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Update from the Dean of Research and FHMRI Director
I am very pleased to report that the Academic Senate has approved the renewal of FHMRI as a Flinders University research institute for 5 years. Many thanks to everyone who assisted in the review submission and interviews last year, particularly Rebecca Keough who was instrumental in pulling it together.
I recently called for EOIs for new members of the College Research Committee, following a university-wide governance restructure. I am pleased to welcome the following new Committee members:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative: Courtney Ryder
- Rural and Remote Health representative: Danny Tsai
- HDR student representatives: Lisa Callahan and Elizabeth Bourke
- ECR representative: Eva Hesping
In addition, our new Research Integrity Advisor is Briony Forbes, following Bryone Kuss’s retirement. I look forward to working with the entire new College Research Committee, dedicated to supporting research excellence and integrity.
There are two important consultations currently open that you may wish to be involved with. Firstly, the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy aims to strengthen Australia’s research capacity and deliver better health outcomes for all Australians. Visit the website here for more information. Secondly, the Australian Research Council is making significant modifications to its funding structure. You can read about the proposal in a discussion paper here. While I am involved as a stakeholder in both, and the University is submitting organisational responses, all researchers must have a say in the proposed changes. Both initiatives will affect future health and medical research funding priorities and processes.
Finally, I would like to mark today as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a friendly reminder that we do have a session next week that you can take part in, don't forget to reserve your spot here.
Dean of Research and Flinders Health, Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Director, College of Medicine and Public Health
Reminder: 2025 MPH College Retreat (Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 March)
Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) | Level 2 Seminar Rooms 1 & 2
This two-day event offers an excellent opportunity for all MPH staff to connect, collaborate, and reflect on shared goals and achievements. The retreat will feature engaging activities, insightful presentations, and meaningful discussions. This is a valuable opportunity to participate in an inspiring and productive event. Please contact cmph.operations@flinders.edu.au with any further questions.
EMCRs - Do you have a burning question to be addressed at the College Retreat?
Maybe one you’ve been too shy to ask? This could be anything in the research world that you’d like to know… Submit your anonymous questions to be presented to the following panel at the CMPH retreat (11am Tuesday 25 March).
- Jonathan Craig, VPED, successful clinician-scientist and research leader
- Karen Lower, ECR, balanced academic to Dean (Education)
- Billie Bonevski, CALD background, research fellow to Dean (Research) while raising a family
- Rebecca Keough, lab-based scientist, PhD, to Institute Manager
- Kathryn Martinello, clinician now ECR research academic
- Tim Schultz, grant-funded research academic, HDR Coordinator
Welcome
Roshitha Bakmeedeniya - Senior Lecturer, NTMP (Casuarina Campus)
We are delighted to welcome Roshitha Bakmeedeniya, who joined the College in early March as a Senior Lecturer in the Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP). Roshitha relocated to Darwin from Perth in 2023 with his wife, Sasha, their young son, Xavier, and their beloved pets, Cooper (a Cocker Spaniel/King Charles Cavalier) and Bean (a Persian Ragdoll).
With six years of experience as a neurosurgery registrar and a Master’s in Neurosurgery (Distinction) from the University of Buckingham, he is now shifting his focus to medical education. Beyond work, Rosh enjoys camping and—when Xavier allows—long sleep-ins. He was also recognised as an Outstanding Regional Supervisor at the NT Supervisor Awards 2024 (pictured on the right).
Out and About
ADInstruments article: The Art of Fearless Teaching
Voula Gaganis knows a thing or two about getting the best out of her students studying medical biosciences. Voula’s pathway to becoming a medical research scientist and educator is both inspiring and relatable to her students. Check out this fantastic article, off the back of her recent 2024 National Teaching Award through Universities Australia, Teaching Excellence in Health.
Elspeth Radford and Travis Harriman are at the South East Field Days in Lucindale today and tomorrow (Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March). With up to 20,000 visitors and at least 15 schools from SA and Victoria attending, they’re speaking with students, families, and community members about study opportunities at Flinders and promoting the South Australia Rural Medical Program (SARM).
In the news: SA’s first full rural medical degree
Flinders' South Australia Rural Medical Program allows students to complete their entire medical degree in regional communities for the first time. With 60 students now studying in Mount Gambier and Renmark, the program aims to address rural doctor shortages by embedding students in local communities from day one. Backed by $19.7 million in federal funding, SARM strengthens the regional healthcare workforce and expands Flinders’ long-standing commitment to rural medical training.
Get to Know Your College
Meet Yuh Ping, Lecturer in Medical Education for the SARM program in Renmark. With a background in clinical biochemistry and medical education at RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, Yuh Ping is passionate about innovative teaching and collaborative learning. Her award-winning approach simplifies complex concepts and creates real-world learning experiences for students. Now based in Renmark, Yuh Ping enjoys the region’s peaceful lifestyle, community warmth, and exploring the Murray River’s stunning landscapes. Read more
Get to Know Your College: Yuh Ping Chong
Expressions of Interest
Embedding Sustainability in Teaching Scheme - Applications close March 31
One of the Learning and Teaching goals of the Flinders University 2030 Sustainability Strategy is to further embed sustainability in our curriculum. To support this, a new ‘Embedding Sustainability in Teaching Scheme’ is open for new initiatives that target interdisciplinary approaches for sustainability teaching. A maximum of $25,000 is available per project. Read the eligibility criteria, learn more and apply here. Applications close at 5pm on 31 March 2025.
Call for Research Projects and Supervisors for MD Students
All Doctor of Medicine (MD) students engage in research and scholarship through the Advanced Studies theme. They choose between a research or coursework pathway, with the research option allowing them to contribute to projects that impact community health.
To facilitate research opportunities, the Advanced Studies team are seeking expressions of interest for Advanced Studies research supervisors. You may have a project in mind, or you may wish to be included as a potential supervisor and work with a student to collaboratively develop a project of mutual interest. If you have an idea for a research project or would like to join the supervisor list, email the Advanced Studies team to discuss how to become involved.
Events
Academic Promotions 2025: Academic Promotions Information Session
1:30pm – 2:30pm, Mon 24 March, Health Sciences Building, 1.09 Lecture Theatre or watch online
Academic promotions open on Monday 31 March 2025. A full list of key dates is available here. Applications will be submitted via an online form through Service One, with support materials available after the information session. A recording will be available for those unable to attend.
Join a farewell celebration for Lewis Vaughan
Join us in farewelling Lewis Vaughan as he retires at the end of March. Drop by The Tav on Wednesday 26 March, 2.30–4pm to wish him well. Nibbles provided— please RSVP to animal.welfare@flinders.edu.au by Friday 21 March for catering. Please feel free to share this invite with your group.
Medical Grand Round: Thursday 27 March
12:30 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Level 5, FMC
‘Acute Coronary Syndromes in Pregnancy’ presented by: Maverick Daniel (Advanced Trainee, Cardiology Services, FMC). A light lunch will be available from 12.15pm.
Tackling Racism Workshop - Let's Do Better: Tackling Racism for Workplaces
9.30am to 1pm, Thu 3 April, Alere Function Centre, Bedford Park (morning tea included)
The GIDE Committee are pleased to bring you the ActNow theatre workshop on Tackling Racism for Workplaces. ActNow's Tackling Racism Workshop will address the need for cultural change in the workplace. This interactive session is an opportunity to educate staff on anti-racism strategies and explore interpersonal and institutional racism. Equip yourself with the tools and terminology to understand the ripple effects of seemingly harmless behaviours. Using forum theatre techniques, participants will actively support characters in dealing with racism and find relevant workplace solutions.
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: next seminar Wednesday 16 April
10:30am (morning tea provided), Level 2 Seminar Rooms, Health and Medical Research Building. No need to register – please refer to the calendar invitation for the livestream link
- Wed 16 Apr: Lachlan Smith - Orthopaedic research (University of Pennsylvania)
- Tue 1 Jul: Lezanne Ooi - Neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration (University of Wollongong)
- Mon 28 Jul: Peter van Wijngaarden - Ophthalmic neuroscience (Florey Institute)
- Wed 19 Nov: Fiona Blyth - Public health & pain epidemiology (University of Sydney)
Join FHMRI Inspiring Leader Seminars to hear international and national research leaders share their career journeys and research highlights. Open to all disciplines, these seminars offer valuable insights for everyone.
Need to know
Update: Property, Facilities and Development Requests
Sheena Agan, who does an excellent job at supporting all things PF&D for our College, is currently on leave. While she is away, please raise any urgent PF&D requests with Lorraine Karunaratne, Director of College Services. Please continue to submit requests for CMPH space via Service One in line with our business-as-usual process.
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John Chalmers Travel Fellowship for Early Career Academics – 2025 applications are now being accepted The John Chalmers Travel Fellowships support early career academics to attend a national or international conference to advance their professional standing in their chosen health and medical research or education field. Two grants of $1500 for international travel and two grants of $500 for domestic travel are available for staff this year. Applications can be submitted online and close 5pm Friday 25 April. |
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David and Margaret Wattchow Research Travel Fund – 2025 applications are now being accepted The David and Margaret Wattchow Research Travel Fund supports Higher Degree or Early-Mid Career Researchers to obtain skills and knowledge that will directly benefit neuroscience research in the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI). This year $2000 is on offer to bring back new knowledge or techniques to FHMRI. Applications can be submitted online and close 5pm Friday 25 April |
Applications for the 2025 Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Program close on Monday 24th March. Franklin Women is sponsoring mentee places for mid-career women in health and medical research from non-participating organisations, expanding access to this career-boosting opportunity. Apply now to secure a highly subsidised spot
Flinders has officially endorsed the RNA – Safety and Respect at Flinders Action Plan (the Plan). The Plan reinforces Flinders commitment to providing a safe and respectful learning and work environment for all students and staff. It outlines the key priorities for our University, to prevent and address sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender-based violence at Flinders. Learn more
Empowering Women in Cancer Research survey
The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), in partnership with Amgen Australia, is launching the "Empowering Women in Cancer Research" initiative to support women in advancing their careers in cancer research. To ensure this program meets the needs of the research community, ACRF is seeking input from women working in cancer research across Australia. A 10-minute anonymous survey will help shape grants, webinars, and support programs.
Get a quick, personalised health check with the SiSU Health Station—a medically certified device providing key health metrics in just five minutes. Drop in anytime to check blood pressure, body fat %, heart age, diabetes risk, stress levels, and more. Available 8:30am to 4pm, Room 105 (Registry Building, Bedford Park) until Friday 28 March. Read more
Get a free health check with the SiSU Health Station
External funding opportunities for MPH Researchers:
Ian Potter Foundation EOI Round 3 Community Wellbeing
Funding up to $100K is available for community wellbeing projects to improve circumstances for disadvantaged groups in rural and remote communities. Only three EOIs for each program can be submitted by the University. Please must submit an internal EOI by May 9 (external deadline 15 May). More information can be found here
Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation Enabling grant
Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation Enabling Grant program exists to support South Australian researchers seeking co-funding support for NHMRC Partnership and ARC Linkage grant applications. Please contact IGII@flinders.edu.au before July 10 if you intend to apply (external deadline 31 July). More information can be found here
Internal funding opportunities for MPH Researchers:
Applications are now open for the following Research Investment Fund schemes:
- Research Support for Early and Mid-Career Researchers – Closes March 24 (College deadline)
- Research Infrastructure Funding – Closes 7 April (College deadline). Please note funding is capped at $50K per project, with co-investment required from the College.
- Large Scale Transdisciplinary & Partnership Seed Grants – Closes 14 April
For further application support contact CMPH.Research@flinders.edu.au