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Update from the Dean of Rural & Remote Health
Welcome to e-News. Last week Rural and Remote Health staff and students were privileged to join our local community members, staff and leaders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to celebrate NAIDOC week.
Staff in Darwin were led on a Guided Bush Walk by Peter Thomsen from Joint College (RACGP & ACRRM) Training Services and Richie Fejo, Flinders Senior Elder on Campus. The guided walk explored the land and its stories, learning about bush medicines, their traditional uses, and the seasonal cycles that shape life on Country.
Afterwards, participants connected over a BBQ hosted by Cameron Stokes and the Flinders Men’s Health Research team, ahead of the march later in the week.
The eGFR Study team and the rural student club (StaRRH) hosted a stall at the NAIDOC Family day at the Darwin Botanical Gardens. Staff and students also attended family fun days, NAIDOC marches, NAIDOC breakfasts, film screenings, NAIDOC Awards, flag-raising ceremonies, NAIDOC portrait exhibitions in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, the Riverland, Mt Gambier, Nuriootpa, Murray Bridge and Victor Harbour.
Claire Drummond and I were privileged to join the national Directors of University Departments of Rural Health, local Traditional Owners, and the Mayor in a flag-raising and NAIDOC March in the Queensland town of Emerald.
The commitment of staff and students to these celebrations is a testament to the leadership we receive from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from our Flinders staff and partner organisations. I begin this week’s e-news by thanking these colleagues for their generosity.
Dean, Rural and Remote Health, College of Medicine and Public Health)
Congratulations
Pictured at the MedSTAR base: Paramedicine students Millie Tarca, Chloe Cooper, Laura Watt & Nick Forster.
Congratulations to Ben Sherwell and Ash Frier. We’re proud to share that Ben Sherwell (Topic Coordinator of PARA2000 and Flinders Graduate of the Graduate Diploma in Intensive Care Paramedicine (GDICP)), and Ash Frier (Casual Academic in Paramedicine) have officially commenced their Intensive Care Paramedic training with SA Ambulance Service. As part of this exciting milestone, paramedicine students were invited to assist in simulation exercises, offering them a valuable opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals and gain firsthand insight into the dynamic role of an Intensive Care Paramedic. Congratulations to Ben and Ash on beginning this next chapter in their careers.
The Australian Corneal Graft Registry (ACGR) recently celebrated its 40th birthday. The Registry has almost 50,000 grafts registered, and even some grafts from the original cohort in 1985 continue to have follow-up data provided. Recognised internationally as an important source of information on the long-term outcomes of corneal transplants, the ACGR was also recently successful in securing a further two years funding, with over half-a-million dollars provided by the Australian Organ and Tissue Authority to continue operations through to 2027.
The ACGR team (Miriam Keane, Vicky Jones, Cec Lawson, Keryn Williams, Absent: Jern Yee Chen).
Out and About
Building Clinical Education Capacity in the Maldives
Prideaux Discipline of Clinical Education is leading a DFAT-funded program with Maldives National University to strengthen health professions education in the Maldives, where clinical educators are in short supply. The program is building and evaluating education capabilities to help prepare work-ready health graduates and clinicians. Aligned with the 2025 ANZAHPE Conference in Perth, the initiative supported 15 MNU delegates to attend alongside five representatives from Flinders. The College also sponsored the event, attracting strong interest in its postgraduate and HDR offerings. This collaboration reflects an ongoing commitment to global partnerships and advancing clinical education in diverse contexts. Read more on the MPH Blog
Celebrating NAIDOC Week in the Northern Territory (NT). Staff and students across the NT embraced the spirit of NAIDOC Week 2025 (6 - 13 July), coming together to recognise and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. From community events and cultural activities to gatherings on campus, it was fantastic to see strong engagement and participation throughout the week.
Junior doctors enticed into medical teaching
Dayna Duncan and Melba Ridd delivered a one-hour Learning to Teach session in Darwin this July, introducing 26 Resident Medical Officers and colleagues to key clinical supervision skills. The session previewed the Clinical Supervision Workshop, with strong interest from PGY2+ doctors keen to develop their teaching abilities. Feedback was positive, with some already applying the techniques in practice. Read more
Expressions of Interest
Reminder: 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.
Internal EOI Call for Tour de Cure Grant Applications – Closes 21 July
Tour de Cure is committed to changing cancer outcomes for Australians by funding world-class researchers, scientists, and clinicians. Researchers are invited to apply for Tour de Cure grants supporting cancer research across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Flinders can submit up to two applications per category (except PhD Scholarships, which are unlimited). One EOI per Chief Investigator is permitted.
Grant categories:
Senior (15+ yrs post-PhD): up to $200K
Mid-Career (5–14 yrs): up to $100K
Early Career (0–5 yrs): up to $100K
PhD Scholarship: up to $10K
Prevention: up to $50K
Early Identification (new): up to $100K
Matching Grant: up to $50K–$100K
Support: up to $50K
Deadlines and submission:
Internal EOI: 21 July
External EOI: 21 August
Full apps (invite only): 24 October
Submit: Submit the completed internal EOI form to igii@flinders.edu.au
More information here
Get to know your College
Get to know your College: Terasa Nearmy
Terasa Nearmy is a Facilities Support Officer based in Mount Gambier, supporting Year 3 and 4 medical students living in university accommodation. She ensures homes are comfortable, well-equipped, and everything runs smoothly to support student wellbeing and success. Outside of work, Terasa is a keen soccer player, nature lover, and always up for an adventure, bringing the same energy and dedication to her role each day.
Events
- Monday 21 July: Neuroscience research seminar with Bill Shuttleworth (2pm - 3pm, HMRB Level 2, Room 204_Seminar)
- Thursday 24 July: Medical Grand Round (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- Thursday 24 July: Self-Care Toolkit and Wellbeing Wish List (12:30pm - 1:30pm, Online)
- Thursday 24 July: Supervisor Training: HR Essentials (12:30pm - 2pm, Online)
- Friday 1 August: GIDE Seminar: “Menopause and midlife” (12.30-1.30 pm, Alere South)
All staff are encouraged to participate in the Flinders Orientation program for Semester 2, which begins on Monday, 21 July. The new semester’s program will span O’Week (21-25 July) and Connect Week (28 July – 1 August). To learn more, visit the Orientation Events Planner.
CMPH Biosciences Seminar (Monday 21 July)
10am –11am, Level 2 Seminar Room 03, HMRB. In person only. Join a seminar with Sonja Best, Chief of the Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity at NIAID (USA). Sonja leads research on innate immune responses to emerging RNA viruses and has held key roles in viral pathogenesis research.
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).
Get ready to be inspired! 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Heat: Wednesday 23 July
2pm - 3pm, Level 2, HMRB and online
Join the 3‑Minute Thesis Heat next Wednesday, where the future stars of research step into the spotlight. Witness breakthroughs and innovations in health as HDRs from CNHS & CMPH present lightning-fast talks showcasing their passion and vision. Jeju Cafe will be treating everyone to a delightful afternoon tea. Mark your calendar, bring your curiosity, and your appetite. Livestream link
Final call: Showcase Your Research at Road to Research
Want to attract Honours, Masters or PhD students to your research team? FHMRI’s Road to Research event (11:30am–1pm, Thursday 28 August) is your opportunity to showcase your research, spark student interest, and start building your future research team. It’s a great way to promote your project areas, connect with enthusiastic students, and support the next generation of researchers. Register your interest by Friday 25 July.
Higher Degree by Research Milestone presentations (from 12:30pm Fridays)
Starting from 12:30pm, Friday's in the Level 2 Seminar Area, Health and Medical Research Building, or online via Teams. Join the next presentations on Friday, 25 July:
- Razia Rahman - ‘CDK9 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in advanced prostate cancer’
Luka Ilic - ‘Harnessing Anti-Commensal Immunity to Promote Antigen Clearance and Tolerance’
Maddison Dix - ‘Improving clinical care for young-onset colorectal cancer patients’
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. Open to all disciplines, these seminars offer valuable insights for everyone. Nominate a speaker
- 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)
MPH HDR Community of Practice HDR Coffee Catch Up
Join the CMPH HDR Community for a free drink (thanks to FHMRI-RED) on July 30 from 12:30-1:30pm at Urban Paddock Co. by the train station. Meet other HDR students and take a well deserved break from work!
HMRB Trade Display Morning tea
10am - 11:30am, Thursday 31 July, HMRB Lvl 2 Seminar Space
Flinders University researchers are welcome to come along and visit a huge number of suppliers as they showcase their products, services and great deals. Make sure to pick up your ‘Trade Display Passport’ on arrival for your chance to win prizes! For info email carlie.delaine@flinders.edu.au or elise.tucker@flinders.edu.au
Stronger Together: Building Collective Resilience (Thursday 14 August)
12:30 - 2:30pm, HMRB Seminar Room 2 (Lunch provided)
This interactive workshop is led by Kathryn McEwen (Global Lead of Working with Resilience) and explores how care, connection and shared purpose can support wellbeing and team effectiveness. Gain practical strategies and take part in collaborative activities designed to build resilience within and across teams.
The 2025 Higher Education Research Group Adelaide (HERGA) Conference will be hosted by Flinders this year 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.
Need to know
Extended: Academic Career Framework Consultation. Please note that consultation on the proposed Academic Career Framework (ACF) and its underpinning policy documents has been extended to 5pm Wednesday 23 July 2025. You can access the proposed ACF, including an overview of the review process and key proposed changes, on the Academic Career Framework webpage.
Second Innovate RAP Concludes – Have Your Say on What’s Next
Flinders has officially wrapped up its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, marking four years of progress in embedding cultural understanding and strengthening partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Highlights include the launch of key Indigenous strategies, the Elders on Campus Framework, and over $1 million in scholarships awarded. The University now look ahead to our Stretch RAP, launching in May 2026. Staff are invited to help shape this next phase by attending a Consultation Session:
For regional sessions, contact reconciliation@flinders.edu.au.
The Heaslip Bequest for Health to feature at July Appreciation Event
A new publication, The Heaslip Bequest for Health by Peter McDonald, will be introduced at the Appreciation Event on 24 July, celebrating the Heaslip family's lasting impact on health and medical research at Flinders. Peter will give a short presentation, with advance copies available to view. Purchase details via Wakefield Press will be shared soon. The event will also include an update on the Heaslip Fellowship program, featuring current Fellow Collette Green.
Workplace Safety Inspections – A Reminder from the WHS Unit. Planned workplace safety inspections help identify hazards, monitor changes and ensure safety standards are maintained. The required inspection frequency depends on the risk level of the area (every 6 months, 12 months or 2 years) as outlined in the WHS Safety Inspection Procedures.
All inspections must be completed in the FlinSafe system via Okta. To begin, select Inspection > New Inspection and choose the appropriate checklist (e.g. Office, Laboratory, Workshop). Record findings in FlinSafe and assign corrective actions either via:
ServiceOne (for infrastructure/maintenance), with the reference noted in FlinSafe
FlinSafe checklist (for all other actions), assigned to the relevant staff member
For guidance, see the WHS Safety Inspection Procedures or contact the WHS Unit.
Leverhulme Trust – Research Project Grants
Funding up to £500,000, with rolling deadlines. Supports research in areas such as:
Physiology, cell biology, genetics/genomics (fundamental biology)
Epidemiology, public health, health systems
Interdisciplinary fields (e.g. sports science, psychology)
Includes up to three co-applicants, including international collaborators. Planning to apply? Contact: cmph.research@flinders.edu.au or IGII@flinders.edu.au
Vice-Chancellor’s Research Awards are now open: The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Research celebrate 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. |
2025 Reconciliation Awards:The Reconciliation Awards recognise individuals or teams contributing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation, retention and success in higher education. Nominate by Monday 29 August: Nomination form. Rules and eligibility. |