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Update from the Director of College Services
There is a great deal of current activity across the College to support continued excellence in our education programs, research and operations. Thanks to those who contributed to this year’s Flinders Services Survey, which closed on June 30. Our MPH Services Teams implemented valuable improvements following feedback from last year’s survey and will continue to do so this year. One such initiative was the development of a service catalogue to strengthen awareness of the services provided by each of our embedded teams. This has been a collaborative work-in-progress and will be made available on the College website soon.
Time-sensitive communication for CMPH staff
Sometimes there is a need within our large and complex College to communicate time-sensitive information to a significant number of staff. While time-sensitive information is not the same as urgent or emergency-related information (which will be communicated in the first instance via PA systems with the support of PFD, security and/or emergency services staff), it is important information that needs to be distributed in a relatively short time frame. Time-sensitive information may relate to a significant loss of utility, such as plumbing, water or electricity in a building or a local area. It may relate to damaged facilities or crucial maintenance that will have an impact on the activities of staff. There is no ability to anticipate these types of issues and notify staff in advance, so when they do occur, it is very important to our College Executive Team that impacted staff receive clear communication at the earliest opportunity, followed by regular updates until the matter is resolved. We have managed three such matters this year using a building occupant list, and while this approach has supported intended outcomes for the most part, we recognise there is room for improvement.
For future situations that require time-sensitive communication, the CMPH Executive Team has decided to adopt a whole-of-college approach to maximise the opportunity for all impacted staff, whether they are regular occupants or visitors to a building or local area, to be informed of important considerations at the earliest opportunity, in line with the approach adopted by most other Colleges. Communication of this nature will have a clear subject line that highlights its relevance for individual staff members, such as ‘IMPORTANT: For occupants and visitors to the HMRB’.
If you'd like further clarification about this approach to time-sensitive communication, please do not hesitate to contact me at cmph.docs@flinders.edu.au
Director, College Services (College of Medicine and Public Health)
Congratulations
The Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) has won the top honour at the 2025 South Australian Architecture Awards, receiving the SA Architecture Medal along with three additional awards for educational, interior, and sustainable architecture. HMRB was also highly commended in the Design for Health and Life Sciences category at the 2025 European Healthcare Design Awards, which recognise global excellence in healthcare design. Read more
Congratulations to Jacqui Will, who was acknowledged with a Quiet Achiever Award yesterday at the July College Forum (hosted by Rural and Remote Health).
Jacqui was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the University’s finance systems and her dedicated support of rural staff. Known for her calm approach, expert knowledge and attention to detail, Jacqui consistently provides clear updates, fosters strong working relationships across campuses, and resolves finance matters with efficiency and professionalism. Her ongoing commitment continues to make a meaningful impact on the Rural and Remote Health SA team.
Out and About
Flinders NT staff recently took part in the Barunga Festival, delivering fun and informative health promotion activities. The team engaged festivalgoers with interactive sessions on anatomy, wound care, hand hygiene, and healthy eating. A big thank you to the Katherine team for their energy and enthusiasm, and especially to Maddy Bower for her leadership.
On Monday, Flinders academics and staff visited Grant High School in Mt Gambier for the Limestone Coast Roadshow. Year 10 to 12 students from across the region, including Bordertown, took part in workshops offering a hands-on university experience. Medical professions were represented by Lauren Thurgood (Medical Science), Liz Buckley (Public Health), Shannon Macfarlane (Paramedicine), Elspeth Radford (Rural and Remote Health & SARM Program), and medical student ambassador Le Jiang. Students were actively engaged, asking about health courses, medicine pathways, and the SARM Program. A highlight was the ambulance tours and CPR sessions with local paramedics. Many plan to attend Open Days at Bedford Park later this month.
Expressions of Interest
Interim Head of Medical Biosciences (12 month appointment)
Expressions of interest are invited for the role of Interim Head of Medical Biosciences for a period of 12 months. This Academic Level E leadership role will provide strategic direction and academic leadership across the discipline of Medical Biosciences, supporting excellence in research, teaching and community engagement. The successful applicant will work closely with discipline leads, Deans of Education and Research, FHMRI, and other key stakeholders to strengthen the discipline’s national and international profile. The position workload and workplan will be negotiated with the successful applicant, taking into consideration current priorities and responsibilities.
To express your interest, please submit a brief statement (max. 2 pages) outlining your interest in the role, relevant experience, and initial vision for the discipline. EOIs close 9am Monday, 21 July. For further information, please contact Jayanthi Jayakaran.
ECR and HDR representatives for FHMRI-RED committee: Apply before Friday 11 July
The FHMRI-RED committee is seeking one HDR and one ECR representative to join the committee for a 12-month term. Ideal candidates will be active or engaged in the HDR/ECR community and interested in contributing to researcher development. The Committee meets every 6 weeks to support researcher development, HDR governance, and College research strategy. To apply, email a short statement to CMPH Research by 5pm Friday 11 July, outlining why you’re interested, your connection to the HDR/ECR community, and your commitment to the one-year term
Get to know your College
Studying Medicine in Mount Gambier: Why Hitha chose the rural path
Originally from Adelaide, Hitha Sijo Padayattil recently made the move to Mount Gambier to begin her first year of medicine through Flinders' South Australian Rural Medical (SARM) Program. Though the transition was a big one, Hitha says it’s been an experience full of growth, learning and unexpected highlights.
Events
- Tuesday 8 July: Sustainability Master Class (City campus) (9am to 1pm)
- Tuesday 8 July: NAIDOC Week Celebrations (Bedford Park) (10:30am–12:30pm)
- Thursday 10 July: Medical Grand Round, 12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC
- Friday 11 July: 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) Competition 2025 - registrations close
- Friday 1 August: GIDE Seminar: “Menopause and midlife” (12.30-1.30 pm, Alere South)
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations
Starting from 12:30pm, Friday's in the Level 2 Seminar Area, Health and Medical Research Building, or online via Teams.
11 July:
- Zegeye Abitew - ‘The Effect of Diet on Colorectal Cancer Risk and Mortality’
- Emma Thomas - ‘Development of new pharmacotherapy approaches for obstructive sleep apnoea’
- Robert Bear (online presentation) - 'Paramedic Mental Health Education'
18 July:
- Ivaylo Tonchev - 'Advancing the Understanding and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: Integrating Mechanistic Insights, Computational Electrophysiology, and Clinical Translation’
- Luke Arkapaw - ‘Evaluating the Implementation of the Remote Primary Health Care Manuals’ Acute Assessment Protocols in Remote Primary Health Care Contexts of the Northern Territory, Australia’
HGSA SA Branch Seminar: Clinical Genomics in Focus
3:30pm, Thursday 10 July, Lvl 8 Meeting Room, Bradley Building, UniSA. Join Peer Arts from Maastricht University Medical Centre+ as he presents on the clinical implementation of long-read sequencing, exploring insights from 1000 rare disease genomes and rapid targeted approaches. Peer is a molecular geneticist with a background in translational genomics and a strong link to Adelaide’s research community. The hybrid seminar is free for HGSA members (online), with a $45 fee for non-members. Refreshments will follow the in-person session.
Workshop: How to write a strong National Industry PhD grant application
Round 6 of National Industry PhD (NIPHD) Grant Applications opens on Monday 7 July. The Office of Graduate Research are hosting an exclusive workshop with Andrew Walsh, Regional Director at Campus Plus, on ‘How to write a strong NIPHD grant application’. Andrew will provide an overview of the NIPHD program and walk through the assessment guidelines, sharing practical tips on how to align your proposal with the selection criteria and strengthen your application.
Special neuroscience research seminar (Monday 21 July)
2pm - 3pm, Monday 21 July, HMRB Level 2, Room 204_Seminar
Join a seminar with Bill Shuttleworth (University of New Mexico), a global expert in brain "spreading depolarisation" and its role in stroke and injury, as he presents Translational studies of spreading depolarisation: what tsunamis are on the horizon? A former Flinders student, Bill completed his Honours and part of his PhD here before continuing his career in the US. To arrange a meeting with him after the talk, contact simon.brookes@flinders.edu.au.
FHMRI Cancer Impact Seminar Series (Wednesday 23 July)
11:30am - 12:30pm (networking and lunch 12:30-1:30pm), Level 2 seminar space, HMRB
"New Horizons for Precision Oncology: Targeting Sub-Clones with Metabolic and Immunological Therapies" presented by Dan Thomas (Group Leader, Myeloid Metabolism Group, SAHMRI).
FHMRI Inspiring Leaders Seminar Series: Next seminar Monday 28 July
12:30 (lunch provided), Level 2 Seminar Rooms, Health and Medical Research Building. No need to register – livestream link is in the calendar invitation
- Mon 28 Jul: Peter van Wijngaarden - Ophthalmic neuroscience (Florey Institute)
- Mon 1 Sep: Dr Grace Lidgerwood – Stem cell disease modelling (University of Melbourne)
- Wed 24 Sep: Joseph Trapani – “Small molecule inhibitors of lymphocyte perforin as focused immunosuppressants for auto-immune and post-infectious immunopathologies” (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre)
- Wed 29 Oct: Laura Downie – Optometry & vision science (University of Melbourne)
- Wed 19 Nov: Fiona Blyth - Public health & pain epidemiology (University of Sydney)
- Mon 8 Dec: Thomas Cox – Matrix and metastasis (Garvin Institute of Medical Research)
Open to all disciplines, these seminars offer valuable insights for everyone. Nominate a speaker
Stronger Together: Building Collective Resilience (Registrations open now)
12:30 - 2:30pm, Thursday 14 August, HMRB Seminar Room 2 (lunch included for attendee's)
Resilience in today’s university environment is a shared responsibility. This interactive workshop explores how care, connection and shared purpose can support wellbeing and team effectiveness. You’ll gain practical strategies and take part in collaborative activities designed to build resilience within and across teams.
The session is led by Kathryn McEwen, Global Lead of Working with Resilience and a highly experienced organisational psychologist. Kathryn is a published author and creator of the Resilience at Work® Toolkit, used internationally to support teams and leaders. She brings extensive experience from both university and health sectors, and currently serves on the People and Culture Committee of the CALHN Governing Board.
The 2025 Higher Education Research Group Adelaide (HERGA) Conference will be hosted by Flinders on Wednesday 1 October. Registrations are open and are free of charge for University staff - a great opportunity to present your work, hear about others' work and network with educators across SA institutions. There will be a pre-conference day on Tuesday 30 September, with engaging sessions that will include contributions from The Conversation - designed to inspire collaboration and discussion ahead of the main program.
Confirming the keynotes this year:
- Jaclyn Broadbent, Deakin University (Keynote speaker)
- Minister Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills of South Australia, (Guest Keynote).
Need to know
Waterman Fellowship – Application deadline extended to 5pm, Monday 7 July
The inaugural Waterman Fellowship supports excellence in biomedical and clinical teaching within CMPH, thanks to a generous bequest from the Waterman family. Designed to foster innovation and impact in education, the Fellowship is open to projects aligned with college and university priorities. Applications now close at 5pm, Monday 7 July. If you are interested in exploring this unique opportunity, please download more information and submit the application form
New Thriving@Flinders Wellbeing Website: People and Culture have launched the Thriving@Flinders website, a one-stop hub for staff wellbeing resources, events, and programs. Explore tools to support your physical, mental, or financial wellbeing, and stay updated via the monthly newsletter. Help shape future initiatives by completing the short Staff Wellbeing Survey.
Library Update: New EBSCOhost Interface and AI Research Assistant Launching 7 July
New user interface: EBSCOhost and CINAHL Ultimate
From Monday, EBSCOhost will launch a new user interface, impacting databases like CINAHL Ultimate and Ageline. The new features include a modernised look, improved accessibility, combined title and abstract searches in CINAHL, and natural language search functionality. Existing account holders will have their accounts migrated, but features like journal alerts, search alerts, and custom folder content will need manual action. Learn more.
Introducing Primo AI Research Assistant
The Library’s discovery platform, findit@flinders, will feature an AI Research Assistant from Monday 7 July. With Primo Research Assistant, users can ask natural language questions and receive five top results, summaries, and citations. This change aligns with broader trends across academic databases, which are increasingly integrating AI tools to support research. More details are on the Flinders Library blog.
Flinders is offering support for researchers to explore ethical, impactful use of AI through the AI for Research Scheme. Successful applicants will receive Microsoft 365 Copilot licences, training, and support over 12 months. Each College can submit proposals, with up to two projects funded. Applications close Friday 18 July. This initiative complements the AI for Research info session on 6 August.
Reminder: Planned Power Outages at Bedford Park Campus (5-6, 12 - 13 July)
High voltage electrical maintenance will take place across two weekends: 5–6 July and 12–13 July, affecting multiple buildings at Bedford Park. Expect intermittent power outages, building closures and lift shutdowns (except in HMRB). HMRB, Health Sciences, and the Health Sciences Lecture Theatre Complex will be impacted by outages. Staff and students working in these areas should check the outage schedule and plan accordingly. If you're on campus, save your work frequently and consider working from an alternative location. Contact Security on 8201 2880 for assistance. Read the full update
2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Research Awards are now open
The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Research open on July 1, celebrating excellence in research, impact and engagement across six categories. Applications close 5pm, Friday 30 August. Details and guidelines will be available on the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Awards page.
