Seminars Conferences and WorkshopsWhat's on in ienrol research - 31 October to 14 November 2019
Drop-In Sessions: Industry, Government, International & Internal grants, Tuesday 12 November 2019
Drop-In Sessions: ARC grants, Tuesday 12 November 2019
Drop-In Session: NHMRC and Health grants, Wednesday 13 November 2019
Flinders Research NewsFlinders research support enhanced with new ethics module
As of 30 October 2019, Flinders University has a new way of managing researcher ethics and biosafety applications.
ResearchNow Ethics & Biosafety for animal ethics has been launched and is a major first step in improving the efficiency of Flinders' ethics application and approval processes.
ResearchNow Ethics & Biosafety is a new online system available to Flinders researchers who need to seek ethics approval for their research. It can be accessed via your Okta dashboard. ResearchNow Ethics & Biosafety will need to be added to your Okta dashboard via the "+ Add Apps" green button (top right) in the first instance.
The first module being released relates to animal ethics. Additional modules for human ethics and biosafety are planned for release in the near future.
Up until now, animal ethics application and approval processes have been managed by paper or PDF forms shared between applicants, reviewers, and approvers.
The new form is entirely online. This helps improve the efficiency of the animal ethics process by:
Ensuring the applicant always has access to the latest version of the form
Collecting required information at the beginning, through an easy to use interface
Providing guidance to the applicant while they are completing the application form, so they know exactly what information is needed to assist in an efficient approval of their application
Automatically notifying required reviewers online
Enabling a reviewer to digitally sign-off their review or provide approval. This functionality will be available on any device, at any time allowing access from anywhere in the world
More information is available at the ResearchNow Ethics & Biosafety website - https://staff.flinders.edu.au/research/research-now-ethics-biosafety.
Flinders Research NewsNHMRC public consultation on mitochondrial donation
The Australian Government has asked the NHMRC to consult with the Australian community on the possible introduction of mitochondrial donation into clinical practice. The key focus is to understand what the views are of the broader Australian community, once the scientific, ethical and social issues are generally understood.
This work follows on from a report published on 27 June 2018 from the Inquiry into the Science of Mitochondrial Donation and Related Matters ('the Inquiry') conducted by the Senate Community Affairs References Committee.
NHMRC established the Mitochondrial Donation Expert Working Committee to provide advice on the legal, regulatory, scientific and cultural issues identified by the Inquiry.
The consultation period for mitochondrial donation has started. There are a range of opportunities to engage with the consultation process, as described on the NHMRC Mitochondrial Donation website.
In particular, NHMRC has released a Mitochondrial Donation Issues Paper, which summarises the key social and ethical issues raised by the possible introduction of mitochondrial donation in Australia. It includes ten questions for consideration.
NHMRC is also now calling for written submissions via the NHMRC Online Services website. The closing date for written submissions is 5:00pm (ADST) Friday 29 November 2019. Late submissions will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.
For further information, contact mito.consultation@nhmrc.gov.au.
New OpportunitiesOffice for Ageing Well Community Grants now open
The SA Government Office for Ageing Well provides a range of Community Grants to fund initiatives that reflect the South Australian Government's commitment to supporting South Australians to age well. Projects and activities seeking funding should contribute to building and maintaining inclusive communities focussed on ageing well.
This call has now been opened for organisations seeking funding who are working together with older people, including those from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Flinders researchers can apply for Grants for Seniors and Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants under this program.
The Grants for Seniors fund organisations to provide opportunities for older South Australians to engage with the community. Grants of up to $5,000 can pay for goods like equipment, materials or consumables that stimulate activity and social engagement for older people. Up to $10,000 can be used for seniors' cultural, social, educational or sporting projects.
The Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants provide one-off ageing specific capacity building grants of between $20,000 – $40,000 for projects that create or extend opportunities for older South Australians to be involved and active in their communities and contribute to an age friendly South Australia. The Grants enable community organisations across the state to apply for funding for capacity building projects that support older South Australians, including those from diverse communities and backgrounds, to age well and be recognised for their valued contributions across their lifetime.
The 2019-20 Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants will fund projects aligned to one or more of the following themes:
Homes and communities.
Meaningful connections.
Navigating change.
Respecting diversity.
Challenging ageism.
In addition, all Positive Ageing Fellowship Grant applicants should demonstrate that their project aligns with the Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants Theory of Change.
Both opportunities close on 5.00pm Friday 17 January 2020. The Flinders internal deadline for a completed final draft application is 6 January 2020. For application advice and assistance, contact Sarah Jay, Research Grants Officer (IGII). If you require assistance with facilitation with community groups, Sarah can liaise with Carmela Sergi, Health Partnerships Director.
For more information, including the guidelines and FAQs, visit the Office of Ageing Well Community Grants webpage.
Note that funds are limited, therefore proposals that use existing infrastructure and demonstrate collaboration with other community groups or organisations are encouraged.
Mary can be contact internal deadline is 6th Jan.
New OpportunitiesDepartment of Health Child and Youth Health grant
The Federal Government Department of Health has opened a funding call for the Child and Youth Health grant, as part of the Nation Action Plan for the Health of Children and Young People 2020-2030 (the Action Plan).
There is a total of $2 million over four years from 2019-20 for the Child and Youth Health Grant Opportunity, covering two parts: Part A: Program implementation ($1.5 million over four years from 2019-20); and Part B: Health professionals' education and awareness-raising activities ($0.5 million over four years from 2019-20).
The Action Plan provides a roadmap to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australian children and young people.
It is intended to guide collaborative approaches under the following priority areas:
improving health equity across populations;
empowering parents and caregivers to maximise healthy development;
tackling mental health and risky behaviours;
addressing chronic conditions and preventive health; and
strengthening the workforce.
The closing date for applications is 2.00pm (ACT local time), Monday 25 November 2019. The Flinders internal closing date for a completed final draft application is 11 November 2019. For application advice and assistance, contact Gareth Rees, Senior Research Grants Officer (NHMRC and Health).
For more information, visit the grant opportunity on GrantConnect.
New OpportunitiesTargeted Call for Research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has announced a Targeted Call for Research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
The Australian Government has committed $3 Million for research to help develop a better understanding of the causes and mechanisms of ME/CFS.
The intended aims of the ME/CFS Targeted Call for Research are to:
Develop a scientifically valid, evidence-based understanding of the pathophysiology and aetiology of ME/CFS and the way it impacts on the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of affected persons.
Identify approaches that will assist patients presenting with symptoms of ME/CFS to be accurately diagnosed, including the identification potential biomarkers to facilitate effective management and treatment.
Cultivate interdisciplinary research collaboration, both locally and internationally.
Applications for the call are submitted through NHMRC's RGMS, with minimum data entry closing on 15 January 2020. Applications close on 29 January 2020 with the deadline for applicants for certification in RGMS by 28 January 2020.
If you are intending to apply, contact the NHMRC team in Research Development and Support (RDS) for the RDS deadline for compliance review.
For more information, visit the NHMRC website. Information on Flinders investment and support, and RDS application process visit the Flinders NHMRC Scheme page.
New OpportunitiesConsumer Policy Research Centre 2019/20 Research Pathways Program
The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) 2019/20 Research Pathways Program is now open for Expressions of Interest.
The Research Pathways Program is underpinned by the CPRC's goal to build greater shared understanding of ways to improve consumer outcomes - producing impactful research that changes policies and practices.
Complex challenges facing consumer markets today often cannot be addressed in isolation. The CPRC fosters interdisciplinary research and enter partnerships where no single sector or organisation can significantly improve consumer outcomes in isolation.
Consistent with the CPRC's own research approach, the Research Pathways Program aim to deliver research projects which:
Are policy-informed, and with a view to impacting policy outcomes;
Seek to form an evidence-base for program and policy initiatives, including addressing evidence gaps;
Avoid duplication;
Are evaluative in nature, assessing and monitoring the impact of policy and programmatic interventions.
Three types of funding options are available each year:
Stream 1 – Professor Maureen Brunt AO Essay Prize ($10,000)
Stream 2 - Research Grant ($100,000)
Stream 3 - Partnerships ($200,000 over two years)
The Research Grant Expressions of Interest is open until 20 December 2019. The Flinders internal closing date for a completed final draft application is 6 December 2019. For application and advice, contact Rupali Saikia, Research Grants Officer (IGII).
The Essay Prize will launch on 19 November 2019 and the Partnerships Funding program is open until 20 March 2020. More information on these two programs will be available at a later date.
The topic for the 2019 Research Grants is Technology and inequality. Technology has become an inextricable part of lives. It is largely unknown what the long-term impact on this will be on our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, and on broader issue of inequality within our markets and society.
Consumers are increasingly purchasing, using and being exposed to direct and ambient data collection through the adoption of technology by homes and businesses.
This year, CPRC welcomes Expressions of Interest for their Research Grants from consortia exploring two key research areas:
Analysis of emerging data collection and use technologies, products and services and their impact on equality
Emerging models and systems that build greater equality, inclusion and welfare through data collection and use
For more information, visit the CPRC website.
Seminars Conferences and WorkshopsABC's Ockham's Razor Live at MOD featuring Dr Rachel Popelka-Filcoff
The ABC are inviting you to join them for an evening of real science told by real scientists: no props, no slides – just great stories on Thursday 21 November 2019 from 6.00 pm.
It's all part of Ockham's Razor – the ABC podcast for anyone with a compelling story of science. Featuring Flinders' Dr Rachel Popelka-Filcoff, with ABC Science presenter Bernie Hobbs as MC, this live event is being held at the Museum of Discovery (MOD), the UniSA Cancer Research Institute Building, North Tce, Adelaide.
Rachel will present on ancient routes of ochre exchange and how she is using nuclear spectroscopy to examine the origins of ochres used in Aboriginal objects to help develop an understanding of the ancient routes of ochre exchange.
Ockham's Razor is a soap box for all things scientific, with short talks about research, industry and policy from people with something thoughtful to say about science.
For more information and to register to attend the free event, visit the Eventbrite page.
Seminars Conferences and WorkshopsIntergenerationally Disadvantaged Public Economic Forum - registrations now open
The next Public Economic Forum, hosted by the Melbourne Institute, will bring together leading Australian and international thought leaders to discuss the latest research findings and innovative initiatives, and to provide evidence-based social policy recommendations on how early disadvantage exposes many to a lifelong cycle of deprivation that persists across generations.
Evidence suggests that children exposed to adverse economic conditions and parental joblessness in their pre-adult life are likely to experience poor educational achievements and labour market outcomes that, in turn, determine future economic achievements and health outcomes.
Understanding the role of early disadvantage in the Australian context is crucial given the considerable share of children exposed to income poverty and parental joblessness.
Register for the Public Economics Forum to be held on 26 November 2019 to hear about:
The nature and persistence of intergenerational disadvantage in Australia and internationally;
Examples of successful initiatives to reduce poverty and promote wellbeing;
The roles of parenting and financial capability in developing successful outcomes;
What this evidence means for the design of (new) policies and practices that will benefit disadvantaged families and Australian society.
The speakers and their topics are:
Professor Miles Corak, City University of New York – Intergenerational mobility in comparative contexts.
Ms. Kylie Macfarlane, General Manager Corporate Responsibility, Commonwealth Bank – The roles of parenting and financial capability in developing good outcomes.
Associate Professor Irma Mooi-Reci, School of Social and Political Sciences, The University of Melbourne – Intergenerational persistence of joblessness in Australia.
Dr Nicolás Salamanca, Melbourne Institute: Applied Economics & Social Research, The University of Melbourne – Factors behind intergenerational disadvantage in Australia.
To learn more about the speakers, visit the Eventbrite page.
The Forum will be held on Tuesday 26 November 2019, 11.30am to 2.00pm in the National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600. Registration includes two-course sit-down lunch and beverages.
Group Discount Pricing for 4 tickets or more is $100 including GST (per person), and regular pricing from 31 October is $120 including GST
Registration is essential, register online at the Eventbrite page.
New OpportunitiesWhat is the structure and purpose of the CRC Program?
MinEx CRC, in conjunction with the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Association, has produced a video to illustrate the structure and purpose of the CRC Program.
The CRC Association is a not-for-profit organisation operating to promote the pursuit of science, particularly through the Australian Government's CRC Program. Flinders is a member of the CRC Association.
The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program supports industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers and the community. In its 28-year history, it has proven to be an effective model for linking researchers with industry to address R&D challenges with commercial outcomes.
This video is available via the MinEx CRC YouTube Channel:
What is a CRC?
Uploaded by MinEx CRC on 2019-10-01.
Seminars Conferences and WorkshopsLatest communication practices to be showcased at 2020 Australian Science Communicators Conference
The Australian Science Communicators Conference, to be held at Monash University on 16-19 February 2020 is your opportunity to showcase your research.
The 2020 theme is Priorities, Policies and Publics for Human Survival, and brings together Australia's broad range of science communicators to share best-practice theory, workshops and case studies: up to 300 journalists, policy officers, publicists, writers, exhibition designers, educators, and many others.
Come along to hear the latest research, learn effective communication techniques and mingle with this skilled, diverse and influential community.
There are opportunities to showcase your research: email or call Phil Dooley via sponsorship@asc.asn.au or 0414 945 577.
Seminars Conferences and WorkshopsCollaboration for Industry Impact - November 2019 Deep Dive workshop
Bidding for a CRC is a highly competitive process requiring cross-disciplinary teams to come together and collaborate. This takes planning, time and patience.
Developed by the CRC Association and Collabforge, this workshop will combine practical bid-creation content with a deep dive into the theory and practice of collaboration.
The workshop, to be held on 25 November 2019 at the Australian National University, will teach participants what makes a great bid, what the process of bid development entails, the roles of all bid participants, and how to build effective relationship/communication between researchers and industry to develop a compelling bid. This will help researchers to better understand how they can build successful partnerships with their industry partners, and form a bid concept that will deliver industry impact.
Attending this workshop will significantly increase the likelihood of a successful CRC or CRC-P application.
Researchers who have the responsibility for or interest to develop CRC and CRC-P bids.
Administrators who have the responsibility for helping coordinate, develop, approve and or administer CRC and CRC-P bids (eg from Commercialisation, Research, Scholarships, etc)
Interested industry representatives
For more information and to register for the workshop, visit the eventbrite page.
Flinders University is a member of the CRC Association.