Flinders researchers will be working with statewide, national and international partners to improve prevention, treatment and survivorship on gastrointestinal cancer, aim to reprogramme b-lymphocytes, use web-based psychological interventions to improve well-being for women with breast cancer, be an integral part of a new network for regional-rural cancer trials and continue to host a Beat Cancer Professor.

The latest round of the SA Beat Cancer projects have been announced with six Flinders' Chief Investigators being granted a Translational Research Package, an Early Career Cancer Research Fellowship, a Project Grant, two travel awards and continued funding for the Beat Cancer Professorial Chair at Flinders. Flinders researchers are also collaborating with other state partners on projects that were awarded in this round.

The Cancer Council SA has invested $7 million into Cancer Council’s Beat Cancer Project over five years, which is being matched by SA Health, creating a pool of funds totalling $14 million—making it the single largest source of funding for cancer research and infrastructure within South Australia.

Translational Research Package

Professor David Watson, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer (FCIC), and his team have been awarded $380,000 over three years for a Cancer Council SA Beat Cancer Project Translational Research Package. His project, Improving gastrointestinal cancer outcomes: prevention, treatment and survivorship, will develop and implement better and more cost-effective diagnostic and treatment pathways for oesophagogastric and colorectal cancer, the two major GI cancers in Australia.

The Beat Cancer Project Translational Research Package is based around a highly collaborative, translational research environment within the South Australian health system. The scheme aims to support the translation of that research into policy and practice for improved health outcomes of the community.

David and his team showcase the excellent collaborative environment within South Australia as the project involves Professor Chris Karapetis, Regional Director of Cancer Services for the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network; Professor Graham Young, FCIC; Professor Julie Ratcliffe, Professor of Health Economics at the Institute for Choice at UniSA; Professor Richard Woodman, Professor in Biostatistics and Epidemiology; Professor Bogda Koczwara, FCIC; Dr Erin Symonds, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network; Professor Richard Reed, Head of the Discipline of General Practice; Professor Robert Fraser, Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; and Professor Ross McKinnon, Director, FCIC and Dean (Research) College of Medicine and Public Health.

Early Career Cancer Research Fellowship

Dr Lauren Thurgood was awarded a $240,000 SA Beat Cancer Project Early Career Cancer Research Fellowship for her project Metabolic reprogramming of B-lymphocytes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia:  a new therapeutic strategy?.

"In this complex and difficult funding environment I feel truly appreciative of organisations like the Cancer Council that work hard generate research funding as well as the donors. I also appreciate the backing of the SA Department of Health for supporting medical research in SA," said Lauren.

Lauren's research findings to date have discovered how cells from a common blood cancer called Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) utilise energy sources to stay alive. With a median age at diagnosis of 70, it is a disease that will become more prevalent with Australia's aging population. The support from the Cancer Council will allow the preliminary work from the past 5-years to be further explored and translated to have benefits to patients. Such benefits include an understanding of what microscopic changes drive leukaemia that will predict disease course.

"We aim to develop new therapies that target energy pathways in a hope to slow or ultimately, halt cancer cell growth. The applicability of this work is so much wider than just blood cancers, as all cancers require superior energy requirements to thrive," said Lauren.

"This funding will ensure Flinders' continued recognition as having success in translationally driven cancer research. It will see fruitful collaborations at a local and national level with Institutes, Universities and hospitals ,as well as one of the largest cancer hospital/research centres in the world – The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, USA."

Project Grant

Dr Lisa Beatty and her team have been awarded $75,000 SA Beat Cancer Project Grant for the project Can a web-based psychological intervention for women with advanced breast cancer improve well-being and reduce health care use? A randomised controlled trial.

"This funding will enable me to build on research that’s been underway for 12 years – it’s the first time that an online program has been developed for women with metastatic breast cancer. There is a high need for this unique world first program," said Lisa.

"This is a high impact project that, based on our previous research, has the potential for national and international reach. We are working together with the Breast Cancer Network of Australia and Cancer Council SA, along with Southern Adelaide Local Health Network so we will see  fast translation into clinical and community practice."

The international project team includes Professor Bogda Koczwara, Professor Phyllis Butow - University of Sydney, Professor Afaf Girgis - University of New South Wales, Professor Penelope Schofield - Swinburne University of Technology, Professor Jane Turner - University of Queensland, Professor Nick Hulbert-Williams - University of Chester (UK), Dr Joseph Coll - University of Sydney, and Associate Professor Billingsley Kaamwa.

Travel Grants

Ms Ashleigh Hocking, Research Assistant at FCIC, has been awarded a Travel Grant to support her research into the treatment of mesothelioma.

Dr Emma Kemp, Research Associate at FCIC, has also been awarded a Travel Grant to further her research into the care needs of breast cancer survivors and their caregivers.

Beat Cancer Professorial Chair

Launch of the 2018 Beat Cancer Project grants, (L-R): Alana Sparrow, Cancer Council SA General Manager, Services, Research and Public Policy; Professor Ross McKinnon, Flinders University; Lincoln Size, Cancer Council SA Chief Executive; The Hon Peter Malinauskas, Minister for Health; Professor Tim Hughes, SAHMRI; and Professor David Roder, University of South Australia

Professor Ross McKinnon, Director of FCIC, has received $1 million to continue his role as the Beat Cancer Professorial Chair for Flinders University. Ross will continue to work on innovative prevention, early intervention and treatment strategies for all cancers through looking at optimising drug therapy in solid tumours.

Clinical Trial Enhancement Grant

Dr Ganessan Kichenadasse and Professor Chris Karapetis from FCIC, are co-investigators on a $280,000 Clinical Trial Enhancement Grant (Network (SACTN)) led by Dr Dagmara Poprawski from Country Health SA. This Network will introduce a clinical cancer trial model to Mount Gambier Hospital in an effort to address the gap in access and availability of therapy options in country areas. Flinders Medical Centre will act as the primary site for patients participating in cancer trials, and the Mount Gambier Hospital will act as the satellite site.

"It is hoped that a pilot project will demonstrate successful implementation, with high standard of governance and quality of care. This will allow a future roll out of other regional and rural cancer centre sites to be inducted into this model. The lessons learnt will ensure that future care can be delivered in a seamless, coordinated, and high standard manner, including conventional and trial therapies," said Dagmara.

Since 2011, Cancer Council SA has partnered with SA Health, The University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the University of South Australia, and South Australia’s flagship research facility, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) to fund Cancer Council’s Beat Cancer Project.

Pawel Skuza, the Flinders University Statistical Consultant, can provide training and support to staff and HDR students in a variety of areas relating to statistics.

Pawel provides statistical one-to-one consultations and assistance in areas of their research that requires the use of statistical methods. He also conducts statistically orientated workshops and helps staff and students to apply for restricted access data from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Department of Social Services (DSS) and Eurostat. Additionally, he provides technical support for the IBM SPSS and NVivo licences as well as looking after a stand-alone PC with Specialised Statistical Software.

University-wide access to quantitative and qualitative online research methodology training, conducted by the Center for the Advancement of Research Methods and Analysis’ (CARMA), is also currently available. Made available through the International Video Library Program, a range of more than 120 free recorded lectures are available, addressing many aspects of research. The full list of lectures is published here. Researchers can also obtain a 50% discount on CARMA short courses scheduled for April 2018, including ‘Mixed Methods and Qualitative Comparative Analysis’, ‘Introduction to Research Methods’ and ‘Intermediate Regression’.

For more information on all the above, staff and HDR students are invited to email pawel.skuza@flinders.edu.au.

A list of workshops relating to Statistics available for Flinders staff and HDR students is available here.

A flyer with detailed information on the Statistical Consultant and his services is available here - Statistical Consulting & SPSS - Flyer

The National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation (NFMRI)’s funding seeks to support the translation of biomedical research projects that have strong potential in addressing unmet community needs. Funding provided by NFMRI is very different from other foundations and traditional funding sources, which is why they ask that applicants read more about the Foundation prior to submitting a proposal.

Around the beginning of each calendar year, NFMRI opens its general grant round, which is open nationally and seeks to support innovative biomedical research projects covering all diseases and conditions. From time to time, via our partnerships we are able to offer targeted funding rounds based around our partner’s mission and objectives.

Those interested in applying for NFMRI funding should read more about their strategy and portfolios prior to making a submission. They also encourage potential applicants to attend one of their information sessions across the country, if possible. Their success stories and current grants also provide a good indication as to the types of projects they normally support.

Those interested should consider subscribing to the NFMRI newsletter as this is where all announcements are made.

The following funding opportunities are available with the NFMRI in 2018:

2018 Annual Grant Round - OPEN

Focus: all diseases/conditions, limited to applications that fall within portfolios 2 & 3, open nationally
More information about this grant round can be found here.
Closes: 6pm AEST on Thursday, 29 March 2018 (please note that the RDS internal closing date of 15 March 2018)
EOI form can be found here. Completed EOI forms should be submitted via this link.

Dr John Dixon Hughes Medal for Medical Research Innovation - OPEN

Nominations for a researcher under the age of 45 for outstanding contribution towards the development and advancement of a biomedical innovation related to the nature, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and incidence of disease and other health problems that have a significant impact on the health of humans. The medal will be awarded with a prize of $50,000 in the form of a grant.

Closes: 6pm AEST on Monday, 30 April 2018 (please note that the RDS internal closing date of 16 April 2018) For assistance in preparing the nomination, please contact Dr Marina Delpin.
Information about the award and the nomination process can be found here.
Read more about the previous award recipients here.
Completed nominations should be submitted via this link.

Emerging Infectious Diseases Grant Round - OPEN

Together with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, NFMRI is looking to support one or more projects, over up to three years, investigating infectious diseases that are transmitted between animals and humans.

Focus: emerging zoonotic infectious diseases, applications that fall within portfolios 1, 2 & 3, open nationally but research must be of benefit to NSW.
More information about this grant round can be found here.
Closes: 6pm AEST on Thursday, 29 March 2018 (please note that the RDS internal closing date of 15 March 2018).
Infectious diseases EOI form can be found here. Completed EOI forms should be submitted via this link

Alzheimer’s Disease Grant Round - OPEN

As part of our partnership with The Mason Foundation (managed by Equity Trustees), NFMRI will be seeking EOIs for projects investigating potential treatments and/or cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Focus: Alzheimer’s Disease, applications that fall within portfolios 1, 2 & 3, open nationally.
More information about this grant round can be found here.
Opens: Wednesday, 4 April 2018.
Closes: 6pm AEST on Thursday, 31 May 2018 (please note that the RDS internal closing date of 17 May 2018).
Forms available here.

The 2019 Australian Academy of Science (AAS) Awards are now open.

The closing date for nominations for honorific awards is 1 May 2018 and that nominations/applications for research conferences, research awards and travelling fellowships are due by 1 June 2018. Please note these are the external closing dates. The Flinders internal closing date is 10 working days prior, and for assistance in preparing the nominations/applications, please contact Dr Marina Delpin.

Each year the Australian Academy of Science shines a light on researchers who have made outstanding contributions to science through our honorific awards. They want your help to find the next recipients of the AAS honorific awards. By nominating or encouraging scientists to nominate, you are helping the AAS recognise remarkable achievements in research fields including Earth sciences, biology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, experimental biomedicine, genetics and more.

For further information you can download the awards fact sheet. Information on eligibility criteria and nomination or application process is available on the website at www.science.org.au/opportunities.

Are you interested in presenting your clinical or research innovations to rural health practitioners?

Flinders University Rural Health SA are proud sponsors of the Rural Health Professional Networks which include medical, allied health, nursing, public health and administration staff from private, public and NGO sectors. They would like to hear from our Flinders metro-based colleagues who would like to engage, inform and entertain rural health professionals at one of the monthly gatherings. Face-to-face and video conference options are available for participants and presenters.

Flinders University Rural Health SA have six learning hubs in located in the Barossa Valley, Mount Gambier, Riverland, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor and Burra. Since 2000 Flinders University have invested in infrastructure and people to build strong collaborative relationships with rural practitioners.

Please contact Dr Elena Rudnik or Jacqui Will to discuss your inclusion in the 2018 calendar of events.

Technology has the ability to transform the way we deliver, monitor and receive care. The impacts are profound from all perspectives, be it the nurse delivering care, the patient receiving care or the economy and industry supporting these technological developments.

Join the Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) on Monday 5 March 2018 to hear from four renown speakers who will each talk from a different perspective about how technology can transform care, what technology considerations are relevant for today and the economic benefits for South Australia.

When: 5:00  - 7:00 PM

Where: Theatre 1, Flinders University at Tonsley, 1284 South Road, Tonsley, SA

RSVP: by Thursday 1 March 2018. FREE to attend but registration essential.

Guest Speakers

Professor Alison Kitson, Vice President and Executive Dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Rob Dimonte, NDIS Coordinator General, South Australian Department of State Development

Jan Van Emden, Business Manager Research & Development, Helping Hand

David Hobbs, Rehabilitation Engineer, Medical Device Research Institute

The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) has widened the scope of its fellowship program and will now accept applications from qualified young scientists at leading universities and research centers around the world who wish to receive training in fundamental immunology or tumor immunology.

The CRI Irvington Fellowship is currently open and it furthers career development and supports laboratory research for promising young scientists working under the mentorship of leading immunologists. Funding is available for USD $175,500 over three years, and the internal RDS deadline for applications is 19 March 2018.

In recent years, significant advances in immunotherapy have yielded major breakthroughs in cancer treatment. CRI recognises however that getting to the next great breakthrough will require continued investment in fundamental research and training. The Institute is seeking hypothesis-driven, mechanistic studies in both immunology and tumor immunology that aim to directly impact our understanding of the immune system’s role in cancer.

For more information, including how to apply, visit the CRI website.

Applications for the South Australian Space Industry Centre’s Scholarship Program are now open.

The four-year scholarship program is provided under the Space Innovation Fund and aims to support the development of space entrepreneurship by offering scholarships to postgraduates with relevant qualifications in science, technology, engineering, law, medicine, IT, economics and business.

Each scholarship is worth up to $20,000. Successful applicants will use the funding to develop their leadership skills, experience and knowledge in the space sector through education, and/or training at space-related organisations.

Applications must be received via email no later than Friday 27 April 2018. Submissions will be assessed by a selection committee, and successful applicants will be notified by Friday 18 May 2018.

For more information and to apply, visit the Space Innovation Fund website.

The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science's Entrepreneurs' Programme is please to announce a Panel Seminar and Q&A session with key experts in the Biotech/Medtech/Pharma Sector.

This event is open for any Biotech/Medtech/Pharma SME to attend, so don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to hear from subject matter experts and engage in a conversation about the rewards and challenges of developing a successful business in the sector. Flinders staff and students in the requisite areas are also invited to attend.

When: Wednesday, 18 April 2018
Where: Deloitte Adelaide, 11 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Time: 9:30am – 1:30pm

Register for the event at the eventbrite page.

For more information on this event, please contact Julie White on 0412 357 891.

As a result of the MOU signed between AINSE, ANSTO and the Embassy of France in Australia in 2017, PhD students from AINSE Member Universities, which include Flinders University, have the opportunity to participate in an internship in France. Applications are now open and close on 1 May 2018. Please contact the Scholarships Office for further information on how to apply as a Flinders student.

The SAAFE program objective is to facilitate and enhance bilateral collaborative research in nuclear science and engineering between Australia and France. The program supports early career researchers at PhD level to expand research and innovation activities within Human Health, Environment and Nuclear Fuel Cycle, to initiate sustainable research networks and linkages to support Australian and French research and innovation.

Applicants must be:

• A PhD student currently enrolled in a French or AINSE member university; OR
• Enrolled in a PhD in collaboration between French and Australian institutions

AND

• Carrying out a research project which stimulates research collaboration between France and Australian in the following areas:
  • Human Health Research
  • Environmental Research
  • Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Application form and terms and conditions can be found on the AINSE website. For enquires and further information contact the friendly staff at AINSE: ainse@ainse.edu.au | +61 9717 3376

Are you an ECR in the sciences including engineering, mathematics, medical research and technology? Then, please join us at a presentation about the 2018 Tall Poppy Awards.

The Tall Poppy Campaign recognises the achievements of Australian scientists through the prestigious annual Young Tall Poppy Science Awards. This initiative has made significant achievements towards building a more publicly engaged scientific leadership in Australia.

Camille Thomson, Tall Poppy Campaign General manager, and 2017 SA Tall Poppy Flinders’ Dr Lisa Beatty, will be presenting and explain this opportunity, its benefits and how to apply.

When: Tuesday, 27 February 2018, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Where: Flinders Council Room (Room 225), Registry Building, Bedford Park Campus

RSVP: nikki.johnson@flinders.edu.au for catering purposes.

Nominate a deserving scientist; a promising early-career researcher; an unsung innovator; or your favourite science teacher for national recognition.

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science have opened for nominations on 21 February – with a total prize pool of $750,000 across seven prizes.

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science is an element of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme. The prizes recognise the achievements and success of Australian scientists and innovators to both Australia and internationally, as well as the critical role science educators play in inspiring and encouraging students to take an interest in science and consider science as a career.

The prizes are:

• $250,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science
• $250,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation
• $50,000 Prize for New Innovators
• $50,000 Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year
• $50,000 Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year
• $50,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools
• $50,000 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools

There are several changes to the Prizes in 2018, which can be viewed at the link below.

Nominees for the Prize for New Innovators don’t need to have changed the world (yet)... but they do need to have made good progress towards successful commercialisation, which has the potential to enhance our economy.

For eligibility, selection criteria, nomination guidelines and forms, visit: www.business.gov.au/scienceprizes

Registrations are now open for the 13th Quality in Postgraduate Research conference, which will be held at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide, South Australia between 17 and 19 April 2018.

Quality in Postgraduate Research (QPR) is the world’s biggest & longest-standing conference on doctoral education. This year's theme will be on Impact, Engagement, and Doctoral Education. Held every two years in Adelaide, South Australia, QPR brings together educational researchers, policy makers, university leaders, research students, and research degree supervisors for the purpose of better understanding the processes, practices, pedagogies, and theoretical frameworks of doctoral education.

Doctoral education is an integral part of most countries’ economic and social development strategies, an integral part of their innovation strategies and, for some, a key contributor to export earnings.

Registration fees are being held at 2012 prices with Early-bird rates available until 17 February 2018. To register for the conference, visit the QPR website.

Proposals are now open for researchers and research groups looking for beam time at the neutron-beam instruments and facilities at Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering and National Deuteration Facility.

The deadline for proposals is 15 March for beam time between July and December 2018. Proposals must be submitted using the ANSTO on-line system, http://neutron.ansto.gov.au/.

• For single visit proposals for neutron and X-ray instruments, select round “2018-2 Neutron”
• For 3-year program proposals for neutron instruments, select “2018-2 Neutron Program”
• For National Deuteration Facility proposals, select round"2018-2 Deuteration”

The neutron-beam instruments and facilities available are:

ECHIDNA (high-resolution powder diffractometer)

WOMBAT (high-intensity powder diffractometer)

KOALA (Laue diffractometer)

KOWARI (strain scanner)

DINGO (neutron radiography/tomography/imaging)

PLATYPUS (reflectometer)

QUOKKA (pinhole small-angle-neutron scattering)

BILBY (TOF small-angle-neutron scattering)

KOOKABURRA (ultra-small-angle neutron scattering)

TAIPAN (thermal-neutron 3-axis spectrometer)

Beryllium-filter option on TAIPAN

SIKA (cold-neutron 3-axis spectrometer)

PELICAN (cold-neutron time-of-flight spectrometer)

EMU (high-resolution backscattering spectrometer)

Biological and Chemical Deuteration (at the National Deuteration Facility)

Small-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray reflectometry (in conjunction with QUOKKA or PLATYPUS)

Physical Properties Measurement System (only in collaborative mode with ANSTO staff)

Important notes:

• Applicants should note that the proposal system will not allow a proposal to be submitted if you have outstanding experimental reports.
• Applicants should ensure that any publications resulting from beamtime at ANSTO are entered into the proposal system and linked to the related proposal(s). The peer review panels will take these into consideration when reviewing the proposals.
• Applicants should ideally discuss their proposal with the appropriate Instrument Scientist before submitting.

The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) has opened their call for Expressions of Interest by Australian interdisciplinary research teams to apply for a $100,000 grant to investigate data collection and consumer profiling practices in Australia. The Expressions of Interest close on 16 March 2018.

The CPRC is offering this grant because they believe that Australia is currently lagging behind other countries in building a deeper understanding of the impacts of 'big data' collection and consumer profiling. Even as global consulting groups and international experts are highlighting the need to carefully consider how we manage consumer data, active discussion around the implications for Australia has been limited.

Sophisticated marketing strategies, advanced profiling techniques and powerful machine learning technologies are profoundly changing consumer markets. These advancements are moving much faster than policy and regulation. While some aspects of data collection and consumer profiling can improve user experience and assist in the delivery of more relevant content, other indications are that the trend towards personalisation can increase inequality and exclusion.

Preference will be given to applications that:

• Bring together an interdisciplinary team of experts across the fields which may include: e-commerce, choice architecture / behavioural science, microeconomics, consumer policy & law or data ethics & privacy
• Produce new qualitative and quantitative datasets within the identified research field
• Avoid duplication of existing research, and
• Maximise impact with practical policy and practice implications.
  

All details of the grant program, including all closing dates, are available at the CPRC website.

The world needs science and science needs women. Applications for the 2018 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Australian & New Zealand Fellowships are now open.

Each year the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program recognises the achievements of outstanding female scientists in over 100 countries. Since 1998 over 2,500 women have been awarded Fellowships to support their continued research.

There are five $25,000 Fellowships (four Australian and one New Zealand) available. Applicants within five years of completing their PhD (not including career breaks) are welcome from a variety of fields including life sciences, clinical and health sciences, material sciences, physical sciences, mathematics or engineering.

Applications opened on Monday 29 January and will close at midnight Monday 12 March.

The application form and more information about the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Australian & New Zealand program can be found at www.forwomeninscience.com.au.

Australian Government CRC Project (CRC-P) grants opened on Thursday 8 February. These grants target short-term industry-led collaborative research projects that will develop products, services or processes to deliver tangible outcomes and commercial benefits to participants and their industry sectors.

Grants of up to $3 million are on offer for businesses, industries and research organisations to work together to develop practical solutions to challenges in industry.

Applications to the fifth CRC-P round close in March, with funding outcomes expected to be announced in June 2018.

Mary Lyons, Senior Grants Officer, is Flinders’ Research Development and Support contact for all CRC-P related enquiries and applications.

Information related to CRC-P grants and details of previous recipients are available at www.business.gov.au/crc-p.

Does your innovation have the potential to change our future? Is it making a difference to your community? For the past 25 years, the iAwards has unearthed, recognised and rewarded excellence in Australian innovation that is making a difference and has the potential to create positive change for the community – whether it be at home, in the office and on a global scale.

iAwards submissions are accepted from innovators across the whole Australian economy, whether you are an individual, a group, a government or private organisation or a student. Entries close 8 March 2018 for all except the student awards which close on 3 April 2018. Postgraduate Tertiary students should nominate in the main iAwards Organisation Categories (the 8 March 2018 closing date).

Entries are judged on a state level, where iAwards winners and merit recipients at the state level proceed to become National Finalists, competing at the pinnacle event of the iAwards calendar: the National iAwards. View the judging process here. Further information on the categories and the application process is available at the iAwards webpage. Please read the Terms and Conditions as there are entry fees associated with entering these awards, except for the students section.

Applications for the Australia China Young Scientists Exchange Program (YSEP) opened on Monday 5 February. YSEP is a joint governmental initiative funded by the Australian Department of Industry, Innovation and Science and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). It is supported by the Australia-China Science and Research Fund.

Up to 16 Australian researchers will be selected and funded to undertake a two-week tailored program of visits in China, from 28 October - 9 November 2018. A maximum of three applications per institution are allowed. Mary Lyons is coordinating the applications from Flinders.

YSEP funds an annual exchange of Australian and Chinese early to mid-career researchers in the fields of science, technology and medicine. It is open to researchers in academia / research institutes and to researchers in business / industry.

The program aims to:

• Increase early to mid-career Australian and Chinese researchers understanding of the cultures, particularly the science and research practices and systems, of the two countries
• Develop the researchers’ leadership skills as future ‘science ambassadors’ for Australia and China
• Provide a catalyst for long-tem, sustainable Australia-China research collaboration

YSEP also provides participants with exposure to higher order issues outside their scientific/technical specialty, including science and technology policy and best practice research management. Participants’ travel, accommodation and associated living costs will be covered by the program.

Contact Mary Lyons for more details, including the guidelines, application form, and closing date for Flinders applications.

Applications for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) 2018 Seeding Grants Program are now open. These grants are for new researchers working on new or established research projects. The internal closing date is Wednesday 7 March 2018.

There are a total of three Seeding Grants available, with a maximum amount of $12,000 for each.  Application forms and guidelines are now available on the APA website.

The purpose of the Seeding Grants is to help new researchers begin a research career. Applications are considered predominantly on the basis of scientific merit, rather than the applicant’s research record. Inexperienced researchers are advised that collaboration with an associate investigator who has current experience in the relevant research area will enhance the likelihood of a project receiving funding.

Please note that Seeding Grants are highly competitive. In 2017, three were awarded representing a success rate of approximately 9%. The successful applicants had on average one publication in peer reviewed journals at the time of the grant submission and one conference presentation.