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Update from the Dean of Research and FHMRI Director
During 2025 NAIDOC Week, I hope you have been celebrating "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy", a time to appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, knowledges and culture and reflect on where we can do better. In FHMRI, in line with our Research Strategy, this year we are forming a FHMRI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee, consisting of community leaders in SA and NT, to help ensure our research is respectful, safe and builds on Indigenous strengths.
A warm welcome this week to Annabelle Wilson and Claire Roberts who are joining FHMRI leadership as the new FHMRI-RED Co-Leads. We are looking forward to working together to support FHMRI researchers.
I would like to congratulate FHMRI researchers; this week our audited 2024 HERDC income was confirmed at $60.4M. This is a tremendous achievement, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our researchers. Our ambition is to continue to grow our research excellence and impact, and to that end, I would like to invite you to help shape FHMRI’s Value Proposition. The FHMRI Scientific Advisory Board have suggested that we identify and communicate our value proposition. As a very diverse, large and multi-disciplinary research institute, our unique value, which sets us apart from other health and medical research institutes, is not immediately evident. We want to attract the world’s best students and researchers to FHMRI. We also want to ensure that funders and donors know what we can offer them. What does FHMRI offer that is unique? To address this, last week a group of FHMRI research leaders, EMCRs, HDRs and members of RDS, Partnerships, Marketing and Advancement participated in a workshop to draft value proposition statements. As FHMRI members, your voice in this process is important. Please go to this brief (1-question) survey, and rank your favourite draft statements from your most to least preferred. There is also space to make new suggestions. The final statement will be used, along with a FHMRI tagline, to communicate who we are and what we offer.
Dean Research and Flinders Health, Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Director, College of Medicine and Public Health)
Congratulations
Congratulations to Jaquelyne Hughes and the team behind the National Indigenous Kidney Transplantation Taskforce (NIKTT), whose research has been published in a Medical Journal of Australia NAIDOC Week Special Issue on Indigenous Health. Co-authored by Jaqui, Am I on the List? is the first national study to examine clinician-reported reasons for kidney transplant non-waitlisting among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The findings highlight systemic barriers and call for urgent reform to improve equity in transplant access.
Congratulations to James Smith on his election as Global Vice President of Scientific Affairs for the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), a role he'll hold for the next three years. The IUHPE is a unique global, independent professional association made up of individual and institutional members committed to improving health and wellbeing. James’ appointment is a reflection of his leadership in health promotion and his commitment to advancing health equity.
Congratulations to James Padley, Program Lead for the South Australian Rural Medical (SARM) program, on the recent publication of his commentary, The Future of Rural Medical Education in Australia, in the Australian Journal of Rural Health. In the piece, James explores how rural end-to-end medical programs can be reshaped to better align with community needs, support rural and Indigenous student pathways, and deliver future-ready graduate outcomes. He highlights the importance of renewing curricula and strengthening support for rural educators. Read more
Out and About
SARM Program Team Sets Strategic Direction for 2026 and Beyond
The South Australia Rural Medical (SARM) Program team met on 3 July for a two-day planning session to review Semester 1 and set priorities for the rest of 2025 and into 2026. Key discussions focused on curriculum updates, clinical encounters, TBL structures, student groupings, FLO use, SET feedback, and attendance tracking. Planning also included upcoming events such as Open Day and FUSA/FMSS student initiatives. The team clarified academic roles, refined student communication processes, and progressed Year 2 planning with a focus on staffing and placements—strengthening the program’s commitment to innovative rural medical education. Read more
Escape room adventure inspires Indigenous allied health students
Flinders Rural and Remote Health NT recently hosted a culturally responsive escape room for 36 students from the IAHA National Academy (Darwin Program). Thanks to Leigh Moore and Melba Ridd for leading this engaging session, and to our partners at IAHA, Fox Education and IAHA Group Training for supporting the next generation of remote health professionals. Read more
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.
Call for Presenters: Our Watch Research Webinar (Apply before Wednesday 16 July)
Our Watch is seeking university staff and academics to present at an upcoming webinar exploring the Research domain of the Educating for Equality model. Tentative date: Thursday 28 August (11am–12.20pm AEST). Presenters will share short (15-minute) case studies on:
Research to build the prevention evidence base or workforce
Initiatives supporting respectful student–supervisor relationships
Ways prevention is embedded into research grants, policies or structures
This is a valuable opportunity to showcase your work and learn from others across the sector. To apply or find out more, contact: universities@ourwatch.org.au
Get to know your College
Meet Annabelle Wilson: Advancing Equity in Public Health. Annabelle is an Associate Professor and Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian in the Discipline of Population Health at Flinders. Her work is grounded in integrity, ethics and a commitment to improving health outcomes locally and globally. With deep expertise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and food systems, Annabelle’s research explores how non-Indigenous health professionals can work more effectively and respectfully in community contexts.
How a Student Placement Transformed Milaad’s View of Healthcare
Milaad Sobhani with Flinders' Elder Murphy Yunupingu
Final-year student Milaad Sobhani recently completed an eight-week placement in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, through Flinders NT. The experience reshaped his understanding of healthcare and the importance of culturally grounded practice. A highlight of the placement was weekly learning with Yolŋu educators, who shared knowledge of language, bush medicine, and sacred sites. These experiences helped Milaad see health as more than clinical treatment. “We’re not just treating a condition. We’re supporting a person, shaped by culture, community and lived experience.” Read more
Events
- Thursday 17 July: Medical Grand Round (12:15 - 1:30pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Lvl 5, FMC)
- Thursday 17 July: NIPHD Grant Application Writing Workshop (1pm - 2pm, Online)
- Monday 21 July: Neuroscience research seminar with Bill Shuttleworth (2pm - 3pm, HMRB Level 2, Room 204_Seminar)
- Friday 1 August: GIDE Seminar: “Menopause and midlife” (12.30-1.30 pm, Alere South)
Australian Society for Medical Research SA Annual Scientific Meeting
Hosted from 8am to 5pm, Wednesday 10 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Join plenary speaker Luke Selth to present your research, connect with leading multidisciplinary researchers, and drive the future of medical innovation together. Submit your abstracts before 5pm Friday 11 July. Learn more
Flinders Living – “At Home” Tour (Tuesday 15 July)
Join a guided 20-minute walk-through of University Hall and Deirdre Jordan Village.
Led by current student leaders, this 20-minute tour gives you a peek inside student rooms and shared spaces, along with insights into the vibrant social, cultural, and academic life on campus. Wrap up with a buffet lunch and a chance to speak with staff and residents. Places are limited to 160 guests – register now and choose your preferred time.
3MT (Three Minute Thesis) Competition 2025 - registration deadline extended. HDR supervisors - encourage your students to polish their presentation skills for their milestones and conferences, and have the chance to win cash prizes! Register now.
- Recorded info session: learn what 3MT is about and hear from ‘24 winner
- Practice session: 15 July – refine your presentation with feedback
- Registrations close: 21 July
- CNHS + CMPH Heat: 23 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.
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’
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’
CMPH Biosciences Seminar (Mon 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).
Self-Care Toolkit and Wellbeing Wish List (Online session)
12:30pm – 1:30pm, 24 July, Online. Take a break to reflect on your wellbeing in this practical webinar, designed to help staff prevent burnout and build daily habits that stick. Learn how to be a wellbeing role model, create your own self-care toolkit, and explore the realities of modern life. The session will be recorded. Register via iEnrol
Upcoming Supervisor Training: HR Essentials
Supervisors – do you have questions about HR processes such as Workday tasks, Service One requests, managing leave, probation, or workplace flexibility? Join the CMPH People & Culture team for an online training session, hosted by CNHS P&C, covering key HR essentials for supervisors. The session will provide an overview of common processes and FAQs to support you in your role. For questions contact CMPH People & Culture.
12:30 - 2pm, Thursday 24 July, Online via Teams
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
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)
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 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.
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
Vale Peter Torjul
The University is saddened by the passing of Peter Torjul, Director, Education Pathways. A passionate advocate for equity and access in higher education, Peter led numerous initiatives that supported students from diverse backgrounds, including the award-winning Inspire Peer Mentor Program. His legacy will continue to shape education at Flinders for years to come. To share
memories of Peter, email: petertorjultribute@gmail.com
Reminder: Academic Career Framework Consultation
Consultation for the proposed Academic Career Framework (ACF) is open to all staff for comment until 5pm Wednesday 16 July. You can access the proposed ACF, including an overview of the review process and key proposed changes, on the Academic Career Framework webpage.
Reminder: 2025 Promotions Closing Dates. A reminder that applications for Promotions must be submitted via Service One and with your supervisors by 12pm for:
- Promotion to Level B or Level C - Thursday 17 July
- Promotion to Level D or Level E - Thursday 7 August
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.
Reminder: Be prepared for planned power outages at Bedford Park this weekend
If you're working or studying on campus this weekend (12–13 July), please note there will be planned power outages at Bedford Park, including in the Health Sciences buildings and the Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB). While the Central Library, Student Hub and Flinders Living will remain open, many buildings will have restricted access for safety reasons. Most lifts will be out of service – the HMRB lift will remain operational. Contact Security on 8201 2880 for assistance with mobility access. Read more