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SCS research and awards news

For all our research and awards news, please visit our news page.

Tuesday 11 August 2015

Women in Medicine

The Women in Medicine initiative includes a range of strategies aiming to build a culture of equal opportunity for all at Monash Health and the School of Clinical Sciences.

The initiative focuses on career planning, leadership, coaching and mentoring opportunities for women in medicine as well as strategies to change culture and to increase leadership opportunities.

Please find information and an invitation here about the next Women in Medicine session at Monash Health.


SCS and Hudson Open Day success

A record number of prospective research students attended the SCS and Hudson Open Day last Wednesday at Monash Medical Centre.

Around 200 prospective Honours and PhD students spoke with supervisors and current students to learn about the many opportunities at the precinct.

The Student Open Day Committee would like to thank all student volunteers who worked so hard to help make the event such a success. 

Congratulations Associate Professor Sally Ayoub, Director of Undergraduate Medical Education

Associate Professor Ayoub
Congratulations Dr Sally Ayoub who has been appointed Associate Professor (Practice), in the role of Director of Undergraduate Medical Education, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

A former Monash University and SCS student, Sally has a long association with Monash Health, first as a junior doctor and also completing the majority of her physician training here.

As a PhD candidate in Professor Eric Morand’s research group, Sally helped initiate the highly successful lupus research program.
“My interest in medical education started more than ten years ago as a bedside tutor,” said Sally.

“Taking on my current role as Director of Undergraduate Medical Education at SCS nearly three years ago has been the most rewarding and challenging role in my career thus far.”

“Sally has been a vital part of our teaching team at SCS for many years and has led it very capably since 2012," said Head of School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Professor Eric Morand.

"I am delighted the University has recognised the importance of the position she holds, directing Monash’s largest medical student programs, with her appointment to this new title."

“I work with an incredible team to deliver an exciting and very high quality clinical program; we are all passionate about giving our students the best experience in the most supported environment possible,” said Sally.

“We want to train the best doctors for the future, but we are also acutely conscious of the high rates of mental and other health issues in this young population.”

“Over the coming years, I hope we can consolidate the work we have done to help tackle these issues within our large cohort of students, with evidence based interventions which can be utilised at other universities and medical schools,” added Sally.  

Sally plans to build on the already rigorous education program at SCS by utilising some state-of-the-art IT platforms.

“I hope my promotion is a signal to those with an interest in education that this is now a well-recognised pathway to academic success.”

Please help us celebrate Sally’s promotion this Thursday 13 August at 11am in the Surgery Seminar Room, Level 5, Block E.


Monday 10 August 2015

SCS Quiet Achiever Award - call for nominations

The Quiet Achiever Award is given to a staff member to reward and recognise their achievements and contribution to the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health.  A $200 shopping voucher will be awarded to the winner, announced at this week's staff meeting on Friday 14th August.

Nomination form is here - due TOMORROW 12 August.




SCS Finals of the 3 Minute Thesis Competition this Friday 14 August

Friday, August 14th starting at 1 pm in the deKretser Concourse


There will be prizes awarded (including SCS Conference Travel Award and People's Choice).  The top two contenders will represent SCS at the Faculty Final on August 21st.
Come and and offer your support!

Congratulations Jo Ghali on the award of her PhD

The Monash Institute of Graduate Research is pleased to report that Jo Ghali has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 

The thesis titled: "The roles of T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells in experimental glomerulonephritis" was ratified by the Graduate Research Steering Committee on  Tuesday 21st July 2015 and will be conferred upon graduation.                                             

We offer our sincere thanks to all the academic and professional staff involved in assisting Joanna achieve this wonderful result.  

Congratulations Istiak Mahfuz on being awarded his PhD

The Monash Institute of Graduate Research is pleased to report that Istiak Mahfuz has been awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. 

Ratified by the Graduate Research Steering Committee on Tuesday 21st July, Istiak's thesis,  "Gentic screening of patients with bladder exstrophy epispadias complex" makes a distinct and significant contribution to knowledge.   
                                

We offer sincere thanks to all the academic and professional staff involved in assisting Istiak achieve this wonderful result.  

Joint CiiiD / CID seminar, 12.30pm TODAY: Dr Jim Harris

Dr Jim Harris will be speaking on Fire Eating: Autophagy and the Regulation of Inflammation.

Level 3 Hudson boardroom at 12.30pm today.

A light lunch will be available at 1.30pm on the De Kretser concourse following the seminar.  Please note earlier start time.

ICU Grand Rounds- Wed 12 August

"SMART biomarkers and smart doctors” presented by Professor Yahya Shehabi, ICU       
Wednesday 12th August, 12.30pm to 1.30pm

Main Lecture Theatre, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton

Hudson Seminar and Student Pizza lunch Thursday 13 August

This Thursday13 August the Hudson Institute is hosting Professor Merlin Crossley, Dean, Faculty of Science,  University of NSW.

There are two events associated with his visit:

  • Student Pizza lunch: 1pm-2pm, de Kretser concourse, level 3, Hudson Institute (all students welcome)
  • Seminar: 4-5pm, Lecture Theatre 1, Monash Medical Centre
Talk title: "Regulatory Single Nucleotide Variants and Genome Editing"

Light refreshments to follow presentation outside the Lecture Theatre.  Flyer with details here.

Invitation: Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder Workshops

Dr Garnett
Monash University is proud to host Dr Michelle Garnett to deliver two workshops on Asperger's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders for academic and professional staff.
Autism effects 1 in every 100 people. All staff who are involved directly with students are especially encouraged to attend.
Professional Staff Morning Session

Date: Wednesday September 2, 2015

Time: 9.30am to 12.30pmVenue: Room G29 & G30 New Horizons Building, 20 Research Way, Clayton CampusIncludes morning tea 

Register for the event here (limited places available)

Translational Research symposium 30 September

Monash University’s Central Clinical School at the Alfred Hospital is hosting the inaugural Translational Research in Medicine Symposium, the cornerstone of the new PhD program introduced in 2015 across the three Monash metropolitan clinical schools. This year the symposium will also coincide with the celebration of the 50th year of the founding of the Monash University Department of Medicine at the Alfred Hospital.
Wednesday 30 September 9am start.  Details here.

Invitation to 9 Oct 2015 CCS Public Lecture: 'Women's mental health: It's getting tougher'

This year, mental health is in the news almost every day, and we are fortunate to have one of Australia's premier clinician-researchers and advocates of women's mental health, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, to present on the topic of how women's mental health in particular is of concern. The public lecture will be chaired by former Governor-General, Dame Quentin Bryce, who has had a life-long interest in the subject. The event will have refreshments before and after the lecture, and there will be a Q&A session after the lecture.
To RSVP, please click here.

Position vacant - Post Doctoral Research Fellow at Hudson Institute

The Hudson Institute is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Fellow for the Centre for Cancer Research.

See advertisement and link to position description here.

Bullying and harassment panel discussion


Invitation for postgrad students and EMCRs to enter Translational Research poster competition: entries close 31 Aug

The Translational Research Symposium and Department of Medicine's 50th anniversary celebration is being hosted by the Central Clinical School on 30 September. The inaugural Young Investigator poster competition will be open to graduate students and early career researchers, with a cash prize for the winner. The symposium will be held throughout the day and into the evening at the AMREP Education Centre. A diverse group of medical researchers, medical alumni, and representatives from associated industries will be there. See more:

Focus Series of seminars for HDR students

Focus Series is a set of workshops especially designed for Higher Degree Research students in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Its aim is to assist with the development of advanced information research skills, including researching and composing Literature Reviews, using EndNote, managing research data and maximising research profiles. The series will be run at the Hargrave-Andrew Library at Clayton campus, on 17-18 August and 24 August 2015. For further information, please contact Anne Young (Anne.Young@monash.edu) or Tomas Zahora (Tomas.Zahora@monash.edu).



Beyond Academia: Career Pathways after the PhD

You are warmly invited to attend the Faculty Research Office careers evening, “Beyond Academia: Career Pathways after the PhD”.  This exciting event will showcase alternative career options and pathways for research graduates with presentations from a number of speakers, followed by a panel discussion.  The evening is aimed at current graduate research students, honours students and early career researchers.


Promotional flyer attached here with details as follows:
·         Date: Wednesday 19 August 2015
·         Time: 6 – 8pm
·         Venue: South 1 Lecture Theatre, 43 Rainforest Walk (previously Building 64), Clayton Campus
·         Cost: Free
·         Pizza and drinks will be provided – please advise of any dietary restrictions in the registration process
·         Registrations essential at https://my.monash.edu.au/news-and-events/bookings/fmnhsrdo/view/142245/

Reflexive anti-racism and inclusion workshop

Monday 31 August, 09.45 am - 1.00 pm
Strip Meeting Room, G19, 15 Innovation Walk (Building 75) Clayton campus Register here

Universities play a crucial role in shaping the lives of students and the experiences of all their future clients and colleagues. With rapidly increasing cultural diversity in both the staff and student body, Monash needs to provide inclusive workplaces and learning environments that can bring out the best in everyone. Intercultural awareness and an understanding of racism and its impacts are crucial steps towards intercultural competence, a valuable and transferable skill. Come along to an engaging, lively session, with interactive participant technology (fun!), that explores:

Mentoring Seminar and ECR Welcome Event - Wed 20th August at Hudson


The School of Clinical Sciences and the Hudson Institute would like to invite Early Career Researchers (ECRs) to a welcome event on Thursday 20th August, 11:30am-1pm in the Hudson Boardroom (level 3), with nibbles afterwards. 


All ECRs are strongly encouraged to attend this ECR welcome event - get to know your ECR committee reps and learn how the upcoming ECR events can help you boost your career while providing the support and knowledge required to succeed.

Post-docs up to 10 years post-PhD and final year PhD students welcome to attend from both the Hudson and the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health.

RSVP: Please RSVP via the link here





Mentoring Seminar - 13th August at AMREP

Keen to know how mentoring can help your career, and how to make the most out of the AMREP-wide program?  We're happy to announce that Professor Marilys Guillemin will run a seminar on mentoring on Thursday 13th August.  This session will involve the how's and why's of mentoring, a practical component to determine what YOU want to focus on, previous mentee-mentor experiences, and new this year peer-to-peer mentoring. 


The seminar runs from 2pm in the level 5 lecture theatre, AMREP, 99 Commercial Road, Prahran, followed by refreshments and a chance to sign up for the next mentoring program.

Science Next Collaborative

Now is your chance to hear from the Science Next Collaborative Think Tank members, plus a congress of Australia’s most respected scientists from the academic world, as well as the industry experts. Join us at the inaugural science Next Collaborative Forum series, at Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in August and September 2015.   See details here.

Dr Ryan Hodges on new stem cell treatment

Dr Ryan Hodges, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, talks about a new stem-cell treatment developed by Australian doctors that can save the lives of children before they are born. The treatment involves growing human lung cells in an unborn lamb and builds on work conducted in Belgium.  Channel 7 Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney  See news here.

Health experts doubtful citizens’ jury on obesity will address problem in Victoria

Dr Claire Palermo from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics reported in The Guardian.

Read story here.

Monash Launches Translational PhD Program

Monash University has launched a graduate program focused on training candidates for careers in translational research.

Read more from Asian Scientist Magazine here:

The $87.5 million Translational Research Facility

The $87.5 million Translational Research Facility is set to open in October housing scientists from Monash Health, Monash University and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research 

Read The Leader story here.

Declining Incidence of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Patients with Cancer

Peter Ebeling et al. published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Read article here.

Development of an experimental model of maternal allergic asthma during pregnancy

Tim Moss et al. published in the Journal of Physiology.

Read article here.

MicroRNA as Type I Interferon-Regulated Transcripts and Modulators of the Innate Immune Response.

Paul Hertzog et al. published in Frontiers in Immunology.

Read article here.

Heritability and Genome-Wide Association Analyses of Human Gait Suggest Contribution of Common Variants.

Velandai Srikanth et al. published in the Journals of Gerontology.

Read article here.

Development of an experimental model of maternal allergic asthma during pregnancy.

Megan Wallace et al. published in the Journal of Physiology.

Read article here.

Fenofibrate effects on arterial endothelial function in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A FIELD substudy.

Ian Meredith et al. published in Atherosclerosis.

Read article here.

Cognitive behavior therapy for comorbid migraine and/or tension-type headache and major depressive disorder: An exploratory randomized controlled trial.

Rachele Aiello et al. published in Behaviour Research and Therapy.

Read article here.