Research Development and Support welcomes all staff and Higher Degree Research students to 2018. HDRs are now receiving Inspiring Research, the online research communiqué that covers engagement and impact, new opportunities, including seminars, workshops and conferences. Communicating your research successes and sharing this inspiration is what Inspiring Research strives for. Our final communique for 2017 featured a recap of the excellent research from Flinders in 2017.

In this edition we continue our Flinders’ Early Career Researcher spotlight series, announce the 2018 Building Research Leaders program, and look into why the little penguins population is declining on Granite Island.

With increased focus on research impact and communication we are also bringing Scimex to your attention, a database of expert Australian researcher contacts for journalists in New Zealand and Australia. Flinders researchers are encouraged to participate in this valuable tool that links research experts to journalists and the media.

On Thursday 24 January 2018, Professor Peter Catcheside (College of Medicine and Public Health) and Dr Kirsty Hansen (DECRA recipient, College of Science and Engineering) were interviewed on their collaborative research work just after 9 am by David Bevan on ABC Radio Adelaide. You can listen to the interview here, which touches on their recent research funding success that will investigate the effects of wind farm noise on sleep quality.

"The media moves swiftly," Peter said. "I was contacted yesterday afternoon regarding this interview so I immediately contacted Flinders Office of Communication and Engagement – I always filter media requests through Tania Bawden and Karen Ashford. They are a great support and provide fantastic coaching and guidance for how a researcher can clearly communicate their message in talking with the media."

The Flinders University media team should be researchers’ first point of contact to promote their research. Please contact Tania Bawden when you receive news of research grant success or have major research findings accepted for publication. Please do not hesitate to call them – and find more media tips at the webpage here. Last year, the story of Tips from a first time interviewee - David Armstrong, provided some helpful tips and links for researchers, including to the Media Centre for Education Research Australia (MCERA).

Adult little penguin nesting on Troubridge Island
Photography credit: Diane Colombelli-Négrel

Are blood parasites to blame for the little penguin population decline in Australia? This is the question that Dr Diane Colombelli-Négrel is attempting to answer by comparing blood parasite presence across little penguin colonies in Australia.

In South Australia, over the past decade, little penguins (Eudyptula minor) have shown 50-80% population declines. Emigration, low reproductive success and/or predation have been suggested as the reasons, but the impact of parasites has been overlooked.

Parasites can be significant drivers of bird population dynamics. In seabirds, the incidence of blood parasites was believed to be low until recently, but there is now growing evidence of mortality in the wild caused by blood parasites. “The funding from the Sir Mark Mitchell Foundation will allow testing of an unprecedented number of colonies across different states which will help resolving considerable gaps in little penguin parasitology research to date,” said Diane.

Chick little penguins on Granite Island
Photography credit: Vanessa Owens

A 2013 study in Western Australia demonstrated the presence of the blood parasite Haemoproteus spp. within little penguins and mortality due their presence. Using molecular methods, a recent study identified blood parasites (specifically Haemoproteus and Plasmodium spp.) in 86% of the individuals sampled in South Australia, with 80% of the infected individuals having multiple infections. As these discoveries are very recent, it is imperative that additional information on the extent and intensity of these parasites in little penguin populations across a wide range of colonies is ascertained.

In order to do this, Diane, will compare blood parasite presence and species between the South Australian colonies and colonies located in other states. Very little is known about the impact of blood parasites on penguins, and even less on survival or population declines, hence information of this nature is crucial to implement appropriate conservation measures.

Are you a researcher who realises the importance of sharing your research with a wider audience? Maybe you've seen your field of science misrepresented or badly reported in the news. Would you like to be heard when your field of expertise hits the news? Scimex enables researchers to communicate science to the public through the media and is free for experts.

Since it's launch in 2015, Scimex has enabled researchers and journalists to collaborate on effectively communicating research science to a variety of audiences. "SciMex provides a direct link to journalists," said Annie Hastwell, Journalist at the Australian Science Media Centre. "More than 1500 national and international journalists use this database as their first point of call to find scientific experts for media interview and comment."

Registering for Scimex is easy, and for those already registered now is the time to update your profile, ready for a new year of amazing discoveries and stories to tell. "Being registered significantly increases your chance to comment on breaking news and be quoted in the media," said Annie. "When research experts sign up to our database, we will reach out to them whenever their field of expertise is in the news to ask them to provide comment for Expert Reactions. We monitor the coverage these comments receive and keep the researchers informed."

Scimex has an easy to follow registration process where you create your own expert profile listing, and you can promote your research to journalists and add events to the Scimex event listing. Below is an example of an Expert Profile, courtesy of Scimex.

The Flinders Media Officer contact is Tania Bawden, Journalist (Research) Office of Communication and Engagement. Tania can also be contacted via mobile on 0434 101 516. Karen Ashford, Director - Media and Communications in the Office of Communication and Engagement, can also be contacted for assistance and advice in media training (M: 0427 398 713).

Where to go if you are contacted by the media?

The Office of Communication and Engagement at Flinders offers media training in group and one-on-one sessions. Contact the Office of Communication and Engagement as your first point of call if you have been contacted by the media.

Other handy media links

The Conversation has experienced journalists and editors who can provide assistance and advice to those wanting to start out or improve their writing communication skills in respect to print media. Flinders is a supporter of The Conversation and encourages our academics to get involved.

The Media Centre for Education Research Australia (MCERA) assists in improving the quality of research-informed education reporting.

Science Media Savvy provides some excellent top tips for researchers.

The first animals that crawled out of water and onto land – the greatest step in evolution - had many obstacles to overcome. Multiple physical changes had to occur for these vertebrates to survive on land, including developing limbs from fins, having lungs with which to breathe air and the first appearance of fingers and toes.

The many anatomical changes to their skeleton have been well-studied, but there is less known about the changes in the brain that accompanied this transition. This group of fish are some of our earliest ancestors, and identifying changes in the shape of their brains goes in part to understanding our very own evolutionary history.

Changes in brain shape reflect reliance on various sensory abilities, and can help pinpoint the origins of certain behaviours. For example, some dinosaur skulls show “flight-ready” adaptations (large expansions for regions relating to information processing and motor control), suggesting that these dinosaurs had already evolved the capability for flight before the origin of birds. My research aims to identify similar changes at the critical juncture as fish moved from water to land, using modern scanning technology and 3D modelling software in conjunction with exceptionally-preserved 3D fossil material and living fishes. So far we have revealed that the trends that characterise lungfish brains today can be traced all the way back to the Devonian, over 400 million years ago.

Alice’s article describing the new technique for reconstructing brains in fossil animals can be accessed at Royal Society Open Science.

Dr Alice Clement

Dr Alice Clement is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Vertebrate Palaeontology Group at Flinders University. Her current research focusses on the first terrestrial vertebrates and their closest fish relatives. Alice uses exceptionally-preserved three-dimensional (3D) fossils from the Devonian “Age of Fishes” as well as living fishes to identify changes in the bodies of these animals as they made the greatest step in evolution, the first transition from water to land almost 400 million years ago.

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate
College: Science and Engineering
Campus: Bedford Park
E: alice.clement@flinders.edu.au
T: +61 8 8201 3498

This is a new feature for Inspiring Research where we profile Flinders’ Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in our ECR Spotlight. This initiative will appear regularly and aims to connect our research community and strengthen research communications within the University. You will get insight into who our ECRs are and how their research and achievements are making a difference.

The featured ECRs welcome dialogue, debate, and conversation and we hope that it may shape future intra-, inter- and/or trans-disciplinary collaboration with Flinders’ colleagues. Please feel free to comment on their spotlight, and/or contact them directly. Also, you can contact the ECR Spotlight coordinator, Dr Marina Delpin, with your queries and comments.

Applications are now open for the 2018 Building Research Leaders Program - a strategy to support the development of skills, knowledge and attitudes required to become a research leader. This program is targeted at researchers who are 5+ years post-PhD and consists of six face-to-face sessions, run from March to October.

In 2018 ECRs will meet with their Dean (Research) to discuss and develop their application, which includes aims, goals and a plan to implement learnings into everyday practice. This approach is intended to encourage holistic, achievable, supported research career planning and development for each program participant.

The application form can be downloaded from the Building Research Leaders program webpage.

Please contact Marina Delpin, Program Manager: Researcher Professional Development, if you have any queries.

Building Research Leaders Program 2018 flyer

Science Pathways is Australia’s premier conference for career development for Early and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCR). In 2018 Diversify your thinking will offer an interactive program focusing on: how to achieve equity in STEM; how to access to funding from non-traditional sources; and key considerations for interdisciplinary research. This meeting aims to engage Australia's EMCRs, across all disciplines and from around the country in active discussion. The EMCR Forum wants to learn more about the specific challenges researchers face and, with them, devise some possible solutions—both aspirational and practical.

The EMCR Forum’s fifth national meeting, Science Pathways 2018: Diversify your Thinking, will be held in Brisbane at the Mercure Hotel on 23 - 24 April 2018. Early bird registrations are available now.

The EMCR Forum is committed to supporting equity, diversity and inclusion. They are offering two programs to support attendance:

• Theo Murphy Grants cover all the main cost of attendance including registration, accommodation and travel.
• Carer Grants offer a small sum to offset the increased costs associated with caring that may result from attendance.

Read more about these schemes and apply by 25 February.

AusBiotech, in partnership with Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), KPMG, DibbsBarker and WE Buchan, has developed a Roadmap to a successful IPO for life sciences companies (the Roadmap), which is aimed at preparing life sciences companies for the unique challenges of an IPO. The Roadmap is one of the three main components of the MTPConnect-funded ‘Comprehensive Global Investment Program for the Australian Life Sciences Sector – companies, investors and researchers’ project.

Listing on ASX is a common pathway for life sciences companies. The Roadmap publication and complementary seminars will provide companies with independent expert information specific to the life sciences sector about listing on ASX. These Roadmap seminars are predominantly aimed at life sciences companies that are investor-ready or planning to become investor-ready.

Join experts from the AusBiotech consortium partners, as well as experienced CEOs and CFOs in Sydney and Melbourne to connect and learn more about the IPO process. The expert speakers will touch on topics including IPO preparation from a company perspective, IPO planning from a financial and legal perspective as well as from a broking and investor relations perspective. There will also be a panel discussion on the unique challenges and requirements of operating as a listed company followed by a Q&A session.

Networking breakfast will be provided post-presentations at the event.

Register for the Melbourne seminar to be held on Wednesday 21 March 2018, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, at KPMG Melbourne, Level 36, Collins Square, 727 Collins St .

Register for the Sydney seminar to be held on Thursday 22 March 2018, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, at ASX Sydney, Exchange Square, 18 Bridge St.

Seminars are tentatively set (pending numbers) for Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. If you are interested in attending a session, please send in an EOI ASAP.

• Brisbane - Wednesday 21 March 2018, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
• Adelaide - Tuesday 27 March 2018, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  
• Perth - Wednesday 28 March 2018, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  

Enquiries should be directed to Dr Janet Yeo, National Projects Manager.

The Brazilian Federal Agency for Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) is undergoing a major reformulation of its funding strategies for supporting postgraduate programs in Brazil. As part of this reformulation, Brazilian institutions are being encouraged to partner with international higher education institutions and research centres, in order to develop joint research and to promote academic and student mobility at the postgraduate level.

The Program for Institutional Internationalisation of the higher education institutions and research institutions of Brazil (PrInt) was launched in November of 2017. PrInt is conceived as a yearly public call, open to all higher education institutions and research centers registered at CAPES.

This new program aims to foster the internationalisation by Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEI) to improve the impact of their postgraduate courses. Any application to PrInt must have at least one foreign member linked to a higher education institution abroad. To this end, Australia has been selected as one of the priority countries with which Brazilian institutions are encouraged to establish partnerships.

Under this new program framework, student mobility initiatives will be organised by higher education institutions in line with their strategic plans for the internationalisation of postgraduate courses and development of priority research areas (which must be aligned with the Institution’s Strategic Plan for Internationalisation). The program will initially be funded by CAPES’ budget for a first wave of up to 40 selected projects. Despite the budgetary restrictions imposed by the Federal Government on all public institutions in Brazil, the institutions benefited by the program will not be affected. Other sources of funding, whether from public or private institutions or domestic or international partners, may be used by the Proposing Institutions to supplement CAPES’ financing for the proposed Internationalisation Institutional Project.

It is important to highlight that to be eligible for PrInt funds, higher education institutions or research institutes must have at least four postgraduate programs recommended by CAPES, among which there must be at least 2 (two) with doctorate courses. In order to ensure the design of a coordinated internationalisation strategy, each institution must submit only one proposal per call, which must be directly managed by the Postgraduate Pro-Rector of the Proponent Institution. There must also be an identified Management Group of the Institutional Internationalisation Project formed by professors who are advisors in stricto sensu postgraduate programs, with permanent employment in the Proponent Institution and academic leadership and international experience in the areas defined as a priority. There must also at least one foreign member linked to a higher education institution abroad.

The specific objectives of this new approach through PrInt are to:

• Foster the construction, implementation and consolidation of strategic plans for internationalisation of the institutions in priority knowledge areas;
• Stimulate the formation of international research networks with a view to improving the quality of academic production linked to postgraduate studies;
• Expand the actions to support internationalisation in the postgraduate courses of participating institutions;
• Promote the mobility of lecturers and students, with an emphasis on doctoral students, postdoctoral students, Brazilian lecturers abroad and foreign lecturers in Brazil, linked to stricto sensu postgraduate programs with international cooperation;
• Foster the transformation of participating institutions into an international environment; and
• Integrate other CAPES development actions into the internationalisation effort.
  

By creating specific incentives for higher education institutions, CAPES expects to: improve the quality of Brazilian academic publications, especially in internationally renowned scientific journals; establish international postgraduate programs in Brazilian higher education institutions; and integrate Brazilian professors and researchers into worldwide research networks.

In order to apply for CAPES financial support, the Brazilian higher education institutions must show a clear commitment to internationalisation through their policies and strategies in collaboration with foreign partners, creating strong institutional ties abroad and developing joint sources of funding for this collaboration. To this end, Australia has been selected as one of the priority countries with which Brazilian institutions are encouraged to establish partnerships.

The following items are eligible to be financed:

• International travel for Brazilian professors, researchers or students to carry out collaboration, research and teaching activities abroad;
• Overseas scholarships for foreigners or for Brazilians living abroad to carry out research or teaching activities in Brazilian higher education institutions;
• Support for International Cooperation projects and publishing in high impact international journals; and
• Junior and senior visiting professors, as well as training in short courses or summer/winter schools abroad or in Brazil.

Estimated timetable for 2017 call: 

Further information can be accessed at: http://www.capes.gov.br/cooperacao-internacional/multinacional/programa-institucional-de-internacionalizacao-capes-print

For direct queries: print@capes.gov.br

This is a call for expressions of interest from researchers interested in collaboration opportunities arising as part of the federally funded program, Farming Together. Farming Together is a $14,934,000 Federal Government initiative that aims to provide farmers, fishers and foresters with knowledge, skills and materials on collaborative ideas, co-operative structures and collective strategies. As the program continues into 2018, they are looking to establish a strong network of research collaborators across the country. 

Researchers from all disciplines with an interest in applied agricultural research (and related fields) are encouraged to register. Potential projects are available nationwide in a variety of research areas & agricultural industries, and opportunities continue to arise as new applicants come into the program.

To register your interest, complete your details using the link below. Your details will be categorised by research area so please ensure you include all areas of academic capability and/or interest. Follow this link to Register: Register here

The British Academy is inviting applications from academics with the opportunity to be based at a UK higher education or other research institution for up to six months. Applications are sought from academics active at any career stage and in any discipline within the humanities and social sciences. Visiting Fellows will work with colleagues at UK host institutions in order to develop new research collaborations and/or deepen existing partnerships.

Applications must be submitted online using the British Academy’s Flexi-Grant system. For further information, please refer to the scheme notes, which are available on the British Academy website. The application deadline is Wednesday 31 January 2018, 17:00 UK time, for the Fellows application and the Host institution approval deadline is Thursday 1 February 2018, 17:00 UK time.

It is expected that approximately 60 Visiting Fellowships will be supported under this scheme with the current call. Through the Visiting Fellowships the Academy aims to:

• Enhance and build new links between scholars anywhere in the world and in the UK;
• Foster opportunities and develop future partnerships for collaborative research in the humanities and the social sciences, and enable academics from across the globe to undertake research and/or professional development with UK colleagues;
• Strengthen the UK’s research base in the humanities and the social sciences.

Further information on the scheme, including eligibility requirements, value and duration and other FAQs are available on the British Academy website.

Research Professional (RP) is a powerful funding opportunities search engine and database, which allows users to create and save their own custom searches for national and worldwide funding opportunities. Flinders holds a site licence for RP and all staff and students are able to access RP via Okta.

The calendar for 2018 for online broadcast training sessions for RP is now available. These one hour sessions are great for new and existing users to keep up to date with the latest developments, and also get a refresher on the best ways to use RP and how to find funding efficiently. Information on the sessions and links to the registration are available on the Searching for Funding page.

Alternatively, Nikki Johnson and Mary Lyons from Research Development and Support are able to provide assistance on queries about RP and one-on-one and/or group training for Flinders researchers. Contact Nikki at nikki.johnson@flinders.edu.au in the first instance.

Do you want financial support for short or long-term stays in Dresden for scientific, professional and cultural exchange with Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden)? Are you an academic working in diabetes or depression research projects? Or are you a professional staff member who will provide support to promote collaborative partnerships and/or joint projects between TU Dresden and Flinders? If you are any of these, support is now available through the Scientific and Administrative Staff Mobility 2018 program.

Over the past five years, Flinders and TU Dresden have conducted leading-edge international health and medical research, promoted staff and student mobility exchanges, and health professional education opportunities. This, and other collaborative engagement partnerships with TU Dresden, has now led to the creation of the Scientific and Administrative Staff Mobility 2018 program. Applications for the program close 16 February 2018.

Funding is available for €89 per day for up to 22 days, or €2,000 per month to cover living expenses plus €1,200 once for travel costs. Applications are sought for:

• The development of new or continuation of ongoing projects in the field of diabetes or depression
• Preparation of applications for third-­‐party funds for joint projects
• Initiation of joint projects within the partnership, e.g. in research support, fundraising, student & staff exchange, etc.
• Professional and cultural exchange on administrative level, e.g.via job shadowing

Applications are to be submitted, with the following documents, via email to Mr Felix Klee, Department for Development and International Affairs, Carl Gustav Carus School of Medicine at TU Dresden, felix.klee@tu-­dresden.de:

• Letter of motivation/project outline (short description of your current position, proposed outcomes, expected benefit from the stay, proposed schedule for the planned stay, previous connections to TU Dresden);
• Declaration of consent signed by your manager; and, if possible,
  
• Letter of invitation of the corresponding partner at TU Dresden

Support Documentation

Staff Mobility 2018 program overview

Professional Staff project suggestions for Staff Mobility 2018 program

TU Dresden contacts overview

Queries or assistance with the application submission for the program can be sought at Flinders from Dr Stephanie Agius, Research Development Coordinator, Research Development and Support. Stephanie can be contacted by email: stephanie.agius@flinders.edu.au, phone: extn 2505 or mobile: 0432 973 853.

The second tranche of the Department of Social Services Try, Test and Learn Fund is now open for grant applications. Using insights from the Australian Priority Investment Approach to Welfare, the $96.1 million Try, Test and Learn Fund is delivering trials of new or innovative approaches to assist some of the most vulnerable in society into stable, sustainable employment.

This second tranche will have a continuously open grant application period until 28 September 2018, which will allow individuals and organisations to submit proposals at any time.

Tranche two of the Try, Test and Learn Fund will support groups at risk of long-term welfare dependence, including the four priority groups identified below, to improve their workforce participation or capacity to work. Information on tranche one and the Fund are available at the Department of Social Services website. For more information on tranche two and the priority groups, or to submit a grant application, visit the Community Grants Hub or GrantConnect.

The four priority groups are:

• Newstart Allowance recipients aged 50 and over (with a focus on those who have been out of the workforce for longer than 12 months)
• Migrants and refugees aged 16-64 and receiving income support
• Carers aged 16-64 and receiving Carer Payment
• At-risk young people aged 16-21 and receiving income support.

If you're keen to give your brain a bit of a jump start, there are still places left, and time to enrol in one of the Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Inc's (ACSPRI) intensive short courses at the University of Melbourne this Summer. Running across 5 days, these ACSPRI courses are practical, small group (maximum of 20 people), hands on and run from fundamentals to advanced levels. Flinders University is a member organisation of ACSPRI, so all Flinders staff and students can access the member prices for these courses.

Coursesare aimed at improving researchers knowledge and skills around qualitative data, analysis, statistical procedures, data collection, and social network research, and include. Courses available for the week of 29 January 2018 include: Foundations of Qualitative Methodologies, Data Collection and Analysis; Fundamentals of Statistics; and Introduction to Social Network Research. The courses available from 5 February 2018 include: Applied Statistical Procedures; Qualitative Research: Design, Analysis and Representation; and courses on Nvivo and AMOS.

The full list of courses, information on the synopsis, presenters, and prerequistes are available at the ACSPRI website. You can also contact ACSPRI at info@acspri.org.au or 03 8376 6496, if you have any further questions.

The Department of Defence DST Group are seeking proposals from industry, academia and government research agencies to contribute to the potential development of Defence relevant quantum technologies in their new $6 million research network.

Proposals of up to $1 million over three years are being sought, and first stage applications are due by 4:30 PM AEDT 13 February 2018.

Two categories of proposal will be considered. Smaller proposals which deliver studies to inform Defence on the applications, feasibility, and practical limitations of quantum technologies; and Larger proposals which address the development of concepts, algorithms, and/or technology demonstrators and which contribute to the development of Defence relevant capabilities.

Proposals should address one or more of the following priority areas:

• Quantum Sensing, Navigation and Timing
• Quantum Communications
• Quantum Computing and Information

Full details, including the FAQs, the priority areas and the online application form are available at the DST Group website. For advice and assistance in applying, please contact Tony Kyriacou, Research Development and Support.

The Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE) is calling for nominations for membership of their specialist committees. Specialist committees assist AINSE by reviewing proposals and providing guidance on facilitation of programs, student support, outreach and nominations for gold medals and honorary fellowships. To be eligible, committee members will have completed a PhD and have extensive experience in an area related to a committee area.

Expressions of interest are to be sent to Paul Graydon. Please attach a short CV of no more than a page. The Expressions of Interest close on close of business, Friday 23 February 2018.

The four AINSE committees are:

• Archaeology and Geosciences Committee
• Biotechnology and Biomedical Science
• Environmental Sciences Committee
• Materials Science and Engineering Committee

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Future Earth Australia (FEA) have launched a fellowship program to support early career researchers and practitioners from Australia and the Oceania region to gain hands on experience on green growth initiatives in developing countries. Graduate students, early career researchers and practitioners will be able to do a research placement, and help promote the knowledge on sustainability science, for 3-6 months at one of GGGI offices around the world. Nationals of Oceania region and FEA affiliated organisations will receive priority.

The Australian Academy of Science will be accepting applications for the Early Career Scholars Exchange on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applications should plan for a minimum of three months between the submission and the start of the placement. The first cohort (of up to 10 early career professionals) will start in 2018 subject to availability of funding. A maximum amount of AU$1,000 (or US$ equivalent) for travel support will be provided by FEA, subject to availability of funding. Travel support only is available to fellows i.e. students or employees, of FEA member organisations.

Further information, including the eligibility and application details, are available at the Australian Academy of Science website or via contacting the Engagement Officer Future Earth Australia

Hosted by the Australian Academy of Science, FEA is a national peak initiative that enables Australian scientists, governments, industry and NGOs to collaborate both with each other and with international networks and programs. Future Earth Australia provides essential services as an international platform to Australian scientists for deep engagement with leaders in research, policy, business, industry, civil society and community to generate solutions and have an impact. With Head Quarters in Seoul, Korea, and offices in 25 developing and emerging economies, GGGI is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organisation founded to support and promote green growth. The organisation partners with countries to help them build economies that grow strongly, are more efficient and sustainable in the use of natural resources, less carbon intensive, and more resilient to climate change. GGGI works with countries around the world, building their capacity and working collaboratively on green growth policies that can impact the lives of millions. To learn more about GGGI, see http://www.gggi.org.

Universities Australia has opened its annual Pitch it Clever competition, challenging early-and mid-career researchers to talk up their research in a 1-2 minute video. The video should aim to persuade leaders from across the country to become champions for your research.

Submissions close 12 February 2018 at 8:00 PM. Flinders is offering support for the development of Flinders' applicant entries. Contact Dr Marina Delpin. Videos will be shortlisted by a panel of Vice-Chancellors and then shown at Universities Australia’s annual Higher Education Conference for conference delegates to vote on. 

Pitch it Clever is being run through thinkable. To apply through thinkable, a researcher has to have been verified by thinkable. Verification entails registering as a researcher, and then authenticating your current organisation email, select your field/s of study, and provide details of at least one recently published peer-reviewed article.

Applications are now open for ON Prime, Australia’s sci-tech accelerator, designed to help researchers translate their big ideas into real-life impact. ON Prime is a part-time pre-accelerator that brings together Australia’s brightest researchers—that’s where you come in—with leading entrepreneurs, business and commercialisation specialists and inspiring mentors.

Together, you will test paths for your IP and/or technology through a process of customer discovery and market validation, and unlock your entrepreneurial nous required to take your work to the next level. The best bit? There is no cost to you for participating and there’s no strings attached – you get to keep your IP. Applications close 2 February 2018.

Flinders has had two teams recently work their way through the ON Prime stream. The SeaNU team (from Flinders and the CSIRO) were highlighted back in April for their participation in ON: Accelerate 3, and recently the Interplay Wellbeing Framework participated in ON: Accelerate 4. 

For more information and to apply, visit www.nviflinders.com.au/onprime/.

Are you a Higher Degree Research Student or Early Career Researcher (up to 5 years post PHD)? Do you want to improve your communication and presentation skills and win $1,000 cash prize and an expenses paid trip to the UK? The British Council is looking for passionate STEM researchers with a flair for public engagement to compete in the 2018 round of its international science communication competition, FameLab.

Some of Australia’s most impressive early-career researchers have presented their work on stage in their quest to become FameLab champion and to claim their place in the FameLab International Final in the UK. Flinders is offering support for the development of Flinders' applicant entries. Contact Dr Marina Delpin for more information, and refer to the British Council website for the eligibility criteria. Applications close 16 February 2018.