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Update from the Dean of Research and FHMRI Director
Those who attended the College Forum this week would have seen my presentation on university rankings systems. Striving for a high ranking is important for a number of reasons. Many students, and particularly international students, pay attention to university rankings and are more likely to want to join high-ranking universities. Similarly, researchers and potential Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students are more likely to want to work with research groups in high-ranking universities. Some international governments provide scholarships for their students to attend top-ranking universities, and some funders and philanthropic donors target top-ranking universities for funding. University rankings are an important tool to demonstrate and communicate our quality, and we are ambitious to increase our rankings. It is surprising how little each of us needs to do to improve our CMPH rankings. Join us for a detailed presentation from Adam Gardner, Director, Business Intelligence and Planning, on how we can improve our rankings at the FHMRI Research Roundtable on 2 October. I will also provide a more focused presentation at next month's College Forum on 22 October. Our research and teaching are excellent, and our impact is transformative. Let's work together to ensure that the world is aware.
I want to thank all college members who engaged with the process for developing FHMRI’s value proposition statement. This is also a mechanism for communicating our unique value and distinctiveness. I will present the outcomes at the 22 October College Forum.
Finally, I am delighted that the four Flinders research institutes focused on health and medicine are coming together to host their inaugural Health and Medical Research Symposium on February 24 (2026) in HMRB. The call for abstracts opens today. This is an opportunity to meet potential collaborators and showcase the outstanding health and medical research at Flinders University. Make sure you save the date and get your abstracts in, more information on the actual event to come soon.
Please note: all abstracts must be submitted by Flinders staff from either FHMRI, CFI, FIMHWell and the MDRI. Abstract submission closes 20 October 2025
Dean Research and Flinders Health, Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Director, College of Medicine and Public Health
Welcome
New staff who have joined the university since July are invited to attend the next Welcome to Flinders event on Wednesday 1 October. The sessions includes a Q&A with Senior Leaders and a presentation from the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, providing insights into our vision, culture and strategic priorities. If you’re new to Flinders or supporting onboarding, enrolment is encouraged via the Staff Learning Portal.
Congratulations
Quiet Achiever Awards: September Recipients Celebrated at College Forum
Janine Eland – recognised for her outstanding support of rural-based timetabling and strong collaboration with academic staff.
Julie Weston – recognised for her dedication to research integrity through her work with the Flinders Clinical Trials Platform.
Michelle Cox – recognised for her passionate support of HDR students, promoting their achievements and enhancing the student experience.
Nominations for this award can be sent via email to MPH Vice President & Executive Dean, Jonathan Craig.
Congratulations to Liz Buckley, who has been appointed as the College Orientation Lead for the College of Medicine and Public Health. In this role, Liz will oversee the coordination and delivery of orientation activities across the College, ensuring students feel supported and welcomed as they begin their studies. “Orientation is such an important part of the student journey, and I’m looking forward to working with staff and students to create engaging, inclusive experiences that set students up for success as they begin their studies with us.”
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Round 2 CMPH Travel Schemes, who will be presenting and engaging at a diverse range of conferences and events across Australia and overseas. The College is proud to support staff in advancing their development and research on the national and international stage. See all awardees
Out and About
Free health checks at AFL Gather Round save lives. The Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks at this year’s AFL Gather Round identified hundreds of participants with high blood pressure, diabetes, and abnormal cholesterol, prompting lifestyle changes and GP follow-ups. Delivered with the SA Government, Shane Warne Legacy, SiSU Health and Flinders University, the initiative saw the University’s International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing (IPOCT) team provide rapid pathology testing and expert support.
Get to know your College
In touch with… Emmanuel Bunei
Emmanuel Bunei is a Research and Evaluation Fellow in Justice Reinvestment, supporting the Katherine Justice Reinvestment Project in the Northern Territory. With a background in sociology and a PhD focused on rural communities, Emmanuel’s research explores the social dynamics of deviant behaviours and criminal justice issues in remote areas. Passionate about rural life since his school years, he is committed to improving access to justice and understanding the challenges faced outside major cities.
On the road to paramedicine: Kaiya on studying in the Territory
For Darwin local Kaiya Hancock, the path into healthcare took a few twists and turns. Now, as a paramedicine student in the Northern Territory, she has found where she belongs. “All I can say is that I can’t wait to get out on road and start working!” Get to know Kaiya
Expressions of Interest
EOI: Trial the Critical Reflection Companion. Our current Waterman Fellow, Larissa Taylor, is developing a Critical Reflection Companion to support teaching staff in reflecting on how Indigenous perspectives are embedded within their teaching practice and curriculum materials. Larissa is seeking volunteers to trial the Companion and provide feedback on its effectiveness. Participation will involve a 3-month time frame with an Introduction survey and 2 x yarns, one an Individual catch-up and one a group session, then a final yarning circle (again Individual and group) and final survey. If you are interested in contributing to this important project, please email Larissa by Friday, 26 September.
Events
- Mon 15 - Fri 19 Sep: SALHN Research Week at FMC (register now)
- Tue 16 Sep: Prideaux Seminar: Engineering Your Research (3.30pm-4.30pm, via Zoom)
- Wed 17 Sep: AIVIA (Leica) Image Analysis Workshop (10am - 2:30pm, HMRB Red Hub)
- Thu 18 Sep: Medical Grand Round (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- Tue 23 Sep: Scaling Research: Preparing for a large-scale grant (12:30–1:30pm, Online)
- Wed 1 Oct: 2025 HERGA Conference, Bedford Park campus (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.
STEM at the Tav – Session Two (4 - 6pm, Tuesday 16 September). Staff are invited to the next STEM at the Tav at Flinders Tavern. Hear from Flinders researchers on topics including knee replacement recovery, the gut microbiome and bone density, and the science of hydrogeology. Food provided. Learn more on Facebook.
2025 Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien Oration: Thursday 18 September
5.30pm, Level 14, Flinders City Campus
"Indigenising curriculum at the University of Queensland as a key deliverable of the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan" presented by Tracey Bunda, Professor of Indigenous Education at the University of Queensland. A Ngugi/Wakka Wakka woman and thought leader in education, Tracey will explore the philosophical framing of Indigenising curriculum, highlight the embedding of Indigenous Knowledges in higher education, and discuss the work still needed to strengthen this approach.
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series & ECR Coffee catch-up: 24 September
Inspiring Leader Joseph Trapani (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) will present “Small molecule inhibitors of lymphocyte perforin as focused immunosuppressants for auto-immune and post-infectious immunopathologies” from 12pm (lunch provided), at Level 2 Seminar Rooms, HMRB.
Afterwards, join the MPH ECR Coffee catch-up at 1:45pm at Urban Paddock Co (near the Flinders Railway Station), Organised by the CMPH ECR Community of Practice - it will be a great opportunity to connect with fellow ECRs, share ideas, and build your network. Coffee courtesy of FHMRI RED. Register now
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
Need to know
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
As we head into the end of 2025, it’s time to check in on your required training. Ensure your mandatory courses, including Workplace Safety, the Code of Conduct, and Equal Opportunity, are complete. You can get started via the Staff Learning Portal, with User guides found here. For guidance or questions, contact your manager or the Professional Development Team
Reminder: Complete your required training by 30 September!
CMPH People & Culture contacts
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Racism@Uni survey – closing soon |
Funding Opportunities
Flinders Foundation Health Seed Grants – Applications close: 5pm, 24 September | Up to $750,000 available, capped at $25,000 per grant. Stream 1 (Partnership Projects) up to $500k for Flinders–SALHN collaborations; Stream 2 (Non-Partnership Projects) up to $250k, preference for early–mid career researchers | Internal Schemes & Form. research.grants@flinders.edu.au
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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.
NHMRC Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies – Minimum data: 8 Oct 2025, 5pm AEDT | Applications close: 5 Nov 2025, 5pm AEDT | Learn more
NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) 2026 – Opens: 1 Oct 2025 | Minimum data: 29 Oct 2025 | Applications close: 19 Nov 2025 | GrantConnect
MRFF 2025 Research Data Infrastructure – Deadline: 11 Dec 2025, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $2.5m | GrantConnect GO7714
MRFF 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles – Minimum data: 19 Nov 2025, 4:30pm AEDT | Applications close: 3 Dec 2025, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $3m | GrantConnect GO7816
MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures – Minimum data: 21 Jan 2026, 4:30pm AEDT | Applications close: 4 Feb 2026, 4:30pm AEDT | Up to $10m | GrantConnect GO7833
Australian Academy of Science Theo Murphy Initiative – The Theo Murphy Initiative provides grant funding to support career development opportunities for early‑ and mid‑career researchers (EMCRs) in STEM. Applicants must demonstrate how the proposed activity will advance EMCR knowledge in their field. Funding is available across three streams: Flagship activities, Amplify activities, and Participation support. Applications close 5pm, 1 October 2025. Guidelines can be downloaded from the AAS website. For application support, contact IGII@flinders.edu.au.