SAHMRI supporters step up for Medical Research Giving Day

Generous South Australians have helped make the first-ever Medical Research Giving Day a resounding success, raising just under $60,000 for SAHMRI, far surpassing the $40,000 target.

The national initiative brought together 31 medical research institutes from around Australia to celebrate and support research that improves and saves lives.

SAHMRI’s focus was on clinical trials, a vital step in translating research into better treatments, improved care and healthier futures.
All funds raised through the campaign will support the establishment of a dedicated Clinical Trials Fund, providing vital seed funding to help researchers progress promising discoveries from the lab into clinical trials.

To mark the occasion, the Institute opened its doors to supporters and members of the public, offering a unique opportunity to hear directly from researchers, join guided tours and learn more about the pathway from discovery to patient care.

Visitors heard from Emma Heath, Head of SAHMRI's Clinical Trials Platform, who spoke about the critical role clinical trials play in advancing medical research and delivering better health outcomes for patients.

Professor Alice Rumbold shared insights into the world's largest trial investigating donor breast milk for moderate preterm babies, highlighting the study's potential to influence care for future generations.

Attendees also heard from Professor Tim Hughes, who reflected on Adelaide's global contribution to chronic myeloid leukaemia research and discussed studies aimed at helping more patients achieve treatment-free remission.

The event highlighted the various ways people can support medical research, and encouraged visitors to join SAHMRI's clinical research participation register, which connects South Australians with research studies and clinical trials they may be eligible to take part in.

Every contribution helped raise the profile of medical research, build momentum for future discoveries and demonstrate the strength of the community standing behind researchers, patients and their families.

Altogether, Australians have contributed more than $1.5 million to the Medical Research Giving Day campaign.