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Update from the FHMRI-RED Co-Leads, Annabelle and Claire
We are thrilled to have commenced in the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute Researcher Education and Development (FHMRI-RED) co-Lead role and acknowledge the work already done by the past and present team, which has paved the way for us as new co-Leads.
New initiatives. Keep a watch out for the following activities which we have planned:
- A refresh of the CMPH Mentoring scheme for HDRs and ECRs
- Additional support for rural and remote researchers
- Strengthening relationships between SALHN, university clinicians and other researchers
- Grant writing workshops for ECRs
- Internal grant review schemes
- Research Roundtables on topics that matter to you
Keeping up to date with RED.
We want to reshare the FHMRI-RED Sharepoint page, which has all of the information to support researchers in one place, including:
- The FHMRI Calendar, which can be added to your Outlook
- Past researcher development session recordings
- Key resources including updating Research Now and developing grant application budgets
You can also keep up to date through the RED-Corner in the FHMRI News (subscribe here), a dedicated section which will provide updates about new RED activities.
Please get in touch if you have any queries or suggestions about how we can support your research. We'd love to hear from you!
Congratulations
Mark Shephard to present at UN General Assembly Symposium
Congratulations to Mark Shephard, who has been selected as one of only 35 delegates worldwide to present at the United Nations General Assembly Symposium on Global Digital Health. Mark will deliver an online TED talk on Point-of-Care Testing, sharing his expertise with an international audience. Find out more about the symposium
Congratulations to all Northern Territory doctors recognised as new General Practitioners and Rural Generalists at the recent RACGP ceremony. A special mention goes to two Flinders University alumni who received awards for their outstanding service:
Arullan Naidoo, awarded GP in Training of the Year for his lifelong commitment to learning.
Asim Razi, awarded Outstanding New Fellow for his exam performance and contributions to the NT community.
Both were celebrated alongside Emma Kennedy AM, RACGP NT Faculty Provost.
MD leadership update from the Vice President Executive Dean
Interim leadership for the MD Program: Jayanthi Jayakaran
In the past few years, there has been growth in the Medical Program, particularly in the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP), supported by the Commonwealth and NT Government, and in rural South Australia with the launch of the South Australian Rural Medical Program (SARM), with additional Commonwealth-supported places and infrastructure provided by the Commonwealth Government via a competitive bid. These are very positive developments because they address the rural medical workforce shortage and address community needs.
Given the growth and complexity of the Medical Program and new AMC standards, there is a need for overall leadership and governance, in the form of a Dean of Medicine, to support the local Directors Emma Kennedy AM (NTMP), James Padley (SARM), and George Barreto (Bedford Park), noting that Michal Wozniak is currently on well-learned leave.
I am pleased to announce that Jayanthi Jayakaran, Dean (People & Resources), has stepped into the role of Interim Dean of Medicine effective from 15 September 2025 with recruitment to the position commencing shortly. She will be ably supported by Karen Lower, Dean (Education), and the Directors.
In this dual capacity, Jay will continue her responsibilities as Dean (People & Resources) while also providing overarching leadership for the MD program. This includes overseeing governance arrangements and supporting the program’s delivery, student experience, and accreditation progress. Staff and students are encouraged to reach out for matters relating to MD program leadership and governance at: cmph.deanPR@flinders.edu.au
CMPH VPED, Jonathan Craig
Out and About
Showcasing Flinders' Research and Expertise at Australasia’s Largest Paramedicine Conference
Recently, the Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC) was held in Brisbane. This is the largest paramedicine conference annually in Australasia, and Flinders was well represented with Andrew Makkink, Sian Wanstall, Sophia Flanaghan-Sjoberg, Mel Alexander, Abby McCormick, James Pearce, Brad Mitchell, Rob Bear and Owen Jones attending. Pictured are Sophia Flanagan-Sjoberg presenting her honours research on palliative paramedicine, and James Pearce and Brad Mitchell, who supervised honours student Jake Thorogood and presented his honours project as a poster on his behalf.
Student insights from the NT Rural & Remote Medicine Conference 2025
Four NT medical students, sponsored by the NT Regional Training Hub, attended the inaugural NT Rural & Remote Medicine Conference in Darwin. Students gained insights into rural healthcare, workforce challenges, and career pathways. The conference combined clinical skills, policy discussions, and networking, inspiring the next generation of rural doctors. Read more on the MPH Blog
Happy Research Administrators Day! September 25 was research administrators day and FHMRI RDS team celebrated with an afternoon tea in HMRB. On behalf of all FHMRI researchers, Dean Research and FHMRI Director Billie Bonevski thanked the RDS team for all the invaluable support they provide to researchers. None of our success would have been possible with RDS team’s dedication and expertise. Thank you!
Events
- 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
- Wed 1 Oct: CFI Visiting Scholar Seminar: Maximising success in MRFF and NHMRC grants
- Thu 2 Oct: Medical Grand Round (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- Thu 30 Oct: 2025 Chalmers Oration (2pm - 3:30pm, HMRB)
Complete the short form and submit a 150 word abstract of your collaborative research. Projects can be of any study design, and at any stage – development, in progress, complete. Early and mid-career researchers and Higher Degree by Research students are particularly encouraged to present their work. Submit an abstract before October 20.
Upcoming professional staff workshops: October highlights
Grow your skills and connect with colleagues through upcoming workshops covering leadership, communication, teamwork, and personal development. Highlights include:
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.
Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series – Nominate a speaker for 2026
The FHMRI Inspiring Leader Seminar Series brings external research leaders to FHMRI to share their career journey and research highlights. Is there a speaker that you think the FHMRI community may like to hear from? We can assist in scheduling meetings for speakers with FHMRI researchers to discuss shared research interests and potential collaborations. Funding is available to support interstate speakers.
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
Attend the 3rd Australasian Society of Autonomic Neuroscience (ASAN) 2025 meeting
23–24 October, Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute
The program features oral presentations from leading neuroscientists worldwide, exploring how the nervous system controls organs such as the heart, gut, bladder, and brain. A conference dinner will be held at Luciano’s on the Marina, Glenelg. Register now or contact Nick Spencer (Nicholas.spencer@flinders.edu.au) for further details.
The RHIPER Conference will be held in Murray Bridge, South Australia, from 29–31 October. Hosted by the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network’s Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence, this inaugural three-day event will explore the theme Place Matters: Transforming education and research to strengthen rural and remote healthcare. Key presenters include Sonia Kumar (St Mary’s University, London), Romy Lawson (Flinders University), Jenny May AM (National Rural Health Commissioner), and The Hon. Fiona Nash (Regional Education Commissioner). The program features networking opportunities, research presentations, plenary sessions, a policy workshop, and a conference dinner. Learn more or register before Tuesday, 30 September.
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
Sports Road partial closure. From 27 September to 4 October, one lane of Sports Road (next to the HMRB) will be closed to allow safe removal of scaffolding from the Margaret Tobin Centre redevelopment. Access to Flinders Station, car park 12, the HMRB loading dock, HMRB entrances, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders Private Hospital will remain open. Please allow extra time, follow traffic management directions and signage, and observe speed limits in the area.
Reminders: Summer Research Scholarships for high achieving undergraduates
FHMRI Summer Scholarships offer students 4–6 weeks of hands-on research experience between November 2025 and early March 2026, at $250 per week. Students must confirm a willing supervisor with start date and duration before applying. Full guidelines and eligibility details are available here. Staff are encouraged to share this opportunity with students. Applications close Friday 24 October. For further information email cmph.research@flinders.edu.au
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
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
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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.
Canada Gairdner International Award – Applications close: 1 Oct | More information
Ignacio H. de Larramendi Research Grants: Health Promotion – Applications close: 20 Oct | More information
Cooperative Research Centres Projects – Internal deadline: 30 Sept, Applications close: 7 Oct | More information
NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies - Applications close: 5 Nov, 5pm AEDT | Learn more
NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) 2026 - Applications close: 19 Nov | GrantConnect
Improving Medicines Safety: Research Seed Grant – Applications close: 30 Oct | More information
MRFF 2025 Research Data Infrastructure – Deadline: 11 Dec , 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $2.5m | GrantConnect GO7714
MRFF 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles Applications close: 3 Dec, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $3m | GrantConnect GO7816
MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures Applications close: 4 Feb, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $10m | GrantConnect GO7833