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Update from the Dean of Education
In my final eNews introduction for the year, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has certainly been another amazing year in education for the College. As described by Jonathan Craig in this week’s forum, there are so many wins in education, from growth in student numbers to awards to new CSPs for the medical program – there really is too much to mention. So instead, I’d like to focus on the people who made this year possible. The academic and professional staff work tirelessly to ensure that our students have the best experience possible.
It was wonderful to see many of these people at our recent 2025 Education Day, which was a truly wonderful event. With many people making the effort to travel from the Northern Territory and regional South Australia, it was so wonderful to see many of our colleagues face-to-face, after endless Teams meetings. Amazingly, some colleagues had been working together for five years and met for the first time in person at this event!
The sessions were rich with ideas, from exploring generative AI to truth-telling in education, and the diverse and rich conversations that happened during the sessions flowed over into the breaks and the networking at the end, reminding us all of the power of collaboration. It was a privilege to be part of the day and I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to attend.
Join the 2025 College End of Year Celebration and Staff Awards. 3pm to 5pm on Friday 12 December in the Level 2 Seminar rooms (HMRB). Whether you’ve contributed to groundbreaking research, supported our students, or worked behind the scenes, this is our chance to celebrate all we’ve accomplished and look forward to an exciting 2026. Enjoy food, drinks, music, and awards as we toast another productive year.
Congratulations
Congratulations Leah Couzner – November Quiet Achiever Awardee
Leah was recognised at the November CMPH Forum with a Quiet Achiever Award for her outstanding support and leadership in FHMRI-RED activities. Her dedication, professionalism, attention to detail, and proactive approach have made a real difference in the delivery of FHMRI-RED programs. Thank you, Leah, for your thoughtful contributions and commitment.
Congratulations to our Flinders alumni recognised as AMA SA Life Members. Australian Medical Association (AMA) South Australia has announced its newest Life Members, celebrating decades of service, leadership, and commitment to communities across South Australia and beyond. Flinders alumni recognised inlcluded:
- Roman Nowosilskyj – Began his medical studies at Flinders before graduating in 1974. Founder of the Northeast Clinic in Athelstone and a long-serving GP with a strong interest in sports medicine.
- David Rosenthal – Rural clinician and educator with more than 50 years’ service in Renmark. Awarded ACRRM’s Distinguished Service Award and a long-time mentor to Flinders students.
- Gil Blicavs – Known for his contributions to seniors’ health, sports medicine, and children’s wellbeing. His Flinders connection includes supporting future medical leaders.
- Lawrence Williams – Flinders graduate who dedicated his career to general practice and served 49 years in the Australian Army Reserve, retiring as a Major.
Out and About
Medical graduands hit the ground running thanks to an internship program
Flinders NT medical students are set for a smooth transition into their careers thanks to the updated PrINT (Preparation for Internship) program. Led by Education Registrar Dayna Duncan, the program now includes new content on medicolegal practice, teaching skills, prescribing, peri-operative care, and ward call simulations. Developed with student feedback and local clinical needs, the program uses cases from Alice Springs and Royal Darwin hospitals to prepare students for work across the Territory. The NT Regional Training Hub also supports students with rural career insights, a networking lunch, and the annual Pre-Intern Meet and Greet at Flicks. The enhanced program ensures graduates enter internship feeling confident and well prepared. Read more
Merry Christmas from the FHMRI Research Development and Support (RDS) team. There was tense rivalry in the HMRB Level 8 Boardroom yesterday as the annual RDS Xmas gingerbread house competition kicked off. Capably judged by the panel of experts, FHMRI Director and Deputy Director, and construction safety checked by the WHS Officer, Ben Miller, it came down to the wire. Points were taken off one team that was almost disqualified for including fruit on their house! Winning by a margin of 2-1 votes, the Sum, Claudia and Lee-Ann team took home the prize (although there was no prize as such).
Get to know your College
From personal trainer to future surgeon: Jason’s story
Alice Springs local Jason Wilmot never expected to study medicine, but discovering a pathway into the NT Medical Program changed his life. Drawn to the challenge and the chance to help others, he has thrived in the program’s supportive, close-knit environment. Now preparing to graduate and pursue surgical training, Jason’s story shows what is possible for Territorians wanting to study medicine close to home. Read more about Jason
Expressions of Interest
EOI: Manager, Clinician Support (Leave Cover) February - April 2026
Are you an experienced or developing leader, keen to work more closely with our MD Clinicians and support the teaching of tomorrow’s doctors? The Clinician Support Team is offering a fantastic short-term opportunity to step into the Manager, Clinician Support role.
Dates: 16 February – 10 April 2026 (includes 6 weeks of leave cover + 2 weeks of handover). This 8-week engagement is perfect for an experienced leader looking to broader their scope, or a developing leader seeking an opportunity to lead a team passionate about clinician engagement and academic collaboration. You’ll be supporting the clinicians who teach into our Medical Program — a great chance to build relationships and gain leadership experience.
Please submit an EOI outlining your interest and experience to lorraine.karunaratne@flinders.edu.au by 5pm, Friday 12 December. For more details or a discussion about the role, contact ellen.giles@flinders.edu.au
NHMRC Investigator Bootcamp: EOIs Open. Flinders researchers planning to apply for an NHMRC Investigator Grant in 2026 are invited to join the NHMRC Investigator Bootcamp. The structured program begins in mid-February 2026 and supports applicants through to the grant round in July. Places are limited and prioritised for those applying in the upcoming round. To submit an expression of interest, visit the Bootcamp webpage. Applications close at COB Friday 12 December, with participants to be notified in early January 2026. |
Call for HDR Student Representative – CMPH Research Committee. Encourage your HDR students to develop leadership skills and contribute to research strategy at the College. The CRC meets quarterly, with a 12-month term in 2026. Students will gain insight into decision-making and represent HDR perspectives in research development. EOIs due 15/12/25. For more information, or to apply, submit a 2-page CV and a short statement (up to 50 words) via email to cmph.deanresearch@flinders.edu.au with “College Research Committee EOI” in the subject line. |
Events
- Wed 3 Dec: CMPH ECR Community of Practice "Science in the Pub" (4pm, Flinders Tav)
- Thu 4 Dec: FHMRI Cancer Symposium 2025 (9am - 5pm, Level 14, Flinders City Campus)
- Fri 12 Dec: 2025 College End of Year Celebration and Staff Awards (3pm to 5pm, Level 2 Seminar rooms (HMRB).
- 3 - 5 Mar: International Symposium: Human Nervous System Models to Accelerate Clinical Translation (Learn more or register)
Save the date: 2026 CMPH Retreat
Mark your calendars! The 2026 CMPH Retreat will be held on Wednesday 15 July 2026 at the U City Function Centre. Further details will be shared in the New Year.
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations (Friday 5 December)
Join from 12:30pm in the Level 2 Seminar Area, HMRB or online via Teams. See the full November schedule
- Josipa Petric (mid-candidature review): Understanding patient burden and preferences for the management of oesophageal cancer
- Sara Hudson (final thesis review): Valuing Indigenous Social Enterprises: Understanding and assessing the impact on Indigenous health and wellbeing
Seminar: Smart Foragers – How Do Bees Shop for Pollen?
1 pm, Tuesday 2 December, HMRB, Level 2 Seminar Area
Join Beth Nicholls (University of Sussex) for a seminar on how bees make foraging decisions and the cues that guide their flower choices. Understanding these behaviours is key to supporting pollinator health and sustainable crop pollination. Beth is a senior research fellow specialising in insect behaviour and pollinator ecology, combining lab and field research to explore the sensory, cognitive, and energetic drivers of pollinator foraging. Contact Karin to learn more or meet with Beth.
Cancer Impact Seminar Series: Update on SACCaN (Wednesday 3 December)
Join Michael Osborn, Chief Cancer Officer of the South Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (SACCaN), on Wednesday 3 December 2025, 11:30 am–12:30 pm in the HMRB Level 2 Seminar Space. He will share progress on SACCaN’s current priorities and projects, including improving cancer care and supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with leukaemia. A post-presentation lunch and networking session will follow.
FHMRI Cancer Symposium 2025: Showcasing Cancer Research across SA
9am - 5pm, Thursday 4 December, Level 14, Flinders City Campus, North Terrace, Adelaide. This symposium will showcase the breadth and impact of cancer research being conducted by FHMRI. Join a day of networking and engaging presentations from keynote speakers, emerging early- and mid-career research scientists and students presenting the latest insights into cancer research, driving real-world impact for patients and communities. Learn more or register
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar: Thomas Cox (Monday 8 December)
No need to register – livestream link is in the calendar invitation. Join FHMRI Inspiring Leader Seminars to hear research leaders share their career journeys and research highlights.
Join Thomas Cox – Matrix and metastasis (Garvin Institute of Medical Research) from 12pm (lunch provided), at Level 2 Seminar Rooms, HMRB. Open to all disciplines, these seminars offer valuable insights for everyone. Email cmph.research@flinders.edu.au to meet with any of the presenters, or nominate a speaker.
Join a morning tea honouring Briony Forbes: Tuesday, 9 December
Join a morning tea celebrating Briony Forbes. Briony’s dedication to scholarship, mentorship, and service has enriched our College and University for many years. We look forward to gathering with you to acknowledge Briony's legacy and to express our heartfelt appreciation. The event will be held on Tuesday, 9 December, at 10:30am, in HMRB 204 Seminar Room 2. Please direct any inquiries to Harald Janovjak (harald.janovjak@flinders.edu.au) or Michael Michael (michael.michael@flinders.edu.au).
Need to know
December Foodbank Drive: Join the Joy of Giving
The Flinders Health and Wellbeing Programme’s December theme is ‘The Joy of Giving’. Thank you for your support throughout 2025. CMPH staff are invited to contribute to this year’s Foodbank Drive, with donation boxes available from 25 November to 9 December. CMPH collection points:
Health Sciences Building – reception, lvl 3
HMRB – kitchenette, lvl 7
Foodbank accepts unopened, in-date non-perishable items, or you may donate online. Every $5 provides 10 meals for people in need. Read more
CMPH 2026 Travel Schemes: Apply before Friday 12 December
The College is 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. Please forward any enquiries to cmph.operations@flinders.edu.au
Reminder from P&C: Bulk leave booking for Academic staff (not casuals)
Annual Leave of 20 days (pro rata for part-time) will be automatically booked for Academic staff to take effect from Tuesday, 30 December 2025, as per clause 30.3 of the Enterprise Agreement. Requests to cancel this leave must be made due to extenuating circumstances and in accordance with operational needs. Staff should discuss such requests with their supervisors in the first instance and if supported, action agreed leave cancellation via Workday. Once the supervisor approves leave cancellation, staff are required to book a new period of annual leave via Workday to ensure this leave is taken before the end of December 2026. Reversal of block booked annual leave will not be considered for any staff member who has an annual leave balance exceeding 294 hours. Visit the End of Year Closure webpage.
Update from P&C: End of Year Leave - Delegated Authority
As staff prepare for end-of-year leave, please remember to set up delegated approvals if needed. This applies to budget and credit card approvals in Service One, and leave or timesheet approvals in Workday. To avoid delays, advise the Service One team of your delegate’s details as soon as possible. This can be done by:
- Raise a service One Support Request
- Select "I need to create or modify access" from the drop-down box.
- In the free text field identify the delegate who will replace you, and the duration.
Delegation can also be updated in Workday using the following instructions to ensure any activities requiring your approval can progress Delegations in Workday. This is particularly important if an employee has any casuals reporting to them that will need timesheets approved. Contact CMPH P&C if you have any questions.
The End-of-Life Essentials project: Recognising Dying in Hospitals webinar for health professionals. Led by Flinders Kim Devery, the panel of experts spoke about recognising dying in acute settings. Featuring Jeanette Lacey, Jessica Brown, and Linda Magann, the session provided strategies to improve recognition and communication, the patient’s perspective, and what patients value. Watch here
Statistics, Epidemiology and Economic Data Analytics Support Group (SEEDS). SEEDS is a Flinders University community for researchers and analysts interested in advanced analytical and graphical methods. The group offers workshops, shares resources, and supports cross-disciplinary collaboration. Members include biostatisticians, bioinformaticians, epidemiologists and health economists who are available for project consultancy. Register to receive event updates here. Former DAGS members will receive the registration link shortly. More information is available on the SEEDS webpage.
Funding Opportunities
ARC Pitching Session. Are you aiming to apply for a Australian Research Council (ARC) grant? Join us for a relaxed and informal pitching session where you can share your research ideas with members of the ARC College of Experts. This is a great opportunity to receive constructive feedback in a supportive environment, helping you to refine and develop your research proposal for a Future Fellowship, Discovery Projects EOI, a Linkage Project or a DECRA application. 2 December 2025 9:30 – 12:30. Enrol here
The NHMRC Targeted Call for Research: Homelessness and Health 2025 grant opportunity is now open for applications in Sapphire. Applications are due for submission to the Research Grants office by Dec 3. GrantConnect – GO7994
The Targeted Call for Research: Homelessness and Health 2025 grant opportunity is now open for applications in Sapphire. Applications are due to the Research Grants office by 3 Dec. GrantConnect – GO7994
MRFF 2025 Research Data Infrastructure – Deadline: 11 Dec | Up to $2.5m | GrantConnect GO7714
ARC Discovery Projects Expressions of Interest: NOW OPEN – This is the final round of the current DP scheme and we encourage anyone interested in applying to notify CMPH.research@flinders.edu.au. Please reach out if you have questions or would like to discuss eligibility. Find out more on ResearchLink and Grant Connect.
ARC DP EOIs close Friday 12 December.MRFF 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles Applications close: 3 Dec | Up to $3m | GrantConnect GO7816
HCF Translational Research Grants. EOI close 3 Dec | More info here
Ian Potter Foundation – Medical Research Grant. Applications open 2 February - 26 March (more information).
MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures Applications close: 4 Feb | Up to $10m | GrantConnect GO7833
MRFF Childhood Mental Health - Applications open November 5 and close 25 March 2026. More information
NFMRI General Grant Round (Portfolios 2 & 3) – EOI open 27 Jan. EOI close 27 Mar 2026. Further information
MRFF – CTA Initiative – 2025 Clinical Trials Activity Grant Opportunity. Minimum Data: 4 March | Applications Close: 1 April. GrantConnect: GO7923