South Australia’s health and medical research sector is set for a major shake-up, with a new agreement securing the long-term future of SAHMRI and bringing together some of the state’s biggest research capabilities.
Under the new deal, Adelaide University will assume financial and governance control of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, creating a more integrated health and medical research hub along Adelaide’s North Terrace.
The agreement is designed to create a more sustainable future for SAHMRI while bringing the institute’s internationally recognised research programs closer to Adelaide University’s research strengths.
It will also provide greater certainty for researchers, staff, students, funding bodies, philanthropic supporters and industry partners, while strengthening the state’s ability to attract research investment, competitive grants and leading scientific talent.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said, “I want to thank all parties involved in the collegiate and diligent way they have worked through the process towards achieving this significant agreement.
“I have no doubt that what we have achieved here will significantly benefit South Australia’s research and development capability. It secures the future of one of South Australia’s most important research institutions and delivers a sustainable pathway for SAHMRI to continue its world-class work.”
The changes will see the South Australian Government and Flinders University relinquish their membership of SAHMRI, with Adelaide University becoming the institute’s sole governing Member under a new structure.
Existing Flinders University-led research projects will transition to Flinders University over the next two years.
“The reform demonstrates our commitment to ensuring South Australia remains a national leader in health and medical research, innovation and discovery,” said Koutsantonis.
“Importantly, this arrangement provides clear governance, a strong financial foundation and certainty for the people whose work improves health outcomes across our community.”
The changes will also affect several major research and medical facilities.
Membership of The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research will transition to the Treasurer while the State Government negotiates with the Commonwealth on a new national proton therapy project at the Australian Bragg Centre.
Meanwhile, the Molecular Imaging Therapy and Research Unit will transition to SA Health, strengthening its role in supporting imaging and nuclear medicine services across the state’s health system.
Adelaide University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Nicola Phillips said, “By combining the scale of Adelaide University with SAHMRI’s excellence and agility, we are building a research powerhouse capable of tackling complex health challenges and delivering tangible research outcomes that will benefit patient care both locally and globally.”
The new arrangement will bring together expertise across areas including cancer precision medicine, maternal and child health, health inequities affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and chronic disease.
SAHMRI Executive Director Professor Maria Makrides said, “This agreement allows our researchers to dedicate their full focus to what matters most: driving scientific discoveries that save and improve lives.
“This is a crucial development for health and medical research in South Australia. This brings together two globally recognised organisations to create the scale and capability needed to deliver research that has real impact for South Australia and beyond.”
Flinders University will continue its health and medical research work, with its Flinders-led research groups transitioning from SAHMRI to the university.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling added, “Flinders University is proud to have been a foundation member of SAHMRI and to have supported the Institute’s development since its inception. Flinders researchers have made outstanding contributions to SAHMRI and to South Australia’s broader health and medical research ecosystem.
“Flinders is pleased that this agreement provides certainty for SAHMRI and its researchers, enabling them to continue delivering the discoveries, innovation and partnerships that our state needs.”
The university said this would include its Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and its planned $300 million Health and Medical Research Building.
The agreement marks a new chapter for SAHMRI and South Australia’s health and medical research sector, with the State Government saying the changes will provide a stronger foundation for research, innovation and investment for years to come.
