The Research Facility

The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research

The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research (BHI) is the productive research arm of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and home to more than 140 researchers and research administrative staff.

The BHI provides a dynamic, state-of-the-art research environment for vital ‘bench to bedside’ research and research training opportunities. Affiliated with the Universities of Adelaide, Flinders and the University of South Australia, the BHI is a short walk from The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, allowing for a vital and active interface between researchers and clinicians.

Opened in 2009, the facility was proudly named after the first Professor of Medicine at the hospital and one of Australia’s leading medical researchers, the Honorable Basil Hetzel AC. Revered world-wide for his pioneering work which discovered the link between iodized salt in the diet and the prevention of brain damage in newborns, Dr Hetzel’s groundbreaking research has helped millions of children in 130 countries where iodine is lacking.

His passion and drive to prevent brain damaged babies born as a result of iodine deficiency around the world has been recognized as one of the most significant medical discoveries of modern times.

Dr Hetzel has received numerous academic and humanitarian awards, not only for his landmark medical research but for his commitment, vision and leadership in the areas of public and community health.

His strong support for the translational medical research undertaken at the facility which proudly bears his name continues to inspire current researchers and those yet to make their mark in the field.