A Window On SAHMRI

Dr Stephen Blake is an immunologist specialising in cancer immunology and immunotherapy at SAHMRI, where he focuses on understanding how the immune system and the gut microbiome influence cancer treatment response and side effects.

His work sits at the intersection of laboratory discovery and future clinical care, aiming to make treatments more effective and less harmful for patients.Outside the lab, Stephen's a busy dad of two who values family time as a circuit breaker from the pressures of research.

Tom Symonds is the Executive Director of Health Translation SA (HTSA), leading the work of connecting SAHMRI, the state's universities, hospitals and government to turn research into real-world impact. Spending much of his younger life in the UK before moving to Australia, Tom has built his career across health service management, research strategy, primary care leadership and government innovation.Outside of work he’s a keen muso, a long-suffering Nottingham Forest fan, and an underrated chef.

Dr Ben Lewis has a PhD in skin cancer biology and molecular pharmacology but discovered along the way that he loved talking about science more than doing it. His curiosity and creativity has taken him from the lab to stage shows, documentaries, journalism and now to SAHMRI, where he helps researchers sharpen their skills in writing, presenting and sharing their work with the world.

Whether he's editing grant applications or running workshops on communication and public speaking, Ben's passionate about helping scientists find the best story in their research to connect with any audience.

Dr Ilaria Pagani is a cancer researcher hailing from Corteno Golgi, a small town in beautiful Northern Italy. She migrated to Australia a decade ago in pursuit of her career and has become a key member of SAHMRI’s Blood Cancer Program, where she's working to transform the way chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is treated and managed.Since arriving in Australia, Ilaria's had to overcome the challenge of English being her second language. She's stuck at it and become an excellent science communicator in both English and Italian, dedicated to mentoring young researchers and sharing her work with the wider community.Beyond the lab, she has her on show on Radio Italia Uno, is a competitive rower, and is now launching her own charity, CML Australia, to support patients and families across the country.

Professor Odette Pearson and Associate Professor Kim Morey are trailblazers in Aboriginal health research and Co-Leads of the Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme at SAHMRI.Prof Pearson is a Kuku Yalanji woman with expertise in Indigenous health policy and systems. Her career began in the Torres Strait, where she helped implement a diabetes recall system that significantly reduced preventable amputations.A/Prof Morey, of Anmatyerre and Eastern Arrernte descent, brings over 25 years of experience in Aboriginal health and community services. She leads a highly translational research program focused on improving care for Aboriginal people with chronic disease.Together, they’re guiding a passionate team working to ensure Aboriginal communities are not just involved in research — but leading it.

Cade Christensen's career got off to a uniquely exhilarating start, with the California-native working as a Special Operations Intelligence Officer in the U.S Air Force, before moving across the world to pursue bioinformatics. Based at SAHMRI for the past 18 months, he’s swapped military intelligence for medical research — applying new skills to unravel the biology behind neurological conditions.

He works alongside Dr Inushi De Silva, who recently completed her PhD on tumour growth in glioblastoma — one of the most aggressive and complex forms of brain cancer.

They're both under the guidance of Professor Cedric Bardy in the Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology and Genetics, which bioengineers live human brain tissue in petri dishes, to facilitate the discovery and validation of treatments for brain disorders.

Professor Peter Psaltis is a leading cardiologist, SAHMRI’s Deputy Director and Co-Lead of the Lifelong Health theme, where he’s driving research to better detect, prevent and treat Australia’s biggest killer – heart disease.

From studying the potential of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for heart health, to pioneering work in vascular inflammation and plaque biology, Peter remains wholeheartedly dedicated to furthering his field of research, all while keeping his feet firmly planted in the realities of clinical care.

He’s also a proud father of four, an avid gym-goer, and a diehard Port Power fan.

Professor Caroline Miller is a behavioural scientist and long-time champion of disease prevention, leading the charge at SAHMRI’s Health Policy Centre. She also serves as SAHMRI’s Chief Operating Officer, helping to steer day-to-day operations.She’s at the coal face of translating research into health policy, most recently playing a key role in shaping Australia’s approach to vaping reform.

From tobacco control to obesity prevention and cancer screening, Caroline’s work has influenced some of Australia’s biggest public health wins — but there’s still a long way to go and she loves a challenge!

Ever had a PET scan? Well, it wouldn't have been possible without the use of radiopharmaceuticals, unique agents engineered to detect and treat disease.

Chady Barkil, Director of SAHMRI’s Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Unit (MITRU), and Dr Ed Robins, Head of Research and Development, are leading the development and innovation of radiopharmaceuticals in South Australia. Operated by a team of talented radiochemists, MITRU's 'cyclotron' nuclear particle accelerator produces radiotracers on a daily basis, powering scans in clinics locally and across the nation.

Always looking for the next big thing, Ed and Chady juggle their time between the constant demands of managing manufacturing, and the pursuit of new tracers with the potential for life-changing impact.