Areas of Strategic Research Investment (ASRI)

ASRIs are areas in which Flinders University has considerable research strength, and where we have identified external opportunities for collaboration and partnership. The University provides core funding support for ASRIs. The research foci for the University's 2010-2012 ASRIs are:

1. Cancer Prevention
2. Clinical Change
3. Critical and Cultural lnquiry
4. Educational Futures
5. Eye and Vision
6. Medical Devices
7. Molecular Technologies
8. Psychology
9. Social Determinants of Health
10. Water & Environmental Sustainability

Cancer Prevention

Seeking to reduce the impact and burden of cancer through excellence in cancer research and its translation into clinical practice

The Flinders Centre for Cancer Prevention and Control (FCCPC), previously the Flinders Cancer Control Alliance (FCCA), brings together around 70 Flinders campus-based researchers and practitioners, with varied expertise, to facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to the development of solutions for cancer prevention and control. Its strategic research focus is on the control of cancer through prevention and early detection and further develop national and international partnerships.

Key Contacts. Further information: Flinders Centre for Cancer Prevention and Control.

Clinical Change

Filling critical gaps in our knowledge on chronic disease management, and later and end-of-life health care for older adults

The Flinders Centre for Clinical Change and Health Care Research aims to build an evidence base for the planning of optimum treatments and cost effective coordinated models of health care delivery in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, intermediate care, residential and primary care.

Key Contacts. Further information: Flinders Centre for Clinical Change and Health Care Research.

Critical and Cultural lnquiry

Bringing together those who study the nature of our cultural heritage with those who study the way in which this heritage develops

The Critical and Cultural lnquiry ASRI is a group of over 80 researchers reflecting Flinders University's distinctive combination of research across archaeology, major European languages, history, cinema studies and cultural tourism. One developing focus is the use of open access publishing and digital repositories for the exchange of knowledge generated by the group.

Key Contacts. Further information: Critical and Cultural lnquiry ASRI.

Educational Futures

Creating a knowledge base for educational action

Research in the Centre for Analysis of Educational Futures is directed towards the development and use of evidence that will support sound educational policy and practice. Centre staff work with university colleagues, educational organisations and industry to help specify research needs, identify sources of funding support and undertake research that will provide a sound basis for future educational action.

Key Contacts. Further information: Centre for Analysis of Educational Futures.

Eye and Vision

Improving outcomes for patients with blinding eye conditions

This focus for the multidisciplinary Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision ASRI is on the relationship between vision and the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations. The group has many collaborations and is actively pursuing links with relevant industries, particularly the optics industry centred in Adelaide.

Key Contacts. Further information: Ophthalmology, Eye and Vision ASRI.

Medical Devices

Medical devices and technologies represent one of the most rapidly growing and dynamic sectors of the global economy

Technological advances in biology and medicine increasingly depend on contributions from the physical sciences, mathematics and engineering. They emerge from basic research applied, through design and development, to clinical trials and commercialisation.

Key Contacts. Further information: Flinders Medical Devices & Technologies.

Molecular Technologies

Research at the intersection of molecular science and nanotechnology

Novel, innovative and cross-disciplinary research unites medical researchers, chemists, physicists, biologists and biotechnologists in the task of improving people's quality of life. This includes providing advances in health care, cleaner choices in environmental management, and greater choices and efficiency for the advanced manufacturing industries.

Key Contacts. Further information: Molecular Technologies Research Cluster.

Psychology

A leading group applying cognitive psychological research to a diverse array of contemporary human phenomena

Cognitive psychology addresses a diverse array of contemporary human phenomena, suggesting practical solutions for many real world problems. Our concentration of internationally-renowned researchers in fundamental areas of human cognition applies cognitive psychological principles to practical issues as diverse as autism, brain function in psychopathology, decision-making, eating disorders, eyewitness memory, human adaptation throughout the lifespan, trauma reactions, and sleep disorders.

Key Contacts. Further information: Psychology ASRI.

Social Determinants of Health

A national centre for research into the social determinants of health and wellbeing 

The Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity provides a focus for Flinders' established reputation for research into the ways in which a range of social and economic factors can influence health outcomes and access to health care and services. These factors include: employment and the labour market; housing and the structure of suburban environments; and economic, social and structural determinants of risky and unhealthy behaviours. The group is a national leader in research into the social, cultural and economic factors that promote health and those factors that impede access to health and other related service use.

Key Contacts. Further information: Southgate Institute for Health, Society and Equity.

Water & Environmental Sustainability

Research expertise which encompasses the whole of the water cycle

The Water & Environmental Sustainability ASRI brings exceptional multidisciplinary capability to research which will guide the sustainable management of aspects of the water cycle relevant to coastal and catchment environments.

Key Contacts.