, Change of Supervisor
HDR Progression - Milestones, Intermissions, Candidature Management
HDR Exams - Turnitin, Thesis Submission, Examinations
Researcher Development - HDR student and supervisor development, REST, Induction
HDR Engagement - All Engagement, Industry and Cotutelle related inquiries

You can also contact HDR Student Representatives with any HDR candidature matters.

Do you have any suggestions, feedback or concerns about your HDR services? Let us know via the Student Experience Idea Gateway Form