Adelaide’s recent investment and philanthropy event has delivered a significant boost to South Australian medical research, with $1.4 million allocated to projects tackling some of the most pressing health challenges. The Sohn Hearts & Minds conference, hosted in South Australia for the first time, not only brought together leading investors but also secured major funding for pioneering research.
The conference, which has been instrumental in supporting Australian medical research since 2016, made its mark on Adelaide by attracting over 600 attendees, collectively representing more than $1 trillion in investment and funds under management. A portion of the business transactions undertaken at the event, bolstered by individual and corporate donations, was earmarked for medical research, reinforcing the event’s commitment to impactful philanthropy.
The funds raised have been directed towards three key research initiatives. Professor Alex Brown from Kids Research Institute Australia and Australian National University will receive $830,000 to advance a national Indigenous Genomics agenda. This project is designed to integrate genomics and precision medicine into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through a combination of research, community consultation, and advocacy.
Professor Karen Reynolds from Flinders University Medical Device Research Institute has been allocated $540,000 to continue developing innovative solutions in medical devices and assistive technologies. Her work spans diagnostic instruments, monitoring systems, and treatment advancements, which could significantly improve patient care.
Additionally, Associate Professor Tim Sargeant from the SA Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) will receive $100,000 to further research on autophagy and lysosomal recycling in age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Understanding these biological processes is critical in the fight against neurodegenerative disorders.
The arrival of Sohn Hearts & Minds in Adelaide was a collaborative effort between the South Australian Government and Invest SA. The event featured discussion panels on topics including space and AI, highlighting the state’s expertise in emerging sectors. This alignment of investment and innovation has set the stage for long-term benefits, not just for medical research but for the broader scientific community in South Australia.
Sohn Hearts & Minds has a strong track record of supporting Australian medical advancements. Previously hosted in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart, the conference has generated more than $78 million for research initiatives through its events and its philanthropic listed investment company, Hearts and Minds Investments Limited (HM1). The continued generosity of donors and supporters has played a crucial role in ensuring that vital research receives the backing it needs.
Minister for Trade and Investment, Joe Szakacs, emphasised the significance of hosting the event in Adelaide. He highlighted the presence of over 450 organisations, expanding networks for local businesses while also leaving a lasting legacy for medical research. He noted that these investments in scientific progress will enhance community well-being by enabling researchers to develop solutions that contribute to healthier, longer lives.
Maggie O’Neill of Sohn Hearts & Minds expressed pride in supporting these groundbreaking initiatives, noting that the funded projects hold the potential to drive meaningful change. From precision medicine for Indigenous communities to advancements in medical technology and ageing research, these projects exemplify the innovative spirit that the conference seeks to foster.
Professor Alex Brown underscored the importance of ensuring that Indigenous communities have agency in shaping precision medicine initiatives. By embedding genomics research within community health priorities, this funding will contribute to better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Professor Karen Reynolds highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancements and the evolving healthcare landscape. She stressed that the funding would accelerate her team’s work in medical device development, fostering collaboration with industry partners and healthcare professionals to create solutions that improve patient care.
Associate Professor Tim Sargeant pointed to the critical need for research into ageing and age-related diseases, given their prevalence as leading causes of death in Australia. The support from Sohn Hearts & Minds will enable his team to push forward in understanding the biological mechanisms that drive these conditions, ultimately informing strategies for prevention and treatment.
With its successful debut in Adelaide, Sohn Hearts & Minds has reinforced its reputation as a catalyst for investment-driven philanthropy. By bringing together financial leaders and medical pioneers, the conference has demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving medical innovation. The funding secured for South Australian researchers is set to fuel breakthroughs that could have lasting impacts on healthcare and patient outcomes.
As the conference continues to expand its reach across Australia, its ability to channel investment into high-impact research remains a defining feature. The support for medical advancements in South Australia signals a growing commitment to ensuring that cutting-edge research receives the resources it needs to thrive. The impact of this latest funding boost will be felt well beyond the laboratories, as it paves the way for better health solutions and improved quality of life for many.
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