SAHMRI celebrates 10 years of ‘grate’ research

The 29^th of November 2023 will mark the 10^th anniversary of SAHMRI opening the doors to its iconic Cheesegrater, ushering in a decade of world-class research that is changing lives for the better across South Australia and globe.

While the Cheesegrater has become an indelible landmark on the Adelaide skyline, it’s what’s happening inside that should fill South Australians with pride.

As we approach the 10^th anniversary, SAHMRI will share 10 of its ‘grate-est’ scientific achievements that span the breadth of its research program including chronic disease, cancers, neonatal health and Aboriginal health.

SAHMRI as an entity was created in December 2009. The key early tasks for SAHMRI’s small team of original employees were to conceptualise the institute’s research agenda, as well as overseeing construction of the building that would become its headquarters.

Initial designs for the SAHMRI building were rejected by the Board, which was determined that its headquarters make a bold statement about the institute’s vision, values and culture.

The final accepted design, by local architecture firm Woods Bagot, though soon coming to be affectionately known as the Cheesegrater, was in fact inspired by the skin of a pinecone.

Beneath the building’s signature metal hoods lie thousands of triangular windows. These are not just for aesthetics, they are an invitation to the general public to look into SAHMRI, to be interested in the work that is going on there and to direct that work towards the most urgent health problems we all face. Equally, the windows invite SAHMRI researchers to look out into the wider world, to never lose sight of who they are working so hard to help.

The SAHMRI culture is intrinsic to the internal design also, with interconnected wet and dry lab spaces championing the institute’s commitment to building shared knowledge through collaboration.

The SAHMRI Cheesegrater, as well as the life-saving work going on within, will be on display to the public during the institute’s 2023 Open Day on Sunday 26 November. Visit here to book a free tour.