Update from the Dean of Research and FHMRI Director

As we step into 2025, I hope that you, like me, are filled with energy and enthusiasm for the exciting year ahead. Given the recent developments in the USA with the suspension of NIH funding and withdrawal from the World Health Organisation, I feel lucky to be a health researcher in Australia.

I would like to promote our new FHMRI Mentoring Program which will launch this year and encourage you to sign up to be a mentor. The world’s best scientists are those who support the next generation of researchers. Nobel Prize winners like Peter Doherty speak of the importance of mentoring as it strengthens rigour of thinking, challenges ideas, and leaves a legacy of your work well after you’ve gone. I will never forget my colleague at the University of Queensland telling me she was allocated Ian Frazer, creator of Gardasil, as her mentor. Supporting each other through mentoring is one of the most rewarding aspects of a research career. I encourage you all, especially senior scientists, to sign up to be a 2025 FHMRI Mentor.

I am thrilled to welcome new research fellows to FHMRI this month. In February, the new Matthew Flinders Professor Marita Hefler will start, working with Aboriginal communities in the NT and focus on improving public health. Hanif Haidari will join our Nanobiotechnology Laboratory from the University of SA as an NHMRC Investigator Fellow. Rebecca O’Hara from the Robinson Institute joins the Digital Health team with a MRFF-Endometriosis Early Career Fellowship.

A few reminders: The Research Round Tables will recommence 20 February at 11am on teams with Dr Melina Georgousakis, CEO of Franklin Women as the first speaker. Don’t forget to nominate external speakers for the FHMRI Inspiring Research Leaders seminar series, it’s a great way to bring potential collaborators to Adelaide. You can find information on these at the FHMRI-RDS SharePoint and much more including new guidance for applying for fellowships.

Join the 2025 College Retreat: Registrations now open

The College of Medicine and Public Health Retreat will take place on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 March 2025 at the Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB).

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. Further details about presenters, topics, and interactive sessions will be provided soon. In the meantime, staff are encouraged to register attendance to secure their seat. This is a valuable opportunity to participate in an inspiring and productive event.

Welcome

Congratulations

Celebrating our 2025 Australia Day Honours recipients

The Australia Day Honours recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society. This year, we proudly celebrate our Flinders graduates and academic status holders who have been honoured, including distinguished MPH graduates making a lasting impact in public health:

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

• Prof Stephen McDonald AM PhD(Med) '04. For significant service to kidney medicine as an administrator, researcher and clinician.
• Dr David Mills AM BM, BS '94. For significant service to medicine through international development and rural and remote health education.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

• Prof Claudine Bonder OAM PhD(Med) '01. For service to medical research.

Ambulance Service Medal (ASM)

• Mrs Josephine O'Doherty ASM BParamedicSc '16. For distinguished service as a member of an Australian ambulance service.

Get to know your College

Events

Mark your calendars: College Forums resume in March

Join us either in-person or online for our monthly College Forums! Stay tuned to eNews for updates on topics and presenters. Diary bookings will be shared in the coming weeks. Please note that the February forum has been cancelled. Forums will resume in March:

Flinders Researchers Building Health Apps using no code

11:30am - 2pm, Thursday 6 February, Tonsley campus (5th floor) and Online

Join us to hear how researchers at Flinders University are developing apps using the power of no-code to build apps. Hear what the development teams say about the challenges and their rapid progress. Attend online or in person (limited seating - a light lunch will be served). Arrive at 11:15am for an 11:30am start.

CMPH GIDE Seminar: Seminar on Perimenopause/Menopause (online only)

10:30am - 11:30am, Thursday 13 February, Online via Teams 

Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) Nectar Research Cloud Showcase

11am - 12pm, Monday 24 February, University of Adelaide 

The ARDC invites HDRs, EMCRs, researchers, and research support professionals to attend the Nectar Research Cloud Showcase at The University of Adelaide’s North Terrace Campus. Learn about the advantages of cloud computing, new resources for SA, and real-world use cases. Training and support opportunities will also be covered, along with a Q&A session to connect with the ARDC team. For more information, contact contact@ardc.edu.au.

Unlock the potential of your research with the Research to Value Workshop!

9am - 1:45pm, Tuesday 25 February, Flinders University HMRB, Level 2 Seminar room

Flinders University and Innovation Central Adelaide are hosting CSIRO’s Research to Value workshop on Tuesday, 25 February. This free workshop is perfect for researchers, professional staff, and research teams looking to enhance their innovation and engagement skills. 

• Gain a macro perspective on research engagement and impact.
• Discover your motivations for industry engagement.
• Identify industry-relevant aspects of your research.
• Learn to connect effectively with stakeholders.
• Build confidence in communicating your work.

Delivered by CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program team, this workshop offers tools to transform your research into real-world impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your research!

FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: Join us on Wednesday 26 February

12:30pm – 1:45pm, Level 2 Seminar Rooms, Health and Medical Research Building

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 – plus, lunch is provided.

• Wed, Feb 26: David MacIntyre: Reproductive Systems Medicine (University of Adelaide)
• Fri, Mar 21: Nicole Rankin: Evaluation & Implementation Science (University of Melbourne)

Fundraising movie night in the HMRB: Friday 28 February

7:30pm (doors open 6pm), Friday 28 February, Health and Medical Research Building

Expressions of Interest 

Role of Course Coordinator (Clinical Science): Closes Friday 7 February 

MPH is seeking to fill the Course Coordinator, Clinical Science role. We are seeking current staff who meet the necessary qualifications and are committed to delivering excellent education. For further details, please refer to the Role Statement. The EOI application process is below. 

• To apply: Please submit your application to cmph.pc@flinders.edu.au. All applications should be addressed to the Dean of Education, Karen Lower. The subject line should read: "Expression of Interest – Course Coordinator Clinical Science".
• Required documentation: A copy of a current resume. A two-page cover letter, addressing the Key Position Capabilities that outlines your suitability for the role. The name of one verbal referee.   

Submit your EOI via email no later than 5pm Friday 7 February. If you require any further assistance contact MPH People & Culture at cmph.pc@flinders.edu.au

Join the Consumer and Community Steering Group at FHMRI

FHMRI is seeking researchers to join our Consumer and Community Steering Group (CCSG). This dynamic group plays a pivotal role in shaping our approach to embedding consumer and community involvement in health and medical research. They're seeking researchers with experience working alongside consumers in research settings. Your insights and expertise will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of annual plans that prioritise meaningful consumer and community engagement across FHMRI’s research activities.

If you're passionate about embedding consumer and community voices in research, please express your interest. The Group will meet formally twice a year and participate in various Consumer & Community Involvement activities throughout the year. For more information contact consumers@flinders.edu.au.

Need to know

Update from the FHMRI Cancer Impact Program: World Cancer Day (Tue 4 Feb)

World Cancer Day is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control that aims to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment, and to mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic. The theme for this year, “United by Unique”, places people at the centre of care and recognises that cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis - it’s a deeply personal matter. This theme resonates with the FHMRI Cancer Impact Program, which is committed to reducing the burden of cancer through patient-centred, equitable and innovative research. We encourage everyone to promote World Cancer Day by engaging with friends, family and community; check out this webpage for more information.
The FHMRI Cancer Program is led by Erin Symonds, Luke Selth, and Chris Karapetis

Funding opportunity: CSL Research Acceleration Initiative

With up to US$400K available over two years for projects aimed at translation, applications are now open and will close on 20 February 2025. The application process involves submitting a 300-word non-confidential abstract for the EOI. Information sessions for researchers will be held on 22 January (12:30 pm) and 6 February (12:30 pm). Areas of interest include:

If you plan to apply, please get in touch with cmph.research@flinders.edu.au and ellen.czabania@flinders.edu.au.

Applications are now open for the Graduate Women SA Trust Scholarships, supporting postgraduate students in South Australia.

• Doctoral Scholarship: (4 x $6,000). Open to women pursuing a PhD or professional doctorate, having completed 18 months of study by March 2025.
• Masters Scholarship:  (2 x $3,000). Open to women pursuing a Master's by research or with a thesis component, having completed six months of study by March 2025.

Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, not in full-time paid work or on fully paid leave, and cannot have received a scholarship in the same category in 2024. Application Requirements: Include academic records, financial need evidence, a CV, referees’ comments, enrolment proof, and proposed expense details. Apply by 31 March 2025 via email to info@gwsa-trust.com.au. For more details and forms, visit gwsa-trust.com.au.

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