SAHMRI and Adelaide University to create global health and medical research powerhouse

SAHMRI and Adelaide University have announced a landmark agreement to unite their health and medical research capabilities, establishing one of the world’s most advanced research corridors along Adelaide’s North Terrace.

Under the new arrangement, SAHMRI and Adelaide University will unite their health and medical research capabilities, establishing one of the world’s most advanced research corridors along Adelaide’s North Terrace.

The agreement will see Adelaide University assume governance control of SAHMRI, creating a more sustainable and integrated model for health and medical research in South Australia, while creating a closer alignment between the University's research strengths and SAHMRI's internationally recognised research programs.

SAHMRI Executive Director Professor Maria Makrides says it’s a crucial step forward to secure the future of health and medical research in the state.

“This alignment ensures our teams have the robust support needed to accelerate vital research into areas like cancer precision medicine, maternal and child health, addressing health inequities for Aboriginal peoples and overcoming chronic diseases, ultimately delivering better health outcomes for our community,” Prof Makrides said.

“Most importantly, our researchers will be able to dedicate their full focus to what matters most—driving scientific discoveries that save and improve lives."

At the same time, existing Flinders University-led research projects will transition to Flinders University over the next two years. 
As part of this process, the South Australian Government and Flinders University will relinquish their membership of SAHMRI, allowing Adelaide University to become the sole governing Member under a new governance structure. SAHMRI's world-leading health and medical research programs will continue uninterrupted.

The Membership of the Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy (ABCPTR) will transition from SAHMRI to the Treasurer. The ABCPTR activities in support of proton therapy access for Australian patients will continue uninterrupted and the proton therapy project continues under State Government’s stewardship until Commonwealth funding is secured.

The Molecular Imaging Therapy and Research Unit (MITRU) has matured into a vital part of South Australia’s health system, including reaching the milestone of 100,000 doses manufactured, and will transition to SA Health, securing its sovereign medicines manufacturing capability for the long term. It will remain in the SAHMRI building with a continued research connection to SAHMRI.

Together, these reforms will provide long-term certainty for researchers, staff, students, funding agencies, philanthropic supporters and industry partners, as well as strengthening South Australia's capacity to attract research investment, national competitive grants and leading scientific talent.