The new $200 million Health and Medical Research Institute announced in the Federal Budget this week will underpin a new phase of medical research in South Australia, according to the Vice-Chancellors of the State’s three universities.

Welcoming the decision to build the new Institute in Adelaide, the South Australian Vice-Chancellor’s Committee (SAVCC) said the facility would be a catalyst for new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships between university researchers and the hospitals in the State.

Speaking on behalf of his University of Adelaide and University of South Australia colleagues, Professor James McWha and Professor Peter Høj respectively, SAVCC Chair and Flinders Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Barber said the Institute would add a new dimension to the health and medical research effort in SA.

“The Institute will encourage collaborations between the various parties, draw on the skills and strengths in our respective institutions, and produce positive results from an enhanced research effort,” Professor Barber said.

“New and innovative research will help solve the medical mysteries that compromise the health and lifestyle of our people and communities,” he said.

“We applaud this significant investment in the future health of our nation and look forward to working with the State and Federal governments on the further development of this important initiative.”