Translation research PhD fellowship program - call for students

Monash Partners is partnering with the Victorian Department of Health in the pilot of a translational research PhD fellowship program. 

In summary:

• $23,000 top-up funding will be provided per student per year for 3 years commencing from the 2022-23 financial year 
• 2 scholarships are available to support PhD students enrolled at Monash University, 1 in each of the following priority areas, which have been set by the Department of Health.
• Strengthening trust and engagement with populations at risk of COVID-19 and other diseases Objective: To understand the engagement of priority populations with COVID-19 interventions and the health system, to improve prevention and control of COVID-19 and other diseases. Research will focus on CALD and Aboriginal communities.
• Addressing sex and gender differences in healthcare Objective: To implement evidence-based approaches that address sex and gender differences in healthcare. Research could focus on disease outcomes (including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, orthopaedics, cancer, and stroke events), or value-based healthcare reform and funding models.

Enquiries to: Dr Angela Jones RN, PhD, Chief Operating Officer, Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre angela.a.jones@monash.edu

Opportunity: Research Assistant

Dr Lisa Grech, Head of Chronic and Complex Healthcare Services Research Group is looking for a Research Assistant to help with grant writing, coordination of some systematic reviews in progress, survey distribution and other general research project tasks. Dr Grech’s research is in the area of multidisciplinary healthcare service delivery, predominantly in people with multiple sclerosis and cancer.

The position might be well suited to a PhD candidate as it is for 1 day per week for 26 weeks (preferred), but could be negotiated as 2 days per week for 13 weeks, if preferred. Previous Research Assistant experience and a minimum of Honours level qualifications is required. Contact lisa.grech@monash.edu.

Wellbeing news

Wellbeing resources

For the latest health and wellbeing news, upcoming events, programs and staff benefits, subscribe to the Monash Wellbeing Newsletter HERE or check out the Monash Wellbeing Website.

EOI - Call for Wellbeing Champions at SCS

We are recruiting staff to take up the role of Wellbeing Champions for their department and the school in general. Please see details below of the requirements for this role and if you are interested in becoming a Wellbeing Champion at SCS, please complete the EOI form HERE.

Enquiries to: jinleng.graham@monash.edu or lyn.cyrill@monash.edu

A Wellbeing Champion has a key role to play in contributing to building a healthier Monash community by promoting and providing input into the Wellbeing at Monash Program. The estimated time commitment required would be no more than 1-2 hours per month.

Wellbeing champions:

• Represent employees and provide feedback relating to improving occupational health and wellbeing at Monash
• Actively promote the Wellbeing at Monash program, whilst highlighting benefits of participation
• Communicate and discuss Wellbeing at Monash program information and initiatives with employees and at staff meetings

This padlet contains introductory resources and information about Monash Wellbeing and the role as a wellbeing champion. 

There are also several benefits in serving as a Wellbeing Champion.  These include:

• Having an opportunity to provide feedback about barriers and issues in relation to wellbeing programs
• Opportunity to have input into programs, services and campus events
• First knowledge of upcoming Wellbeing at Monash activities
• Invitations to events and special offers

Google Drives: storage limits and shared drives

Recent changes and restrictions have been placed on Google drives, relating to storage and the use/setup of shared drives. Please see below for relevant updates/advice, from eSolutions.

Google Drive storage limits

eSolutions are applying storage limits on Google Workspaces to avoid exceeding usage limits and incurring additional charges as Google has recently started billing for storage usage.

• To find out how much storage you are currently using please log into your Monash Google account and visit the Google Storage page.
• In an effort to lower the high data storage within Google Drive, eSolutions has identified storage alternatives to assist staff members in the any required storage migration.
• If you have a legitimate case for storing excess data within your Google Workspace account please log a ticket with eSolutions with your justification and expected total usage. 

Google Shared Drive creation

Shared drives must now be requested for setup by eSolutions. 

• To set up a shared drive, eSols requires the following information: NAME OF THE DRIVE and NAME OF OWNER.
• For swift action, it is recommended that requestors call the Service Desk for service at 9905 1777 - requests should be provisioned on the spot. 
• Requests can also be made via email to servicedesk@monash.edu or via myServices, but jobs may then take up to a few days to be completed.
• Please note there are no plans at this stage reinstating access for users to be able to create their own Google Shared Drive given the need to manage storage usage so that charges for storage remain sustainable.

Call to update Honours and Graduate Research projects for 2024

It is that time of year when we ask you to update your projects in Supervisor Connect, ahead of our BMedSc(Hons) and Hons/PhD recruitment season which begins in May. Supervisor Connect is our primary Higher Degree by Research (HDR) recruitment tool.

Supervisor Connect is our primary tool for Honours and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) recruitment.

All projects in Supervisor Connect have now been unpublished so we don’t advertise outdated projects.

Please update the projects by Thursday 6 April 2023.

The first step is to update your Pure profile using the links below.

• Updating your personal profile

• Updating qualifications

• Adding your photo

• Adding Scopus and ORCID IDs

• Adding phone number (optional) and web link

• Are you accepting PhD students?

•  Adding key terms

The second step is to update your projects in Supervisor Connect by Thursday 6 April 2023. For instructions on how to update, publish and/or create projects please refer to the Supervisor Connect Handbook.

You are welcome to contact Vithya Premkumar on vithya.premkumar@monash.edu for further information.

Welcome to our new staff members

Posted on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Dr Kim Huynh and Lyn Cyrill to the School of Clinical Sciences management team. Kim was recently appointed to the role of Research Manager and Lyn joined our team last week as Operations Manager. Together with our newly appointed Communications Manager, Karen Sims, we look forward to supporting our SCS community in what's set to be an exciting year. Please make Kim, Lyn, and Karen feel welcome and reach out to them if you need any assistance. 

Dr Kim Huynh | Research Manager

Kim is a benchtop researcher by training with experience in fertility and pediatric oncology clinical research, public health implementation and translational research, and transfusion medicine registries. Kim is a foodie, with all things pastries being her achilles heel. She is looking forward to supporting SCS with their research and learning about all the exciting projects underway and in the pipeline.

Lyn Cyrill | Operations Manager, OHS, Space & Infrastructure

Over the last 10 years Lyn has worked within a variety of operational roles within Monash University. Lyn looks forward to supporting the School's Operational activities and working with amazing staff and students. With a keen interest in health and wellbeing in the workplace, Lyn looks forward to further developing the School's wellbeing initiatives. Lyn is a voracious reader, passionate theatre goer, enjoys a good margarita and has 3 beautiful children!

Karen Sims | Communications Manager

Karen Sims is delighted to bring her skills and experience to the School of Clinical Sciences as Communications Manager. She has delivered strategic communications solutions to governments, corporates, NFPs, and the health sector, and also operated her own communications consultancy. Karen relishes working among people with a united commitment to producing excellent outcomes for all. She is happy for you to know four of her passions are child welfare, cricket, cheese and champagne — not always in that order.

Welcome to the SCS family, Kim, Lyn and Karen!

Photoshoot opportunity - Don't Miss Out

Please book a spot to have your photo taken, alone, or with your team or lab  group. 

Booking sheets:

• Booking Sheet for Photo session on Fri 3 March 2023
• Booking Sheet for Photo session Tuesday 14 March 2023

Vale Angus Catt

It is with sad hearts we send our condolences to Sally, Jim and Will Catt on the loss of their beloved Angus. At age 26, Angus was a vibrant, caring and wonderful young man and his passing is a devastating loss.  

We encourage staff affected by this news to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) on 1300 360 364 or the University counselling service on (03) 9905 3020.

SAVE THE DATE - Monash University Clinical Trials Centre Roadshow Presentation - Thu 6 April 2023, 12 - 1pm

Monash University is funding a new initiative to support local development of clinical trial capability, especially focussed on investigator initiated trials. This is of huge importance to SCS and has been flagged as a need by junior and senior researchers alike. The Monash University Clinical Trials Centre will be making a Roadshow Presentation on this new initiative as part of the Department of Medicine/Hudson joint seminar series on Thursday 6 April, 12-1pm.  All researchers involved in clinical trials are urged to SAVE THE DATE and attend this important presentation.

A flyer will be circulated closer to the date.

Gala goes off!

The Monash Children’s Hospital gala was a roaring success last Friday night.

Guests were treated to excellent food and entertainment and responded with outstanding generosity and enthusiasm. The over $1.2 million dollars raised will make a positive difference in the lives of premature babies and their families.

Monash is holding its first ever on-campus pride march and block party. Come march with us under a BDI banner!

Everyone is invited to march with us, as BDI steps out with pride to celebrate and support our fantastic LGBTIQA+ community at Monash. Let's get together and make it an event to remember! Register here to march with BDI

Monash Show Your PRIDE March 

• Date: Thursday 23 February 2023
• Time: 2.30–4pm
• Meeting point: The Count’s Courtyard, Clayton campus
• End point: C12 car park, outside Woodside Building for Technology and Design

Register now: 

• Student registration
• Staff registration 

What to wear 

Whatever you like. Come dressed as your most fabulous and authentic self. 

There will also be a best dressed competition with prizes for the best dressed student and the best dressed staff member present on the day. 

Schedule 

• 2.30pm Registrations and arrival
• 3.00pm March preparation (getting into marching order)
• 3.15pm Event commences 
• 3.30pm March commences
• 4.00pm March ends and Block Party begins!

Any questions, please contact: 

• BDI lead - Anne Fletcher anne.l.fletcher@monash.edu
• Event lead - Rumali Kularatne rumali.kularatne@monash.edu  
• Event team - Respectful Communities: respectful-communities@monash.edu 

Australian Graduate Women (AGW) Fellowships for female PhD students - Applications open now, closing February 28

AGW is pleased to announce that in 2023 it will award the following Fellowships:

• Two (2) 2022 Barbara Hale Fellowships in any discipline: Value $8,000 each
• One (1) 2023 Georgina Sweet Fellowship in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine: Value $7,000

These Fellowships are open to female students who, being Australian citizens or permanent residents, are enrolled in a research doctorate at any Australian university.

View the 2023 Guidelines to make an application on the relevant pages.

Find out more.

Update from Sally Catt

Posted on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

As posted on 9 February 2023, Angus Catt, son of Sally Catt, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology was in an induced coma following an accident in Seoul, Korea on 22 January.

Update from Sally Catt posted to Facebook on 13 February

"The Goose has flown in!! It was tremendously emotional as I saw him coming into the Alfred hospital- The aspenmedical team, the ambulance man and every member of the hospital staff welcomed me with open arms, while everything was happening around him on the hand over. He was looking so peaceful and I was told he had been incredibly strong throughout this flight (I'd been given grave warnings that flying in his condition was dangerous and he may not make it, hence keeping his return a little under the radar) - again, he has defied the odds.  

Picture L-R: Sally and the Aspen Medical team, Tony and John at the Melbourne hospital, and Sally with Angus in ICU.

This would not have happened without the local and worldwide love and support he has been receiving during his 3 weeks in a Korean Hospital.  Saturday night I attended the most amazing fundraiser at Black Rock Yacht club, which was run by an absolute army of volunteers (whom I'll thank soon on their own fb page)- I have over 2500 donators to thank on the mycause page, which has nearly reached its target of $250,000 - and over time I'll be thanking you all. As Angus flew in, Henry, his cousin was running an ultra-marathon round a park in London, as a fundraiser (strava told us his heart rate went up when he was passed on the news of angus's arrival!).

 I can't thank Avcair enough for being so caring and kind and keeping me updated with every detail of his flight (route changes due cyclones in darwin, 14h on the tarmac in Indonesia due to debris on the runway ripping up the tyres- Shaun you are a legend for keeping it all happening-get some sleep mate!)". 

2023 parking arrangements

A message from Buildings and Property Division Monash University

Changes to parking operations across our campuses for 2023 will come into effect from Monday 20 February as we welcome our students back to campus for O-Week. 

With parking demand set to increase this year, we encourage you to use other modes of transport or carpool and share your trip and parking fees whenever possible. 

No perishing here, thank you

Next time you have a paper accepted, an award granted, or some other fabulous SCS news, please fill out the enhanced SCS News Opportunity form – the earlier, the better, so your work can be publicly acknowledged. Any questions, contact Communications Manager, Karen Sims: Karen.Sims@monash.edu  0438 310 866

SCS Staff meeting - Friday 3 March 2023

Please join us for the next SCS staff meeting.  Lunch will be provided for in person attendance.

• Date: Friday 3 March 2023
• Time: 12:00 - 1:30PM
• Venue: Monash University Paediatrics Seminar Room, Level 5, Monash Children's Hospital
• or Join by Zoom - link HERE
• Registration essential for in person attendance (catering purposes): HERE 

Quiet Achiever Nominations: HERE

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 at the next Staff Meeting.  Closing date for nominations: Thursday 2 March 2023.  Enquiries to jinleng.graham@monash.edu

Update from Sally Catt

Posted on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

As posted on 2 February 2023, Angus Catt, son of Sally Catt, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is in an induced coma following a tragic accident that took place in Seoul, Korea on 22 January.

Update from Sally Catt via Facebook on 7 February 2023

Angus remains in a coma in the ICU in separation hospital, Seoul - two weeks after his accident. It's a roller coaster ride of emotions but I continue to be blown away and humbled by the love and support Angus is receiving. at 5 pm on channel 10 tonight-there will be a little story about Angus Catt- I hope that my gratitude for everyone's support comes across in this - along with a chance to get to know Angus Better.

and here's the interview for those that missed it:

https://fb.watch/iwlxJOtA-3/?mibextid=qC1gEa

Welcome, Karen Sims, SCS Communications Manager

Karen Sims is delighted to bring her skills and experience to the School of Clinical Sciences as Communications Manager. She has delivered strategic communications solutions to governments, corporates, NFPs, and the health sector, and also operated her own communications consultancy. Karen relishes working among people with a united commitment to producing excellent outcomes for all. She is happy for you to know four of her passions are child welfare, cricket, cheese and champagne — not always in that order.

Help bring Sally Catt's son, Angus, Home

Posted on behalf of Dr Christine De Nardo, Manager, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health

Our thoughts are with Sally Catt from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and her family as they surround their son Angus who is in an induced coma following a tragic accident that took place on 22 January. Please see below for a message from Sally posted to her Facebook page on 25 January, as well as a link to a fundraising page set up by family and friends. 

Sally, we send you collective strength and pray that you can bring Angus home soon. 

A message from Sally Catt posted to Facebook on 25 January: 

Most know now but for those that don't, eldest son Angus Catt has had a tragic fall on early hours of Sunday morning from a fourth floor rooftop in Seoul Korea- while holidaying with his brother Will Catt. He's had emergency surgery on his brain but has multiple injuries- and hasn't regained consciousness- he's in an induced coma and will not know anymore news of his chances of survival for the next few days but we are all hoping for a miracle. I'm now in Seoul with my niece Emily Swales, Will and his truly amazing Korean girlfriend Martina who has done so much to make this horrendous experience as smooth as possible . PCR test done and i'm allowed to visit him tomorrow . So grateful already for the outpouring of love, support and prayers. Angus has had the best xmas - holiday with cousins in aus and then in Korea - here are some recent happy snaps of this crazy gorgeous son of mine.   

An update (friday)

I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support. I had my 15 minutes with Angus last night- it was amazing to hold him tight and talk to him- he is still in an induced coma and in the next days we will find out if he is able to breathe unassisted.

Help bring Angus home by donating here.

Working safely from home 2023

The hybrid working model will continue to be available for our professional staff (ongoing and fixed-term), subject to their supervisor's approval in 2023.

Please ensure you complete the Working safely from home – 2023 module via myDevelopment availale in my.monash. Upon successful completion of the module, you will be able to access the Working from home request form.