Our namesake, Captain Matthew Flinders, was a man determined to make an impact through his action. He was a fearless navigator whose courage and curiosity led him to the first circumnavigation of the continent he would name Australia.

Today we are driven by the same ambitious spirit.

Over the past decade, our Making a Difference strategy has provided not just a framework for delivering on that ambition, but a roadmap that has extended our capacity and capabilities to reach more people and deepen our impact.

This new strategic plan builds on those excellent foundations, looking towards 2035 with an increased focus on the nature and scale of the positive change we create through the life-changing power of the education we provide, and the reach and relevance of the research that we do.

This is Impact. With Purpose.

But while our new strategic plan is an evolution of the last, it is important to recognise that the world around us is changing and that we must continue to rise to meet the challenges facing society.

Rising to a challenge is nothing new for Flinders. During our first 60 years, we’ve navigated revolutionary changes in social and cultural norms, and have responded to transformative economic, environmental and technological developments.

Through it all, we’ve continued to deliver for our students and community, innovating in learning and research to prepare graduates for the changing world they help create.

Yet, while the way we deliver impact must continually evolve, our purpose remains the same: to change lives for the better and make the world a better place for all.

We do this by opening minds, creating opportunities, solving problems and shaping a better future for society.

The impact we have on individuals and across society should never be underestimated.

Our students experience personal transformation through their learning, by developing knowledge and skills, building confidence and resilience, and forming relationships and networks that last a lifetime.

These life-changing impacts are all the more profound when combined with our commitment to social mobility and equity – opening the doors of opportunity for first-in-family and equity students in ways that transform not just their own lives, but entire families and communities.

Our graduates go on to create waves of positive impacts as health professionals, engineers, scientists, artists, educators, policymakers, lawyers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, or in countless other areas.

Our society is enriched by the civic engagement and cultural leadership of the University, and even more so by the lifelong contributions of our graduates.

At the same time, our research and discovery help solve global challenges and deliver everyday impact through critical breakthroughs in health, creativity, technology and sustainability.

Experience tells us that we are stronger together. Through trusted partnerships and collaboration, we expand what’s possible and achieve more than any of us could alone.

This spirit of shared progress is reflected in the words of Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien, who reminds us of the Kaurna phrase Naarlu kumangka, meaning “we’ll do it now, together.” And that’s exactly what we’ll do.

In our first 60 years, Flinders University has been a positive force that has changed the lives of millions of individuals.

Our ambition is to change ten million more in the decade ahead.

Professor Colin Stirling,
President and Vice Chancellor, Flinders University