With support from Flinders University’s Vice Chancellor Campus Activation fund the colleges of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS) and Medicine and Public Health (CMPH) hosted an event at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) on Monday, 18 November. The event welcomed staff and students to the site, highlighted the building’s cultural and collaborative significance, showcased researcher experiences, and provided tours of the space.

Over 100 staff and students gathered around the firepit in the sunlit, breezy native medicine garden to the north of the HMRB. Uncle Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien welcomed everyone to Kaurna Country with a smoking ceremony, reflecting on the building’s design and its connections with Kaurna and Rainbow Yarta.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Prof Ray Chan, who highlighted the HMRB’s cutting-edge research facilities, Indigenous cultural integration, environmental sustainability, and collaborative spaces, driving advancements in health and medical research while respecting and honouring cultural heritage and equity.

The event was hosted by the Deans of Research and Directors of Flinders Health, Medical Research Institute and Caring Futures Institute, Professors Billie Bonevski and Rebecca Golley who reflected on the planning and development of the building and great opportunity for strengthened research through collaboration and partnership.

Researchers representing both colleges, Kiri Lay, PhD Student, CNHS; Dr Emmanuelle Souzea, Research Fellow and genetic counsellor, CMPH; Professor Kate Laver, CNHS occupational therapist and Professor of Allied Health and Active Ageing a joint appointment with Southern Adelaide Local Health Network; Dr Siti Mubarokah, Research Fellow in Childhood Dementia, CMPH, shared their experience of working and collaborating in the innovative space.

Around 50 attendees toured the HMRB, admiring its breathtaking views, state-of-the-art facilities, and Indigenous-inspired artwork and design.