Final edition in 2025
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Update from the Vice President and Executive Dean
It’s customary at this time of year to recall and reflect. Based upon the stories and data I presented at the recent College forum, my reflections are grounded in twin senses of privilege and collective pride. Privilege, because I have a profound sense of privilege in leading a group of extraordinarily committed and excellent staff who are laser-focused on delivering research and educational outcomes for the communities that we serve that are truly transformative. Pride, because I love belonging to a community that takes its social license as a University very seriously, and whose “North Star” is grounded externally, and not us.
This afternoon represents an opportunity to give appropriate recognition to staff and students who have made particularly outstanding contributions in 2025. Although in the majority of cases, the names of individuals have been called out, it’s the highly functioning team behind these individuals that are the source of greatest impact. I want to acknowledge all highly functioning teams across the College – well done. You are our ‘mitochondria’, our engine room.
It's also timely to recognise the service of many staff who are retiring after years of service. Thank you. This year we have tried to reflect your sustained contributions in a more meaningful and symbolic way. You have left a legacy and will be missed.
To all of you, have a restful and relaxing break, but I am mindful that for many of you who are education-focused, the break is short, and it's back to supporting our current and prospective students. Your actions are not unnoticed or unrecognised. Thank you
Vice President and Executive Dean, College of Medicine and Public Health
The 2025 CMPH Staff Awards formed a highlight of the College of Medicine and Public Health End of Year Celebration, held this afternoon (Friday, 12 December) at the Health and Medical Research Building. Staff came together from across the College to enjoy an afternoon of food, drinks, music, and well-earned recognition as they reflected on a productive year and looked ahead to 2026. The awards celebrated the remarkable achievements, contributions, and dedication of staff across CMPH. This year’s recipients demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, leadership, professional services, and community engagement. The College also acknowledged a number of long-serving colleagues who are stepping into retirement. Warmest wishes and heartfelt thanks to Aunty Pat Miller, Robert Fraser, Uncle David Copley, Malcolm Battersby, David Watson, Maria Crotty, Tim Chataway, Briony Forbes, Bill Heddle, and Pat Vilimas.Congratulations to all awardees for their outstanding efforts and well-earned recognition. See all 2025 awardees
Education Capacity Building Scheme: Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for the College’s new Education Capacity Building Scheme for 2026, designed to strengthen teaching and learning across our community. Guidelines and application forms for the Education Conference Scheme and the Education Professional Development Scheme are available on the CMPH Education Teams site, along with the Education Skills Development Framework. Staff are encouraged to review all materials and speak with their supervisor before preparing a submission. Deadlines:
Education Conference Scheme: Guidelines | Application Form. Friday 30 January 2026
Education Professional Development Scheme: Guidelines | Application Form. Friday 30 January 2026 (applications may be approved throughout the submission period)
For further information, or if you are unable to access the files or require Education Teams access, email the Education team at cmph.deaned@flinders.edu.au.
Congratulations
The 2025 Staff Awards ceremony celebrated excellence across the University. A key moment was the presentation of the Staff Service Awards by the new Vice-President Corporate Services, Jonathan Pheasant, including recognition for CMPH’s Kiley MacDonald. CMPH staff were acknowledged across several categories. In the Vice-Chancellor’s Researchers Awards, honours went to Miia Rahja, Annabelle Small, Ching Li Chai-Coetzer, Feargal Ryan, Mihir Wechalekar, and Jean Winter. Professional staff recognition included Shanti Omodei-James (Flinders Courage Award) and Diana Mosca (Excellence Award). Reconciliation achievements were also highlighted with Aunty Mayalil Marika receiving the Individual Award and the Trauma and Injury Team recognised in the Team category. Teaching innovation was celebrated too, with Liu Fei Tan acknowledged as part of the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Innovation in Teaching. See all awardee's
Congratulations to John Wright, a Teaching Academic based in Tennant Creek, for being awarded the 2025 NT Administrator’s Medal for Emergency Service Employee and Volunteer of the Year. He was recognised for his long-standing service with the Tennant Creek Volunteer Unit of the NT Emergency Service, where he has volunteered for more than 11 years and served as Unit Officer for the past decade. He celebrated the honour with his daughter Laura, the Unit’s Training Officer, and their much-loved mascot, Ted (pictured).
Congratulations to Annabelle Wilson. Annabelle has been awarded a Dietitians Australia 2025 Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of her major, sustained, and far-reaching contributions to the profession at a national level over the past three years. The award was announced following a peer nomination and assessment by a Dietitians Australia Committee and approval by the Dietitians Australia Board.
Congratulations to Yuri Ogawa, who has received the 34th Yoshida Prize for Young Researchers (2025) from the Japanese Society for Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry. The award recognises her work on motion vision, including uncovering how hoverflies detect and track small moving targets and developing a virtual reality arena used to study how they choose flowers.
She accepted the prize at the Society’s annual meeting in Tokyo, a conference she has attended since her undergraduate years, which this year featured strong student participation.
Congratulations to CMPH PhD candidate Tim McNamara, who received the award for best first-time oral presentation at the Advanced Pharmacy Australia 2025 Medicines Management conference. His presentation explored women’s experiences of pharmacological management for hyperemesis gravidarum and highlighted opportunities for pharmacists to enhance care. He accepted the award at the conference gala dinner.
Out and About
Flinders will celebrate the graduation of 35 Territory-trained health professionals in Darwin next week, including 22 new doctors, eight Paramedicine graduates, and five graduates from other health degrees. This brings the Northern Territory Medical Program’s total to 251 medical graduates since 2011, with 10% identifying as Indigenous – a significant achievement in improving representation in medicine. Among this year’s cohort are Jason Wilmot from Alice Springs, who is committed to serving rural and remote communities, and Rochelle Cabry, recognised as the 2024 Medical Student of the Year for her leadership in rural health. The ceremony will take place at the Darwin Convention Centre on Monday 15 December.
College of Medicine and Public Health showcases programs and pathways in Vietnam
Alistair Standish recently represented the College as part of a Flinders University delegation to Vietnam that included the Vice-Chancellor, senior leaders, and academics from all six Colleges. The team hosted Academic Showcases in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho, sharing information about programs, scholarships, and career pathways. From our College, Alistair highlighted Biotechnology, Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Public Health, and Pathways to Medicine, while connecting with prospective students, families, and education agents. Alistair noted that these visits are invaluable—not only for promoting our programs but also for gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges international students face when planning to study abroad. This insight helps us better support international students, something our university prides itself on.
Riverland Forum Celebrates First-Year Experiences in Rural Healthcare
Students and recent graduates from medicine, allied health, nursing and paramedicine came together for the Riverland First Year Forum, hosted by the Flinders University Rural Health Society and Riverland Medical Student Society at the Renmark Hotel. Held on the balcony overlooking the Murray, the evening featured speakers sharing candid insights into their pathways and first years in rural healthcare. With strong attendance and positive feedback, plans are underway for more events in 2026. Read more
The 2nd Annual FHMRI Cancer Impact Symposium was held at the Flinders City Campus on 4 December, bringing together nearly 100 attendees. The event featured keynote presentations and highlighted impressive early and mid-career research across FHMRI. A panel discussion offered useful insights into improving translational outcomes in cancer research. Congratulations to the prize winners recognised for their excellent oral presentations.
Get to know your College
Meet Nadine Smith, a fourth-year PhD student and RNA biologist at the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, where she’s uncovering how cancer cells behave at the genetic level to help improve future treatments. After a career in design and manufacturing, she returned to study to make a broader impact, and now pairs her laboratory work with community fundraising, training for a triathlon in support of Flinders Foundation. Read her full Q&A to learn what motivates her research, what she loves about discovery, and how she finds balance beyond the lab.
Expressions of Interest
Discipline Lead Behavioural Health (Apply by December 19)
EOIs are invited for the role of Discipline Lead Behavioural Health. This role provides leadership of the Behavioural Health Discipline, and promotes a culture of academic excellence (both research and education) and positive workplace values that facilitate inclusion and career development within the Discipline. Staff interested in applying are invited to submit an EOI (2 page max) outlining their experience, interest, and suitability for the role, together with their CV. Please note this EOI is only open to staff currently within the Behavioural Health Discipline. Email richard.edwards@flinders.edu.au with your EOI before COB on December 19 2025. Enquiries (including to obtain the role description) should be sent to Richard Edwards.
Call for HDR Student Representative – CMPH Research Committee Encourage your HDR students to develop leadership skills and contribute to the College of Medicine & Public Health's research strategy. The College Research Committee meets quarterly, with a 12-month term in 2026. Students will gain insight into decision-making and represent HDR perspectives in research development. Submit a 2-page CV and a short statement (up to 50 words) via email to cmph.deanresearch@flinders.edu.au with “College Research Committee EOI” in the subject line. EOIs are due by Monday 15 December. Email cmph.deanresearch@flinders.edu.au for further details details. |
Chairs of Human Research Ethics Committee and Animal Ethics Committee The DVCR is seeking EOIs for Chairs of the Human Research Ethics Committee, and the Animal Ethics Committee. These roles lead the ethical review of human and animal research, ensuring compliance with national standards and supporting the integrity of the University’s research. Both positions require strong leadership, sound knowledge of ethical frameworks, and experience working with complex issues in research environments. Appointments include an allowance and are renewable. For further details or to apply, contact Hendryk Flaegel. Applications close 16 January. Download further details on the roles and responsibilities. |
Join the FHMRI-RED Committee: Support researcher development across CMPH
The Committee helps guide strategies that strengthen researcher education and align with FHMRI’s goals. Two-year terms are available, and EOIs are welcome from all FHMRI members, with particular interest in those based rurally, professional staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers, mid-career and senior researchers, and clinicians. Submit your EOI to CMPH Research by Friday 30 January, outlining your interest, contribution, and whether you identify with any of the groups above.
CMPH / FHMRI HDR & ECR Mentoring Program
Expressions of interest are now open for the 2026 mentoring program, running for up to one year with 1:1 mentor–mentee matching based on goals and expertise. Places are limited.
Mentees: Open to HDR students at any stage and ECRs within eight years post-PhD (including casual and short-term contracts). A chance to gain tailored support for your career development. Apply here by 22 December 2025.
Mentors: Open to Level C–E academics interested in supporting emerging researchers and strengthening leadership capability. Apply here by 22 December 2025. For queries, contact Dr Yee Lian Chew
Events
- 1pm Wed 24 Dec - Mon 5 Jan: 2025 University Closure Period
- Fri 30 Jan: HDR Milestone Forums return (12:30pm, Level 2 HMRB, or online)
- Tue 24 Feb: Health and Medical Symposium (9:30am - 6pm, HMRB)
- Wed 15 Jul: 2026 CMPH Retreat (U City Function Centre, Adelaide City)
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations return January 30, 2026. Join from 12:30pm in the Level 2 Seminar Area, HMRB, or online via Teams. Nadine Smith (final thesis review): Roles of RNA processing in cancer cell metabolis |
Save the date: 2026 CMPH Retreat Mark your calendars! The 2026 CMPH Retreat will be held on Wednesday 15 July 2026 at the U City Function Centre. Further details will be shared in the New Year. |
Need to know
End of Year Closure and Safety Reminder. The University will close at 1pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen on Monday 5 January. Staff are encouraged to take a proper break. If you need to work during this period, the closure counts as after hours, so the Working After Hours or in Isolation Safety Procedures apply. All tasks must be risk assessed. Medium risk work requires supervisor approval and a communication plan. High risk work requires College Dean (Research) approval by 17 December, a communication plan, and a buddy system. WHS requests that staff limit activity to essential animal or cell culture work and dry work only.
Before leaving for the year, please:
• Turn off unnecessary equipment at the wall
• Check all gas, water and vacuum taps
• Dispose of waste chemicals
• Secure chemicals stored in fume cupboards
• Return hazardous chemicals to the correct DG cabinets
• Dispose of perishable waste in yellow wheelie bins
• Ensure Critical Equipment Custodian contact details are current
For support, contact Security on 08 8201 2880 or Emergency Services on 0-000.
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Reminder: Holiday season travel 
If you’re planning to travel between Christmas and mid-January, please ensure your insurance requirements are finalised by December 18, before the Risk and Assurance team commences their holiday break. The following services will be unavailable from 24 December 2025 to 5 January 2026: • Travel Insurance Approvals for students |
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Services over the Uni closure 
As Flinders University prepares for the end of year break (24th December - 5th January 2026), a number of services will be paused, resuming in the New Year. City Campus, Flinders Connect, IDS, Property and Facilities, cleaning and caretaking, fleet vehicles, linen, mail, milk delivery and most retail outlets will all operate on reduced hours or close during the shutdown. Bus services will also pause, with most resuming from 5 January, while some restart later in February. A full summary is available on the Flinders in Touch blog. |
Reminder: Support available over the holiday period
As we head into the holidays, staff are reminded that the Employee Assistance Program remains available if you need support. Psychmed will operate throughout the break except on public holidays, and Human Psychology will offer telehealth on working days, with 24/7 support continuing via Assure Programs.
For other provider availability, visit the Employee Assistance Program page. Crisis support is available any time via Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support. Additional resources can be found on the Health and Wellbeing page. Please take time to rest, recharge, and look after your wellbeing over the break.
Funding Opportunities
Thank you to our peer reviewers for the ARC Discovery Project EOI round. Harald Janovjak, Vincent Bulone, Damien Keating and Nick Spencer shared their expertise in winning ARC funding to support others’ applications. The college submitted 25 EOIs and we wish all applicants success.
Multiple Myeloma Research Funding Opportunity: Thanks to the generous support of Jane Watson Ramsey and Bill Ramsey, Flinders Foundation is calling for applications to fund Multiple Myeloma research. Projects can include direct funding costs and salary support. Please submit your 2-page application, a 1-page budget, and a brief CV for all named Chief Investigators to Flinders Foundation Grants at grants@flindersfoundation.org.au. Budgets up to $110,000 (including on costs) will be considered for a one-year project, and applicants must be employed by SALHN or Flinders University. Submissions close 5pm on Monday 15 December 2025. For further details, contact: michael.michael@flinders.edu.au
John Chalmers Travel Fellowship for Early Career Academics – 2026 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 27 March.
David and Margaret Wattchow Research Travel Fund – 2026 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 27 March
Ian Potter Foundation – Medical Research Grant. Applications open 2 February - 26 March (more information).
MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures Applications close: 4 Feb | Up to $10m | GrantConnect GO7833
MRFF Childhood Mental Health - Applications open November 5 and close 25 March 2026. More information
NFMRI General Grant Round (Portfolios 2 & 3) – EOI open 27 Jan. EOI close 27 Mar 2026. Further information
MRFF – CTA Initiative – 2025 Clinical Trials Activity Grant Opportunity. Minimum Data: 4 March | Applications Close: 1 April. GrantConnect: GO7923