Posted 21 October 2025
SVI paid tribute to more than three decades of extraordinary dedication from its SVI Support Group, marking a milestone moment in the Institute’s history.
At a heartfelt gathering attended by past and present members, students, and staff, the Institute acknowledged the Group’s invaluable contribution to advancing medical research and to the support of emerging scientific talent.
A special welcome was extended to Professor Emeritus Jack Martin AO and Clare O’Callaghan OAM, who were instrumental in the early days of the Support Group. Their vision, alongside founding member Christine Martin, helped lay the foundations for a vibrant culture of philanthropy and community engagement that has endured across generations.
“So, after 35 wonderful years, the SVI Support Group Committee has made the difficult decision to formally disband,” said Professor Natalie Sims, Deputy Director of SVI.
“We are incredibly proud of what the Committee has achieved over the decades –supporting students, championing medical research, and helping foster a vibrant community around SVI. Their legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
The decision to disband comes as SVI’s philanthropic programs grow in strength and reach. Professor Sims reassured guests that the commitment to student support remains strong.
“We are deeply grateful to all past and present Committee members, as well as the SVI staff who have contributed their time, energy, and passion throughout the years. Your efforts have truly made a difference.”
Attendees heard from outgoing Chair Marg Batrouney, and former SVI Director Jack Martin AO, before two current PhD students, Geoff Zhang and Lara Abbouche, presented their research made possible through the SVI PhD Top-Up Scholarship Program – a program funded largely through the Support Group’s efforts.
SVI’s Dr Tom Brodnicki, who has played a pivotal role in mentoring PhD students as the Institute’s Student Coordinator, reflected on the remarkable influence of the Committee.
“For over half of SVI’s lifetime, your efforts have helped support more than 130 scholars researching some of Australia’s most complex and challenging diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes,” Tom said.
“These Top-Up Scholarships are vital – allowing our students to pursue 3-4 years of further study during a time when many of their peers are entering the workforce. This kind of support is life-changing for a young researcher.”
Tom also highlighted the Claire O’Callaghan Award, established last year in honour of Claire’s enduring service to SVI, and awarded to Dr Saghar Mehrban, a PhD student in the Human Immunology Lab.
The 2024 Top-Up Scholarship recipients – Saghar Mehrban, Geoff Zhang, Elissah Granger, Elahe Hajimiri, Xiaozhuo Yuan, Liyunhe Qian, Vita Sukonthamarn, and Li Li – were acknowledged during the event, as were the incoming scholars for 2025: Kangni Zou, Amy Mitchell, Anthea Hull, Johanna Besold, Benjamin Turner, Shun Rao, Nan Su, Yifei Zhu, Zhaomin He, and Prisca Limardi.
“Your commitment is empowering the next generation of medical researchers and helping to shape the future of science in Australia,” said Natalie to the Group. “Thank you for leaving a legacy that will endure for many years to come.”
While after more than three decades the Support Group is winding up, the funding imperative remains. If you would like to support SVI’s emerging talent through a PhD Top-up Scholarship, or would like to know more, contact the SVI Foundation on [email protected].