Flinders University

Australia

Flinders University is a globally connected, locally engaged institution that exemplifies teaching, learning and research excellence.

As co-occupants of the Flinders Medical Centre and a founding member of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Flinders maintains its impressive tradition of fundamental discoveries and translation of our research across a range of Medical, Health, Clinical and Mental Health research areas. Leading Biomedical Engineering, Assistive Technologies and Digital Health researchers are also a vital component of our significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of people in our community and across the world.

Our research in Molecular Science and Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Digital Health, Water and the Environment is translated into benefits for the community through our robust network of partnerships with organisations and industries, together delivering real-world solutions.

We contribute to our understanding of the world around us by diving deep into the past through our outstanding History, Archaeology and Palaeontology research, and we tackle today’s pressing social issues such as crime, the future of work and the social determinants of health equity.

90 per cent of our research has been ranked at or above world class by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Flinders University’s main campus at Bedford Park in Adelaide’s inner south is spread across 165 hectares of beautiful natural bushland featuring thousands of trees and an array of wildlife. Our natural assets are complemented by an impressive new hub and plaza development at the very heart of the campus. A leading university for student experience, Flinders is rated number 1 in Australia across 9 International Student Barometer categories.

Our award-winning Computer, Science, Engineering and Mathematics facilities at the nearby Tonsley campus are located within South Australia’s premier Innovation District, facilitating our engagement with companies committed to the development and application of advanced technologies.

1 October 2017 - 30 September 2018

Region: Global
Subject/journal group: All

The table to the right includes counts of all research outputs for Flinders University published between 1 October 2017 - 30 September 2018 which are tracked by the Nature Index.

Hover over the donut graph to view the FC output for each subject. Below, the same research outputs are grouped by subject. Click on the subject to drill-down into a list of articles organized by journal, and then by title.

Note: Articles may be assigned to more than one subject area.

AC	FC
29	6.75

Outputs by subject (FC)

Subject	AC	FC
Earth & Environmental Sciences	6	0.30
Life Sciences	18	3.71
Physical Sciences	3	1.23
Chemistry	5	1.87

Highlight of the month

Gut rhythm

The rhythmic firing pattern of neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which regulate gastrointestinal function, has been revealed by a team at Flinders University in Australia.

They developed a technique that, by combining high-resolution neural imaging with electrophysiological recordings from neighbouring muscles lining the colon, can directly reveal the firing pattern of ENS neurons in mice.

The researchers found that large populations of excitatory and inhibitory ENS neurons generate temporally synchronized bursts of activity that are independent from the central nervous system. These rhythmic firing patterns trigger coordinated muscle contractions, which push food through the gastrointestinal tract.

Since the ENS evolved before the central nervous system, this newly identified neuronal firing pattern may represent an evolutionary conserved mechanism for generating rhythmic motor behaviours. Better understanding of neural activity in the gut could help develop new treatments for common gastrointestinal ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation.

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