By Natali Nagy
In mid-June, Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling was joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and hundreds of invited guests to officially open the Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB).
Professor Stirling said the HMRB is a game-changer in medical research, turning breakthrough research and clinical trials into real benefits for Australians in disease prevention and treatment.
“Flinders is redefining healthcare,” said Professor Stirling. “The HMRB is a major leap forward, building on Flinders’ 50-year legacy of health innovation. It supports our rapid research growth and paves the way for discoveries that solve challenges and improve lives.”
With space for more than 600 medical researchers, clinicians and support staff, the $280 million, 10-storey landmark is poised to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time – from chronic diseases and Indigenous health disparities to pioneering treatments for diabetes, infections and cancers.
HMRB is equipped with state-of-the-art cell imaging equipment and one of South Australia’s largest banks of PC2-rated physical containment labs across five floors, together with BC2 biosecurity containment zones. The building is one of Australia’s most sustainable research institutions and is the first medical research facility in the world to achieve a coveted platinum rating for best-in-class digital connectivity.
Prime Minister Albanese said Flinders’ HMRB will be making breakthroughs and changing lives for the better for many generations to come.
“When I speak about a future made in Australia – this is what it looks like. Australian research, hard work and ingenuity keeping us at the global cutting edge.”
– Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Premier Peter Malinauskas said boosting the quality and volume of research undertaken in South Australia is fundamental to increasing the complexity of the state’s economy.
“This is the key to unlocking a better standard of living for all South Australians. To this end, Flinders University is a leader. It has posted the strongest growth rate in research income of any university in the country across the past five years,” said Premier Malinauskas.
“The research undertaken at this incredible new facility will help save lives.”
– Premier Peter Malinauskas
Uncle Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien conducted the Welcome to Country at the event, and guests were able to tour the HMRB’s world-class, life-changing research facilities.