28 August 2025
During Science Week, a group of St Peter’s College students, accompanied by Dr Polyak, had the privilege of representing the School at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). The day was both inspiring and eye-opening, as the boys joined students from across the state to explore world-class medical research happening right here in Adelaide.
Upon arrival, our students were welcomed into a conference room filled with peers from many other schools. Before the formal program began, PhD researchers moved from table to table, sharing their passion for their work. One researcher spoke about breakthroughs in treatments for Leukaemia and Parkinson’s Disease, sparking curiosity and thoughtful discussion.
The event opened with an address from SAHMRI’s Director, who introduced their research focus and unveiled an exciting new Virtual Tour. This technology allowed students to step inside restricted laboratories, guided by a PhD student who explained the specialised equipment and daily research processes. A highlight was learning how a ground-breaking image of a B-cell had been produced and how it could transform future Leukaemia treatments. Any interested member of the public can access the virtual tour here.
The group was also given a rare opportunity to explore the cryogenic chambers, where biological samples are preserved for decades, and to visit labs investigating brain disease treatments. Meeting researchers who are pioneering stem-cell technology to create artificial brain sections for Dementia research left a lasting impression.
For the boys, the experience was not only about witnessing cutting-edge science, but also about realising the role South Australia is playing in global medical innovation. The day offered first-hand exposure to research that will shape the future of healthcare, and the students returned with a deeper appreciation for science and its potential to change lives.
I extend our thanks to SAHMRI for including St Peter’s College in this special event, and to Dr Polyak for leading the group. Most importantly, congratulations to the boys—Tyler Gao, Isaac Campbell, Arav Kochar, Ryan Weinert, Nicholas Robertson, and Will Adams-Leask—who represented the school with distinction.
Mr Hiwa Jaldiani
Head of Faculty – Science
