South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)

The new $200 million Health and Medical ‘Flagship’ Research Facility to be built next to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital will continue  South Australia’s proud tradition of world-class health and medical research.

Located on the rail yards in the city’s west end, the new facility will become the headquarters for the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

The establishment of a South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) will ensure South Australia’s strong position in health and medical research in the future.

This is a unique opportunity to develop a health and medical precinct that will house up to 675 researchers to South Australia many of whom will be new to South Australia, and combine best practice in health care delivery, education and research.

Both the new institute and the research building were key recommendations of the Review of Health and Medical Research in South Australia, by Professor John Shine and Mr Alan Young, published in May last year. Funding for the SAHMRI was announced in the 2009 Federal Government Budget.

The state’s three universities have been part of the planning of the SAHMRI and will be part of this exciting project. The co-location of the SAHMRI with the new Royal Adelaide Hospital will transform the western end of the City of Adelaide into a healthcare hub – with research, education and clinical care working side-by-side.

The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute will:
•    be a centre of excellence for health and medical research in SA
•    support new and leading areas of research in human medicine and health
•    attract national and international leading researchers
•    build partnerships between researchers and research bodies to promote research excellence
•    foster the application of research knowledge to benefit health and well being of people within and outside of South Australia
•    offer significant economic advantages to the State, by attracting significant funding from national and international sources
•    support South Australian and Australian Government research objectives
•    create synergies between researchers and care providers, through the co-location with the new Royal Adelaide Hospital, and collaboration with other State hospitals
•    be housed within a ‘flagship’ research facility adjacent the new Royal Adelaide Hospital.
Some key facts about the facility:

•    $200 million capital cost.
•    25,000 square metre (gross floor. area) building.
•    Will house up to 675 researchers, at least half of which will be new researchers to South Australia.
•    Fully flexible lab space (100% wet convertible).
•    PC2 laboratory standard.
•    Nine research modules – consisting of 1/3 dry and 2/3 wet laboratory space.
•    Will include animal house facilities and space for a Cyclotron
•    Will be integrated with the $1.7 billion new RAH.
•    Work begins on site early 2010.
•    Project completion is anticipated by end 2012.

Form more information, including an animated ‘flyover’ visit:
www.health.sa.gov.au/SAHMRI